8 Reasons Why We Love Dips and Spreads
8 Reasons Why We Love Dips and Spreads
Get your veggie sticks and whole wheat crackers ready because we’re bringing you our top 8 reasons why we love dips and spreads.
Dips and spreads can provide a protein boost. Protein helps keep us full between eating occasions, so choosing a dip with protein like hummus as part of a snack is a great way to curb hunger until your next meal. Dips and spreads made of beans, nuts or seeds have plant-based protein. Yogurt-based dips and spreads also have protein.
Dips are a great vehicle for adding more veggies and fruit into your way of eating. Savory dips like bean dip or guacamole pair well with cucumber slices, baby carrots, green beans, bell pepper strips, radishes and more. Other dips like spiced nut butters pair well with apple slices, pear slices and banana coins.
Spreads add flavor and nutrients to sandwiches. They also add a creamy texture so the bread or pita is less dry. Fill a whole wheat pita pocket with hummus, shredded raw veggies and some spicy cashew sauce for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Dips and spreads are easy to make in large batches. At the beginning of the week, prep a dip and wash and cut veggies to enjoy for snacks or as part of a meal throughout the week.
Dips and spreads are versatile. Easily turn a dip into a salad dressing or a sauce for roasted veggies by adding more water or another liquid like vinegar or citrus juice to the recipe. Alternatively, if there is a sauce or dressing recipe you enjoy, adjust the water or liquid in the recipe to make it into a dip or spread.
Kids love dips, especially when they have a fun color like this hot pink beet tzatziki. Serve dips with a variety of dipping vessels including raw veggies, fruit, crackers and breads.
Instead of a traditional meal, try a snack plate with a variety of snack-type foods. Choose a dip, vegetable and starch, as well as nibbles that are sweet, salty and crunchy. Try out this combination: hummus, cucumber slices, whole wheat pita, raspberries, artichoke hearts and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Serve a dip as an appetizer for a gathering or family meal. Do you have hungry kids (or partners) crowding you in the kitchen as you finish dinner? Set out a dip with crunchy veggies to keep them occupied before dinner is served.
Try some of our favorite dips and spreads:
Cilantro-Lime Avocado Dip
Roasted Baba Ganoush
Beet Tzatziki
Italian White Bean Dip
Kalamata Olive Hummus
Dill Pickle Hummus
Turmeric Tahini Sauce (use less water for a thicker dip)
Spicy Cashew Dressing (use less water for a thicker dip)
Chai Spiced Almond Butter
Arugula Pesto
