Hosting for a crowd, especially around the holidays, can be overwhelming. When in doubt, dip!
Dips make wonderful, easy appetizers that come together in minutes and are a great way to incorporate nutritious options into any holiday gathering without needing to go on a dedicated shopping trip. It’s not only possible but easy to make a variety of dips from some basic staples you may already have in your fridge or pantry, like vegetables, beans, yogurt and nuts. Plus, dips allow for doubling up on nutritious goodness when they’re eaten with fresh vegetables and whole grain crackers, breads, or pitas.
The sky is the limit! If you’re feeling locked in and burnt out by one too many elaborate dishes this holiday season, try taking inspiration from one of these four dip bases – or multiple! – and enjoy the variety that a simple starting ingredient can bring to the table in minutes.
Beans and Legumes
This category of ingredients presents a vast array of nutrients, and they are inexpensive and easy to find; you probably already have a can or two on hand! Beans and legumes as a base for dips can lend themselves towards creamy, thick options when blended – white beans and chickpeas are perfect options, but not the only ones – and chunky, hearty options when added to chopped ingredients – picture black beans with bell peppers, onions, corn, whatever you like. Other legumes like lentils would also make for a fantastic, savory spread!
Though delicious as the star of the show, beans and legumes are also the perfect canvas for holiday dips because they’re able to take on just about any flavor add-in you choose. Try experimenting by incorporating olive oil, herbs and spices, citrus, or vegetables!
Nuts and Seeds
Versatile nuts and seeds can be ground, mixed into, or sprinkled onto dips, offering both a world of possibility for dips on their own, and bonus texture and nutrition for dips prepared with alternate bases.
These nutrient-dense foods are abundant in heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols (antioxidants found in plants). Plus, many of them – like walnuts, pumpkin seeds and peanuts – have rich flavors that go beautifully with other wintery holiday fare. Try blending nuts and seeds with something to soften the consistency, like olive oil or canned tomatoes, or stir them into your favorite creamy dip for a little crunch.
Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)
Yogurt
There is no shortage of creamy holiday dips, and when you want to keep that tangy goodness but add nutrition, yogurt is the way to go!
Instead of reaching for too much sour cream or cream cheese, try substituting yogurt – or opt for a yogurt-based dip from the get-go. From herb-loaded sauces to garlicky tzatziki, yogurt-based dips are not just healthy, but they also come together in minutes for those last-moment gatherings. Plus, yogurt’s tang can lend itself to both savory and sweet, meaning dips for vegetables, pita wedges, fruit and more are at your fingertips.
Eggplant Dip with Yogurt and Za’atar
Vegetables
From creamy to crunchy, vegetables are perhaps the most versatile dip base imaginable, allowing you to make excellent use of the odds and ends in your fridge.
Avocados, for instance, are classic dip fodder, able to be mashed into guacamole or cubed and tossed with black beans and your seasonings of choice. Or, try roasting veggies before blending them up – the sweet, caramelized flavor of carrots or bell peppers would make for a delicious wintery dip option and would pair perfectly with seeded crackers or toasted whole grain baguette slices.
Aleppo-Style Red Pepper and Peanut Dip
Don’t let the stress of the holidays lessen your excitement for cooking – just switch up what you’re preparing! If you start feeling burnt out or tired of being in your kitchen, dips are the perfect remedy: simple, nutritious and crowd-pleasing.
For more creative cooking ideas, check out our recipe database – or our “12 Ways” resources, which will give you 12 delicious ways to use household ingredients like canned beans, avocados, peppers and so much more. Happy – and easy – cooking!
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