3 Healthy Dip Alternatives

It’s that time of year when lighter fare is calling your name: salads, sandwiches, and crudite platters galore! Around this time of year my family can be found outdoors almost every day so packing light salads and sandwiches to go are a MUST. 

But don’t be fooled by those creamy dips and dressings that go along with those foods- not only will they add tons of calories and unhealthy fats but they will also leave you dragging at the end of a long day outdoors. 

That’s why I’m sharing the dips that have saved my family meals and picnics and have always made guests beg me for my recipes (and literally have toddlers jumping for joy!). I’m also going to share a few fresh ways to use them- and I’m not even going to make you beg!

A fresh take on Guacamole:

This time of year (Cinco de Mayo anyone) I am going through avocado’s like I own a Chipotle. Although high in fats, avocado have that great heart healthy fat and can be good for you in moderation. I make a little go a long way by mixing equal part smashed avocado with 0% Fat Free Plain Greek Yogurt or Skyr. I’m a HUGE fan of Siggi’s because the texture is oh so smooth and can’t be beat.

I add a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and a healthy sprinkling of red pepper flakes (or any herbs I have lying around the house).

I love to have these with my taco’s, on my cold cut sandwiches instead of using mayo, and mixed in with some warm potatoes, grainy mustard, and some of the water from boiling the potatoes, for the lightest take on potato salad that will make everyone at your grill beg you for your recipe. You can share- I won’t mind!

Instead of store bought salsa:

I love me some salsa and chips and in a pinch it’s actually not a terrible snack alternative with some baked sweet potato or blue chips. But have you looked at the nutritional info on salsa lately? The sodium content is crazy and will for sure leave you bloated. Skip the store bought stuff and instead grab some roma tomatoes, white onions, jalapeño’s, and lime juice.

Dice it small, mix it together with a pinch of salt and let sit for about an hour before draining and serving. You Guys!!! I don’t just use these for chips and dip or for my taco nights! I add these to my burgers, to my black bean soup, and on top of my grilled chicken to add a little extra zest to any meal.

Here I topped them on some mini black bean cakes for some color and flavor. Minimize the jalapeño’s if your kids are averse to spicy foods (or add some poblano peppers for the peppery flavor and texture).

Instead of a Mayo based dip:

I love mayo. There. I said it. I won’t deny it. I love it spread on sandwiches and I especially love it in some of my favorite dips (I’m talking about you garlic aioli). But I just cannot stomach it in the summer (thankfully) and have recently become OBSESSED with dipping my fries in…. tzatziki sauce! I put that stuff on everything and dip everything in it.

For your BBQ you’ve instantly turned it up a notch by adding a bowl of it to the DIY area. Include it with a bowl of feta, chopped kalamata olives and thinly sliced red onions and your previously basic BBQ just became a greek feast. (Make the burgers out of a mix of ground beef and lamb and you get extra brownie points. OPA!)

Serve it with your crudite platter and you’ll be the perfect host who always makes the most simple but amazing decisions. A proper Tzatziki should include chopped dill and the grated cucumber which has been drained overnight, but in a pinch I’ve been known to combine a half a freshly grated cucumber with a 1/2 cup of greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of freshly chopped dill to some amazing results.

It also travels well if you want to pack it to go with some chopped veggies for a day trip. 

So that’s it- go forth and eat guilt free foods this BBQ season!

-Christine (make sure to follow Christine on Instagram HERE)