Lite Creamy Spinach Dip
A light, creamy spinach dip with tangy yogurt, fresh green onions, and red bell peppers, perfect for vegetable dippers or party gatherings. Refreshingly healthy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt or sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup reduced-calorie mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 2 cups thawed and well drained frozen cut leaf spinach ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, dill weed, and celery salt; blend well.
- Stir in chopped green onions, spinach, red bell pepper, and chopped water chestnuts.
- Cover and refrigerate several hours to blend flavors.
- Serve with crisp vegetable dippers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting Greek yogurt for regular yogurt. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce. This dip can also be made ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Lite Creamy Spinach Dip is perfect for entertaining and pairs beautifully with crisp vegetable dippers like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. You can also serve it alongside whole grain crackers or toasted baguette slices. For a complete appetizer spread, consider including Hush Puppies With Frankfurters or other finger foods.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To revive the dip after refrigeration, stir in a little additional yogurt or sour cream to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the dip.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Creamy Spinach Dip contains roughly 83 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté a few cups of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This will give you a fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Is this dip suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This Lite Creamy Spinach Dip is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal products apart from dairy. It's a great option for parties, gatherings, or as a healthy snack.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip is ideal for making ahead of time. Prepare it a few hours or even the day before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Just be sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).