A Trio Of Healthier Holiday Dip Recipes

Around the holidays it’s hard to find healthier food choices. It seems like everything is delicious, but it’s also loaded with calories. When I’m hostessing a party I like to make sure there are healthy options available on the table.

Many times during the holiday season I’m invited to potluck and carry in dinners. Since I never know what is going to be offered, I always try to bring a healthier option to the party myself that everyone will enjoy. Then I know there will be at least one thing there that won’t blow my eating plan completely.

Today I have a trio of healthier dip recipes to share with you from Smart Balance that you can use for your own party, or bring along to any holiday carry ins or potluck dinners you’re invited to.

All three are easy to make, and you can pair them with some whole wheat bagel chips, or fresh vegetables and know you’ll have a snack you can munch on with a little less guilt.

All of these dips can be prepared a little in advance, so you’re not rushing to prepare your dish as you’re walking out the door, or greeting your guests.

Artichoke-Garlic Spinach Dip

• Smart Balance® Cooking Spray
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 13.75-ounce can quartered artichokes, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup Smart Balance™ Sour Cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Smart Balance® Omega Plus Light Mayonnaise

Coat a large nonstick skillet with Smart Balance® Cooking Spray, place over medium heat until hot. Cook the onions 3 minutes or until translucent, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and cook 15 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the spinach, artichokes, oregano and Smart Balance™ Sour Cream. Stir until well blended. Remove from heat.
Add the cheese and Smart Balance® Omega Plus Mayonnaise and stir until well blended. Serve warm or chilled.

Serves 16; 2 tablespoon servings

Per serving: 51 calories, 2 grams protein, 4 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fat, 1.2 grams saturated fat, 0.8 grams monounsaturated fat, 0.4 grams polyunsaturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 151 mg Omega-3 fatty acids, 18 mg Omega-6 fatty acids, 8 mg cholesterol, 122 mg sodium, 1 gram fiber

Creamy Avocado-Salsa Verde Dip

Dip:

• 1 ripe medium avocado, peeled and seeded
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• 1/3 cup Smart Balance® Sour Cream
• 2 tablespoons Smart Balance® Omega Plus Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 medium garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted peppers
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons Smart Balance™ Sour Cream

Combine the dip ingredients in a blender, puree until smooth. Place in a shallow serving bowl

Combine the topping ingredients, except the sour cream, in a small bowl. Spoon the 2 tablespoons sour cream in the center of the avocado mixture and spoon the pepper mixture on top and around the sour cream.

Serves 12; 2 tablespoon servings

Per serving: 62 calories, 1 gram protein, 4 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fat, 1.4 grams saturated fat, 2.1 grams monounsaturated fat, 0.6 grams polyunsaturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 114 mg Omega-3 fatty acids, 281 mg Omega-6 fatty acids, 7 mg cholesterol, 113 mg sodium, 1 gram fiber

White Onion Dip

• 1/2 cup Smart Balance® Sour Cream
• 1 tablespoon Smart Balance fat free or 1% milk
• 1/4 cup very finely chopped white onion
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Serve immediately or may be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 hours in advance.

Serves 6; 2 tablespoon servings

Per serving: 51 calories, 1 gram protein, 2 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fat, 2.3 grams saturated fat, 0 grams monounsaturated fat, 0 grams polyunsaturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 22 mg Omega-3 fatty acids, 2 mg Omega-6 fatty acids, 13 mg cholesterol, 215 mg sodium, 0 grams fiber

Image and recipes courtesy of Smart Balance