Avocado Spinach Dip

t was one of those Saturday afternoons where the family was milling about, a little restless, and I knew I needed a snack that would be both a crowd-pleaser and relatively guilt-free. I’d been eyeing a couple of perfectly ripe avocados on the counter and had a bag of fresh spinach in the fridge. The idea struck me: why not combine the creamy goodness of avocado with the vibrant, earthy flavor of spinach into a dip? I’d made traditional spinach dips before, often heavy with mayonnaise or cream cheese, but I wanted something lighter, brighter, and packed with more wholesome ingredients. The result, this Avocado Spinach Dip, was an absolute revelation! The kids, initially skeptical of the green hue, were won over after the first scoop with a crunchy tortilla chip. My husband, a self-proclaimed dip connoisseur, declared it one of the “best, freshest dips” he’d had in ages. It disappeared in record time, leaving behind an empty bowl and requests for an encore. Since that day, it’s become a staple for everything from casual family movie nights to potlucks with friends, always earning rave reviews for its vibrant flavor, creamy texture, and surprisingly healthy profile. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good about what you’re eating and even better about sharing it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and delicious Avocado Spinach Dip:

• Fresh Spinach: 5 oz (about 5 packed cups) – The leafy green powerhouse, providing earthy flavor and a beautiful color.
• Ripe Avocados: 2 large – These are the star, lending incredible creaminess and healthy fats. Make sure they yield gently to pressure.
• Plain Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream): 1/2 cup – Adds a tangy depth and contributes to the creamy texture. For a dairy-free/vegan option, use a plant-based yogurt or vegan sour cream.
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed – Essential for brightness, and it helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
• Garlic: 1-2 cloves, minced – For that pungent, aromatic kick. Adjust to your preference.
• Green Onions (Scallions): 2-3, thinly sliced (white and light green parts) – Adds a mild, fresh oniony bite.
• Cilantro: 1/4 cup, freshly chopped (optional, but recommended) – For a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a substitute.
• Jalapeño: 1/2 to 1, minced (seeds and membranes removed for less heat) – For a touch of spice. Adjust to your heat preference or omit entirely.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste – For a subtle peppery note.
• Water or Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons (if needed for consistency) – To help achieve the perfect dipping texture in the food processor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your delicious Avocado Spinach Dip:

1. Blanch or Wilt the Spinach (Optional but Recommended):
   • Blanching Method: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh spinach and cook for just 30-60 seconds, until it wilts and turns bright green. Immediately drain and plunge the spinach into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its color. Once cooled, squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step helps to reduce any bitterness and makes the spinach easier to blend smoothly.
   • Sauté Method: Alternatively, you can heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted (about 1-2 minutes). Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out excess moisture.
   • If using baby spinach and a powerful blender, you might be able to skip this step, but wilting generally improves texture and flavor.
2. Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl of a food processor.
3. Combine Ingredients: To the food processor with the avocado, add the squeezed spinach, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), fresh lime juice, minced garlic, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro (if using), and minced jalapeño (if using).
4. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on the food processor and process the ingredients until the dip is smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is well incorporated.
5. Adjust Consistency & Seasoning: Check the consistency. If the dip is too thick for your liking, add 1 tablespoon of water or olive oil and blend again. Continue adding a little at a time until you reach your desired smoothness. Taste the dip and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Add more lime juice for extra tang or more jalapeño for extra spice if desired.
6. Chill (Recommended): Transfer the Avocado Spinach Dip to an airtight container. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately, but the flavors do improve with a little chilling.
7. Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, a few thinly sliced green onions, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve with your favorite dippers.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per serving)
• Calories per serving (approximate): 120-150 kcal (This can vary based on the exact size of avocados and specific brand of Greek yogurt used).

Here are a few key nutritional highlights:

1. Healthy Fats: Predominantly from avocados, these monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
2. Fiber: Both spinach and avocado are good sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps you feel full, and can support healthy blood sugar levels.
3. Vitamin K: Spinach is packed with Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
4. Folate: Avocados and spinach provide folate, important for cell growth and development.
5. Vitamin C: Lime juice and fresh cilantro contribute Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function.

Preparation Time

This vibrant and creamy Avocado Spinach Dip is wonderfully quick to assemble, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a speedy, healthy snack.

• Active Preparation Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes. This includes washing and wilting the spinach, chopping vegetables, and blending the dip.
• Chilling Time (Recommended): 30 minutes to 1 hour. While optional, chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Total Time (including chilling): Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.

If you opt to use pre-washed spinach and skip the wilting step (for a slightly different texture), the active prep time can be reduced to as little as 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

This Avocado Spinach Dip is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dippers and dishes. Here are some fantastic ways to serve it:

• Classic Dippers:
  • Tortilla Chips: The quintessential pairing. Choose sturdy corn tortilla chips – blue corn, yellow corn, or even flavored varieties like lime or jalapeño can add an extra dimension.
  • Pita Chips: Offer a satisfying crunch. Plain, whole wheat, or seasoned pita chips all work well.
  • Crackers: Select a variety of crackers, from simple water crackers to seedy multigrain options or even rice crackers for a gluten-free choice.
• Healthy Vegetable Sticks: A fantastic way to get more veggies into your diet!
  • Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy.
  • Celery Sticks: Classic, crisp, and refreshing.
  • Bell Pepper Strips: Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, orange, green) for visual appeal and slightly different sweet notes.
  • Cucumber Slices or Spears: Cool and hydrating.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved or whole, they offer a juicy burst.
  • Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets: Lightly blanched or raw, these offer a great texture.
  • Radishes: Sliced thin, they provide a peppery crunch.
• Bread Options:
  • Toasted Baguette Slices (Crostini): Rub with a garlic clove before toasting for extra flavor.
  • Pita Bread: Warmed and cut into wedges.
  • Naan Bread: Soft and slightly chewy, perfect for scooping.
• As a Spread or Topping:
  • Sandwiches and Wraps: Use it as a flavorful and healthy alternative to mayonnaise or other spreads. It’s fantastic in veggie wraps or chicken sandwiches.
  • Tacos and Burrito Bowls: A dollop on top adds creaminess and a nutritional boost.
  • Grilled Chicken or Fish: Serve a spoonful alongside grilled proteins for a fresh, zesty accompaniment.
  • Baked Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: A healthier and more flavorful topping than just butter or sour cream.
  • Quesadillas: Spread a layer inside before adding cheese and other fillings.
• Party Platter Presentation:
  • Create a vibrant platter by arranging the bowl of dip in the center, surrounded by a colorful assortment of the dippers mentioned above.
  • Garnish the dip itself with a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and heat, some extra chopped cilantro, or a few reserved green onion slices.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Avocado Spinach Dip is sure to be a hit, offering a delightful combination of fresh flavors and creamy texture.

Additional Tips

To elevate your Avocado Spinach Dip experience and ensure perfect results every time, consider these additional tips:

1. Choose Ripe Avocados: The key to a creamy dip is perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield to gentle pressure but not be overly mushy or have dark, sunken spots. If your avocados are underripe, let them sit on the counter for a few days. To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
2. Don’t Over-Process: While you want the dip smooth, avoid over-processing, especially if you prefer a little texture. Pulse the ingredients until just combined and creamy. Over-blending can sometimes make the dip a bit too thin or gummy.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning Generously: Flavors can meld and sometimes dull slightly after chilling. Taste the dip before chilling and then again just before serving. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, lime juice, or spice to make it pop. A little extra lime juice can also help keep the color vibrant.
4. Prevent Browning: The lime juice is your best friend here. For extra protection against browning if making ahead, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip before sealing the container. This minimizes air contact.
5. Spice Level Customization: The jalapeño adds a nice kick. For more heat, leave some of the seeds and membranes in, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder dip, ensure all seeds and membranes are removed, or omit the jalapeño entirely.
6. Spinach Preparation Matters: Squeezing out all excess water from the blanched or wilted spinach is crucial. Too much water will result in a watery dip. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
7. Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free Easily: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like almond, soy, or coconut – ensure it’s not vanilla flavored!) or a good quality vegan sour cream. The results will be just as creamy and delicious.
8. Storage Savvy: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality and color, try to consume it within 1-2 days. The surface might slightly discolor over time due to avocado oxidation, but it’s usually just the very top layer and can be gently scraped off or stirred in if minimal.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making an Avocado Spinach Dip that’s consistently fresh, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Avocado Spinach Dip:

1. Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
   A: Yes, you can! In fact, making it at least 30 minutes to an hour ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For best results, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the dip to minimize air exposure and browning. It’s best consumed within 24-48 hours.
2. Q: How do I keep the avocado spinach dip from turning brown?
   A: The fresh lime juice is the primary ingredient that helps prevent browning due to its acidity. Ensuring you use an adequate amount is key. Additionally, when storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip before sealing the container. This creates a barrier against oxygen, which causes oxidation and browning.
3. Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
   A: Absolutely. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. You’ll typically need about a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, which, once thawed and squeezed, will yield a similar amount to 5 ounces of fresh wilted spinach. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
4. Q: Is this Avocado Spinach Dip vegan?
   A: As written with Greek yogurt, it is not vegan. However, it can be easily made vegan by substituting the Greek yogurt with a plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt (such as almond, soy, or coconut yogurt) or a vegan sour cream alternative. Ensure the plant-based yogurt is not vanilla-flavored.
5. Q: What if I don’t have a food processor? Can I still make this dip?
   A: While a food processor creates the smoothest texture, you can make it with a good quality blender. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides more frequently and potentially add a little more liquid (water or olive oil) to help it blend. If you have neither, you could try mashing the avocado very thoroughly with a fork and very finely mincing the spinach and other ingredients, then vigorously stirring everything together. The texture will be chunkier but still flavorful.
6. Q: I don’t like cilantro. What can I use instead?
   A: If you’re not a fan of cilantro (some people have a genetic aversion that makes it taste soapy), you can substitute it with fresh flat-leaf parsley for a different herbaceous note, or simply omit it. A little fresh dill could also be an interesting variation, depending on your taste preferences.
7. Q: How can I make the dip spicier or milder?
   A: To make it spicier, you can add more jalapeño, include some of the seeds and white membranes (which hold most of the heat), or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. To make it milder, ensure all seeds and membranes are removed from the jalapeño, use less jalapeño, or omit it altogether.
8. Q: What are some other ingredients I could add for variation?
   A: This dip is quite adaptable! You could consider adding a tablespoon or two of crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a salty, briny kick (if not vegan). A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika could add warmth and depth. Some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained well) could also introduce a sweet and tangy element. Experiment to find your favorite twist!