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Prepping for a casual get-together doesn't have to mean hours toiling in the kitchen. You've got enough on your plate (both literally and figuratively) between shopping, cleaning, and getting the playlist just right.
You can create wholesome party fare or everyday snacks that you and your friends will love by using simple, healthy ingredients and turning them into flavorful snacks with minimal effort. The key is including good-quality protein and simple ingredients that are low in sugar to keep dishes both delicious and satisfying.
These three dips will give you the perfect base for a stunning appetizer platter and don't rely on added sugar or other processed ingredients for great taste—keeping everything from your snacking routine to your dinner parties happier and healthier.
Peanut Butter + Honey Dip
Serve with apple slices and berries for something a little sweet, tangy, and nutty.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt (look for one that has 12 grams of sugar or less sugar and simple ingredients)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- (Optional) ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Preparation
Whisk together in a bowl. Top with another little drizzle of honey, if desired.
Roasted Beet Hummus
A colorful and boldly flavored addition to your appetizer spread. Serve this with flatbread and crudites.
If you prefer a more dialed-back beet flavor, add a tablespoon or two of plain yogurt for a creamy, mellowed-out version of this dip.
Ingredients
- 1 large or 3 small pre-roasted beet/s*
- 1½ cups (or one 14-ounce can) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- Salt, to taste
Preparation
Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Puree until smooth, adding a small splash or two of cold water, as needed. You will need to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula once or twice to make sure everything is combined.
*While pre-roasted beet works well in this recipe, if you'd like to roast it yourself, simply heat oven to 400°F. Poke with a fork and place in the oven on a baking tray for 45 to 50 minutes, until easily pierced with a knife. Allow to cool, then remove the tough outer skin.
Creamy Garlic Dip
Great with baked sweet potato wedges, chips, and crackers, this dip tastes creamy and decadent but has all of the good-for-you benefits of yogurt, with protein and probiotics.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt (we like to use thick strained yogurt, like siggi's skyr)
- 1 large (or 2 small) garlic clove(s), grated on a microplane or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- (Optional topping) 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs
Preparation
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Top with herbs, if using.
