I love a good crudité platter.
I also like tossing around the word crudité. Makes me feel all fancy.
We’ll just ignore the fact I’m typing this post while wrapped up in what may be the world’s most visually jarring afghan, while wearing arm warmers that have seen better days and my favorite hoodie, which is literally coming apart at the seams. While I may not be rocking stylish attire, I still think I’m fancy, especially if I’m eating crudité, with my right pinky finger raised, of course. The real reason why is the Dip, although the veggies aren’t half bad either.
I’m jumping on the Super Bowl appetizer bandwagon, not because I’m fond of bandwagons or even because I care about football. To be honest, I don’t know who’s playing, although I did hear something about a team with soft balls, which is always bad. I do know, in a different state, the Hubby is cringing over my lack of sports knowledge, and I suspect when he comes home tonight, he’ll set me straight. In fact, I’m looking forward to it (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
Here’s the thing and the real reason I’m sharing a second dip recipe this week.
I found myself in the unusual predicament of having leftover cream cheese in the house with no bagels, which is a bit of a travesty if you ask me. I hate to see food go to waste, so I did some rooting around in my fridge and discovered an overabundance of veggies, which is no surprise, and some plain Greek yogurt. Then I did what anyone would do given the circumstance. ♫“I put my hand up on your hip, when I dip you dip we dip. You put your hand up on my hip, when you dip I dip we dip.”♫ Just me? ‘Eh, no matter.
I used my leftover cream cheese and some Greek yogurt to make the most flavorful and veggie packed Garlic and Herb Dip, which would be perfect for a fancy pants crudité platter. Now, if you were to sneak some potato chips in there as well, I wouldn’t tell. In fact, given my love of spuds, I would strongly encourage it. Don’t stop there though because this Dip would be the perfect condiment for a delicious sandwich or the sauciest of veggie burger toppings. It’s veggies on veggies on veggies, which is practically carnivorous, if you ask me, and I like it.
This Dip is light, creamy and textural perfection. I would go so far as to say, it has the perfect dipping consistency. It’s not too thick, where half your potato chip becomes a sacrifice to the dip abyss, tainting the bowl for future dip seekers. It’s also not too thin, where every dippage is a race from the bowl to your mouth, in a hurried attempt not to toss or drip dip everywhere. Who knew dip could be so mischievous?
Despite its devilish ways, I could sing the praises of dip for days. Instead of continuing to prattle on though, I’ll simply suggest you grab your food processor, some seasonings, a few veggies and get dipping.
- 3 cloves of Garlic
- 2 Radishes
- 3 Green Onions, white and green parts
- 3 Carrots, peeled
- 2 Celery Stalks
- 1/2 cup Spinach
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. White Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Celery Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1 tsp. Chives
- 1 tsp. Parsley
- 6 ounces or 3/4 cup Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 4 ounces or 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Toss all veggies into a food processor and mix until broken down, pausing to scrap down sides as needed.
- Add seasonings from the salt through to the parsley, pulse once in the food processor and let sit for 30 minutes. At the end of the 30 minutes, drain any excess liquid.*
- Add the cream cheese, Greek yogurt and mix once more until fully incorporated.
- Refrigerate for at least another 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.**
- *I had very little excess liquid although depending on the water content of the veggies you use, this can change.
- **The longer you let the dip sit, the more flavorful it will become.
Tara @ Rovin' Rambler says
What is this dip inception? Veggies INSIDE the dip?? You can serve it with chips and still trick people into eating their veggies. Love it.
PS Next time you find yourself with extra cream cheese and no bagels, come to NY. Because, ya know, we have great bagels and I live there. Also I feel like you would appreciate the time-honored tradition of boozy brunch, which we also do quite well here.
Meghan says
It’s fantastic with potato chips and yep, veggie haters will be none the wiser. In fact, I fed it to a friend who despises radishes and she didn’t even know they were in there. I also fed it to another friend who pretty much despises all veggies. I practically had to force feed it to her since she wanted nothing to do it with it. She ended up going back for seconds and then thirds!!
I want to come to New York city. I’ve never really been, so it’s on my bucket list. Eating a genuine NYC bagel is also on that list. I could easily be swayed to pair it with a mimosa as well. In fact, I’m off to enjoy a drinking brunch right now. Cheers!
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
liz says
Mmmm, this dip look perfect! You captured all the pitfalls of common dips and overcame them in this beauty. Can’t wait to try it!
Meghan says
I can’t wait to make it for you one day. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Jessica says
I’m still up there at “visually jarring afghan….”
Your humour though… 😀
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Meghan says
I love you get and appreciate my humor. It’s not for everyone. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Chris says
I just learned that word this week. Crudité. Like seriously it was Monday or Tuesday that I discovered the word. And now I see it here. It’s like you’re my destiny. oOr maybe just a completely random occurrence. Makes one wonder.
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Meghan says
Synchronicity, that’s what it is.
Now you need to complete the trifecta and make a crudité platter. I sure would appreciate it if you included this dip.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
lindsay says
LOL! well now you will be wanting to use it every where. I love that word. But i love this dip more Megan. I want to bathe in it. okay not really, but you get my point! <3 it!
Meghan says
I suspect if you triple the batch, it might be just enough to bath in. 😉
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Suzy says
About 10 years ago when my ex husband and I were together, he came home from a Superbowl party and threw up jalapeno poppers. And so now, every year for Superbowl, I send a box of them with the kids when they head to his place. I love being a brat!
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Meghan says
Now that’s funny. Hopefully, he’s a good sport about it all.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
People in the UK are still trying to get their head around hummus. They call it an ‘ethnic food’… Seriously… Major sigh…
So any dips I want I have to make! I love baba ghanoush – that smoky aubergine taste and nothing beats a good guac!
The football isn’t big over here but David and I are huge fans! went to one of the UK games this year, so amazing! so yes we will be staying up all night (cause it starts here at 11pm) and watching the game! Can’t wait! May fall asleep after half time snacks though… I tend to do that!
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Meghan says
I’m pretty sure most homemade dips are better than anything you could find in the store, so you’ve got it made…as in you’re making it yourself. 😉
Enjoy the game and the snacks.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles says
As a kid I was weird and didn’t touch dip at all. Weird, right? Now I will “touch” it but don’t really have a favorite. I bought a Trade Joe’s Onion dip mix that I add to plain greek yogurt sometimes if I need to make a dip – it’s actually really good.
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Meghan says
Not a huge fan of dip….now that is a travesty. The dip is almost always my favorite part.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Jennifer says
Imagine that….a Veggie Dip recipe with Veggies IN it??? Genius.
Meghan says
I’m like the blind squirrel who occasionally finds a nut. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
When I did you dip we dip! Love it and took me back in time for 3 seconds 🙂 Dipping veggies in veggies is pretty cool too!
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Meghan says
Let’s dance. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I keep forgetting that the Superbowl is on this weekend… but I blame that on being Canadian. We’re hockey people. I do kind of lament the fact that we miss out on all the parties and good food, though. Maybe I need to fly down to the States — know anyone with a spare room and a visually jarring afghan? 😉 Also… I now have the dip song stuck in my head. I don’t think I’ll be able to forgive you for that one for at least two days.
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Meghan says
I do have a room that is currently available along with a certain visually jarring afghan. In fact, the Hubby said he would like for you to pay a visit. We can all dip.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Brittany says
Big fat NAY on the football. You can imagine a person like me living in the Seahawk state….I do not fit in. HAHA. I’d dip for days with you though.
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Meghan says
I agree, let’s dance instead.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I hear you. At least when it come to pro football. During college season you better get outta my way on game day. At least there will be good food. That I can’t eat. I’m not bitter…
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Meghan says
Yeah, that would suck. Sorry buddy. Eye on the prize.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
…..I love how you didn’t put the cream cheese to waste. Although knowing us- We’d have gone to town with just a spoon. I like this version. Although let’s go get bagels.
Also..Favourite dip- Anything NOT low fat or watery.
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Meghan says
Yes watery dip is no good, and what’s this low fat stuff you speak of? 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
Haha I don’t care about the Superbowl this weekend either. I’m starting to watch and understand hockey but that’s only because JZ is nuts about hockey and well, I’m Canadian, so I figure it’s something I should know. But football? Nope don’t care.
I’d consider watching football if this dip was involved though. I love a good dip with onions and herbs and garlic in it!
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Meghan says
Especially garlic. I could eat garlic for days.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Kathy says
I really Loved your post at Abby Has Issues. First time I read your shit. Made me spit coffee through my nose and laugh out loud. Keep it up. LOVE your wit.
Meghan says
Coffee through the nose. Oh hell yes, that is winning right there!! I’m thrilled to hear it and I hope you stick around.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Sarah Pie says
You know I love me some dip, usually of the French Onion variety… 🙂
This sounds like a fresh and healthy alternative and I’m tempted to leave my cozy nest of a bed and get some cream cheese just so I can make it.
(side note thank you for all your love and kind words this week, you’re the best)
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Meghan says
No problem. I’m so incredible sorry for your loss, and if I were in Chicago, I would make you this and bring it myself.
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Khushboo says
Remember the other day when you asked what’s one thing you whip up every time guests come over? Add yogurt dip to that list. As Greek yogurt isn’t available here, we make our own out of regular yogurt using the cheesecloth method and then mix in some minced garlic, lemon juice & fresh dill- it’s almost always a hit! Yogurt dip aside, my favourite dip is hummus- you just can’t go wrong with it!
Meghan says
I bet the fresh dill is amazing in there. Love the idea. Thanks for sharing.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Miss Polkadot says
Mmh, now that’s some dip to turn me on. And by that, I mean some dip to make me turn the TV on. Because I wouldn’t watch any kind of sports voluntarily unless good company was around – and good food. I’d say invite me over so we can talk shop about football players. Football, I mean. But while the game’s the dip the players are some nice crudités, non 😉 ?!
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Meghan says
Touche’.
Meghan recently posted…Healthy Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
danielle says
oh lawd this dip has YUM written on it and sprinkled and then some. you are totally from my tribe – i love dips made of veggies!!! i truly love throwing a bunch of colorful stuff in a machine, along with some crazy spices and oils, then having it turn out some sort of awesomeness that could be used as a condiment, soup, dip, sauce, dressing…. endless i tell you.
i love me some dip! when i’m in a pinch lately i have been mixing some veganaise with sawrkraut and curry spices and then sprinkles of roasted seeds and other randomness. it’s a weird concoction that nobody likes but me. hehehehe fine by me.
Meghan says
I’ve eaten this very same dip with more veggies, with salty delicious potato chips and on top of my veggie burgers before, and it works in every scenario. It’s the multi-purpose dip. The dip which works in every instance. Pretty sure I sound like a radio commercial now.
Your concoction is inventive too a T. If no one else likes it, then there’s more for you.
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