Spicy Low Fat Low Calorie Spinach Dip
A flavorful, low-fat, low-calorie spinach dip with a spicy kick, perfect for light snacks, parties, or health-conscious gatherings, combining creamy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 1/2 c. fat free sour cream
- 1/3 c. fat free milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. light mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add chopped onions and minced garlic.
- Cook about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened, then transfer to a food processor or food chopper.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except water chestnuts, and process until almost smooth.
- Scrape the mixture into a serving bowl and stir in drained and chopped water chestnuts.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the spinach dip longer or adding a bit more fat-free sour cream. If you don't have water chestnuts, chopped celery can add a similar crunch. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the ground red pepper to suit your taste. This dip is versatile and can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for gatherings or casual snacking.
Serving Suggestions
This dip pairs beautifully with fresh vegetable sticks, whole-grain crackers, or toasted bread for a delightful appetizer. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad or as a side with dishes like Egg Noodles With Sour Cream. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or a spread for sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. If serving warm, you can also bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Low Fat Low Calorie Spinach Dip contains roughly 57 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 939mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
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 make this spinach dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this spinach dip a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, then cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Is it possible to make this dip vegan?
To make this dip vegan, substitute the fat-free sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use unsweetened almond or soy milk instead of fat-free milk. Ensure that the mayonnaise is also vegan. This will keep the dip's creamy texture while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What can I use instead of dill weed?
If you don't have dried dill weed on hand, you can substitute it with fresh dill or even other herbs like basil or parsley. Each will give the dip a slightly different flavor, but will still be delicious. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.
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).