Spinach Dip(Low-Fat)
A creamy, low-fat spinach dip packed with Parmesan and artichokes, perfect for sharing at parties or as a flavorful appetizer with chips or crackers.
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package fat-free cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton light sour cream ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup reduced-fat Jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly coat a skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook and stir onion over medium heat until transparent, about 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- Reduce heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and artichoke hearts.
- Remove from heat.
- Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart microwave-safe bowl.
- Top with Jack cheese and microwave until cheese melts.
- Serve warm with reduced-fat crackers or chips of your choice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the fat-free cream cheese with a low-fat alternative if you prefer. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen, but ensure to cook it down adequately. To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dip can be a delightful addition to your spread when serving alongside Easy Sweet-N-Sour Meat Balls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach dip warm with reduced-fat crackers or tortilla chips for a satisfying appetizer. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or pairing it with Easy Sandwich Spread for a delightful lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cheese to become rubbery. You can also enjoy it cold as a spread on sandwiches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Dip(Low-Fat) contains roughly 185 calories, with 8g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the dip a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up until step 7, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the Jack cheese and microwave until melted. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
Is there a way to make this dip vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, such as cashew cream or tofu-based spreads. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure the artichoke hearts and other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with this spinach dip?
This spinach dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Serve it with reduced-fat crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies like bell pepper strips and cucumber slices. For a heartier option, consider using it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
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).