Alternatives for veggie dips?

believetoachieve · February 2011

I love eating veggies with a dip, and I always use salad dressing. Generally it's the "Kraft - calorie wise" ones. However, I'm trying to transition slowly to a cleaner diet, without too many processed foods and unpronounceable ingredients. What else can I use to dip my veggies in? (Green peppers, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, broccoli). It's important that it has some fat in it, in order to absorb and process the nutrients. I'd be happy to make my own dip, follow a recipe, or even buy a healthy dip, if only I knew what I was looking for!!

I hesitate to use peanut butter (too many calories!), and I've heard about humus. I dislike oil/vinegar dressings/dips. Anyone have other suggestions?? Thank you!!! :flowerforyou:

TheMaidOfAstolat · February 2011

Plain greek yogurt...mix in some herbs and spices and you're good to go.

ajbeans · February 2011

Hummus. Tzatziki (made with a yogurt base). Maybe cottage cheese with some herbs?

mark62730 · February 2011

hummus makes carrot and celery sticks taste very yummy!

ttfadm · February 2011

Hummus is amazing! They make all kinds of different ones that you can just buy at the store. There is a roasted garlic one that is to die for!!! Looking forward to see what ideas others share! Mmmmm, veggies and hummus! Good luck!

HulaGirlRen · February 2011

Hummus is amazing or this resipe i make ALOT!
1tbls- white wine vigner
3tbls-Olive Oil or EVOO
Salt and pepper
1Tbls-Dijoin mustard
Mix togetther and you have a dressing dip like thing!

dlaplume2 · February 2011

Hummus (you can make your own)
cottage cheese
Peanut butter

monoxidechick · February 2011

I have been using the laughing cow cheese wedges, may be too processed for you though.
I can't say enough about homemade hummus, it is sooooo good! I make the same type of dip with other beans as well(black, navy, white...)
The salad spritzers are pretty good to add a little flavor with less cals
pizza sauce is actually pretty good with most veggies( mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, zuchinni, spinach)

But really, I have just trained myself to eat veggies as a snack on their own, and it is soo good. I even just eat baby spinach out of the bag like I would chips, veggies are sooo great!!

cleo77 · February 2011

greek yoghurt is really good, just add your favourite herbs and spices.

MobiusMan · February 2011

Puree cauliflower, mix in roasted red pepper hummus and fresh salsa. mmmmmm

happy_vegan · February 2011

baba ganouj

balsamic vinegarette (but gotta read that label like you said! - no HFCS)

taso42_DELETED · February 2011

I wonder if using silken tofu as a base might work....

Edit: found some...
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/tofu-onion-dip-superbowl-recipe-45012808
http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/65629/spinach-tofu-dip
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/2-alarm-tofu-dip-recipe/index.html

tons more come up on a google search (i search silken tofu dip)

fitnesspirateninja · February 2011

I wonder if using silken tofu as a base might work....

Edit: found some...
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/tofu-onion-dip-superbowl-recipe-45012808
http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/65629/spinach-tofu-dip
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/2-alarm-tofu-dip-recipe/index.html

tons more come up on a google search (i search silken tofu dip)

Nice! The tofu onion dip sounds great. These would be great for me since I'm lactose intolerant. Thanks for posting the links.

kianaik · February 2011

I like to puree avocado and greek or plain non-fat yogurt together with some garlic and onion type seasonings.

believetoachieve · February 2011

Thanks guys! I do eat hummus from time to time, I think I'll have to make some again soon

Does anyone know how I can make a ranch-type dressing that isn't processed? Would a low-fat sour cream base work? Or should I go with yogurt? What's the difference between "greek" and regular yogurt?

taso42_DELETED · February 2011

What's the difference between "greek" and regular yogurt?

Greek yogurt is regular yogurt which has been strained. If you take regular yogurt and put it in a coffee filter and into the fridge for a while, you'd essentially end up with greek yogurt.

Amajoy · February 2011

If you like ranch dip, make it yourself with one of those hidden valley ranch packets mixed with Fage Total 0% greek yogurt, its only 16 calories per 2 tbs. I figured out all the numbers in another post, I can find it if your interested.

bugnbeansmom · February 2011

Sabra is making single serve hummus packets now!!!! Tastes great of course and it is easy to control the portion not to mention easier to take on the go!

Also, try some greek yogart, cilanto, and lemon zest in the food processor. Yummy!

believetoachieve · February 2011

Those sound like fabulous ideas - thank you!!

Taso - how come one would want to eat greek vs regular? Is it just for the firmer texture? What is being strained out? I love yogurt but I've never tried this!

taso42_DELETED · February 2011

Firmer texture and higher protein content. What comes out is the whey I think. Now you got me thinking... I'm not actually sure if the protein content will be as high as the store bought if you do the straining method.

poisongirl6485 · February 2011

I mixed the Tastefully Simple Onion Onion with Fat Free Sour cream for their dip (they say to use regular) and it tastes great with minimal calories.

corsayre8 · February 2011

I mix half yogurt with half cottage cheese, throw in blender with a packet of ranch seasoning mix and blend till smooth. Not sure how clean the ranch seasoning is, but you could always replace with whatever herbs/spices you prefer. I also use this on potatoes and in place of mayo on sandwiches. Almost have myself convinced it is as good as ranch dressing ;-)