Fava Santorini-Style Yellow Split Pea Dip with Lemon and Olive Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky smooth yellow split pea purée seasoned with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and rich olive oil, garnished with capers and onions. This greek-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 60 minutes blends rinsed yellow split peas, water, plus extra for drizzling olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 cup rinsed yellow split peas with 4 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are very soft and breaking apart.
  2. Step 2: Drain any excess water, reserving about 1/4 cup. Transfer the peas to a food processor or blender and add 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until completely smooth, adding reserved cooking water as needed to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the purée to a serving bowl and top with 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 2 tbsp drained capers, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Serve at room temperature with warm pita bread or crusty bread for a traditional Greek appetizer or snack.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fava Santorini-Style Yellow Split Pea Dip with Lemon and Olive Oil take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Fava Santorini-Style Yellow Split Pea Dip with Lemon and Olive Oil?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fava Santorini-Style Yellow Split Pea Dip with Lemon and Olive Oil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fava Santorini-Style Yellow Split Pea Dip with Lemon and Olive Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Fava Santorini-Style Yellow Split Pea Dip with Lemon and Olive Oil gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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