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Mariel here. I have to admit, it’s been awhile since I’ve indulged in Spinach & Artichoke dip, not because it isn’t delicious, but because the stuff they dish up at the average restaurant is so overloaded with full-fat cream and cheese, I’d rather just go whole hog and eat a gallon of Haagen Dazs. So when a recent dinner companion challenged me to divine a lighter version that didn’t skimp on taste, I gladly accepted.
As luck would have it, for this month’s Secret Recipe Club, my assignment was to cull a recipe from Delicious Existence, a lovely healthy-living blog that touts several tasty-looking vegan and vegetarian dishes. We all know “vegetarian” doesn’t instantly equal low-fat – sorry, tis the truth – but thankfully in Danielle‘s world it does. So when I stumbled across her Artichoke Dip, I knew I had found just the base I was looking for.
Since I don’t subscribe to a vegan, raw or vegetarian lifestyle, I made a number of tweaks to the recipe – I was facing a challenge after all. I added part-skim mozzarella and cream cheese (low-fat, of course) and used fat-free plain yogurt in lieu of sour cream and mayo. I also added spinach a) to increase my intake of greens and b) to add more body to the dip.
The verdict? Phenomenal. You’d never know this was a lighter take on the real thing. In fact, my bacon-loving better half didn’t have a clue.
Looking for other dips, spreads and salsas? Check out this Spinach-Ricotta Spread, Chile Con Queso, Roasted Tomato Salsa, and this Fig & Olive Tapenade.
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Healthier Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Serves 8-10
Ingredients:
5-oz clamshell of fresh baby spinach – $3.00
8-oz block of reduced fat cream cheese, softened to room temp – $1.69
1 cup (8-oz) fat-free plain yogurt – $1.78
1½ cups part skim mozzarella, shredded – $2.79
14-oz can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped – $2.99
Plenty of freshly ground black pepper – stock
1 teaspoon oregano – -stock
3 cloves of garlic, mashed – stock
2 Tablespoons + a ¼ cup of shredded parmesan cheese, divided – $1.75
Grand total assuming “well-stocked” kitchen: $14.00
Cost per serving: $1.40
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Roughly chop the spinach, rinse in a colander then saute in a large skillet over medium heat until wilted. Strain away any excess water. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to combine the yogurt and cream cheese, blending really well until nice and creamy. Add the spinach, mozzarella, artichokes, pepper, garlic, oregano, and 2 TBS of parmesan – make sure thoroughly combined.
4. Scoop the dip into a baking dish or 10-inch cast iron pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan over top and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the dip is bubbling and the parmesan is starting to turn a little golden. Remove from oven and serve with pita crisps, chips or crackers.
I really love spinach and artichoke dip…and anything to make it healthier is always a bonus!! Great SRC pick!
amazing I love spinachs and artichokes! love it!
I love spinach and artichoke dip but don’t have it very often because of all the calories. I’m loving the lightened up version you made though. Great choice!
Great shot, it looks delicious!
I recently saw a recipe that they incorporated this great dip into a pasta meal. I love that this is healthier!
Your pictures look amazing. You cant go wrong with spinach. You picked a great one for SRC.
I love spinach and artichoke dips – I haven’t had one in a while though. This looks absolutely delicious!!!!!
Yum! I love spinach artichoke dip but I definitely don’t make it that often due to the high fat/calories. You did a great job lightening it up.
I love artichoke dip! A reduced fat recipe means that I can indulge! Great SRC choice.
I love this dip! It is my total weakness and I always eat too much. Doesn’t stop me from making it though!
I have to admit that spinach-artichoke dip is one of my weaknesses. And I always feel so guilty after indulging because of exactly what you pointed out – the high fat content! Thank you so much for a lighter, healthier alternative.
Having a lighter version of this amazingly classic appetizer is great – as long as you say it is a good as its full-fat counterpart! Great SRC pick and great picture!
This easy, healthy version of spinach & artichoke dip is just the kind of recipe I love! Looks very tasty 🙂
Oh, boy, does this look fabulous! So wonderful to be in Group C with you…this bunch rocks!
This sounds so good right now! I haven’t had spinach artichoke dip in a long time, partly because it is so high cal. I will have to make yours soon!
This looks divine!
Is it still healthy if I eat the entire pan? This looks delicious.
I haven’t had spinach and artichoke dip in so long but this recipe is making me want to whip up a batch of this soon. I love the healthy spin on this ! Great selection for SRC! 🙂
Wow! I love the changes you made, and I am looking forward to making this very soon!
It has been soooooooo long since I have had this due to the fact that is fattening yet so tasty. I am going to try your version – sounds great. Glad to be part of SRC group C with you!
Great shot! Love the changes you made! Definitely giving this a try the next time I’m hosting.
I ADORE spinach and artichoke dip. You’ve done it proud with this version. I’d love to try it with yogurt. It sounds really good!
Hooray for a lighter version of a favorite of mine!
I make a healthier one too but this looks even better. I am bookmarking to try soon.
Love this dip!
YUM! I looooove spinach and artichoke dip. And while I don’t often feel “guilt”, per se, over the things I eat this dip normally leaves me questioning myself. But now I can eat even more. Yay! 🙂
Yummers! I need to utilize artichoke often 🙂
Thanks for sharing a light version. I have always shyed away from doing a homemade version because it just seemed too heavy. Look forward to trying this with a clean conscience!
Stumbled onto your blog via the blog hop and just wanted to show you some blog luv! def enjoyed this post 🙂 new follower!
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What a delicious sounding and looking dip, spinach artichoke is my favorite.
If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out my Group ‘A’ SRC entry: Broiled Sushi.
Lisa~~
Cook Lisa Cook