Name: Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip
Ingredients: Frozen Spinach (10 ounces): The star of the show! Frozen spinach is convenient and packs a nutritional punch. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible for the best consistency.; Plain Greek Yogurt (16 ounces, full-fat or non-fat): The secret ingredient that makes this dip healthier and tangier. Full-fat yogurt will result in a richer, creamier dip, while non-fat offers a lighter option.; Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds creaminess and richness. You can use light mayonnaise to further reduce calories if desired.; Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides a classic spinach dip texture and flavor. Softening it beforehand ensures smooth blending.; Water Chestnuts (½ cup, chopped): Adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness. Drain and chop them into small pieces.; Red Onion (¼ cup, finely diced): Provides a sharp, savory bite and aromatic depth. Dice it finely for even flavor distribution.; Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for flavor! Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience.; Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended.; Dried Dill (1 teaspoon): Adds a classic herbaceous note that complements spinach beautifully.; Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory onion flavor and adds depth.; Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your preference.; Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal.; Optional: Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): For an extra layer of savory, cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

Frozen Spinach (10 ounces): The star of the show! Frozen spinach is convenient and packs a nutritional punch. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible for the best consistency.
Plain Greek Yogurt (16 ounces, full-fat or non-fat): The secret ingredient that makes this dip healthier and tangier. Full-fat yogurt will result in a richer, creamier dip, while non-fat offers a lighter option.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds creaminess and richness. You can use light mayonnaise to further reduce calories if desired.
Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides a classic spinach dip texture and flavor. Softening it beforehand ensures smooth blending.
Water Chestnuts (½ cup, chopped): Adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness. Drain and chop them into small pieces.
Red Onion (¼ cup, finely diced): Provides a sharp, savory bite and aromatic depth. Dice it finely for even flavor distribution.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for flavor! Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended.
Dried Dill (1 teaspoon): Adds a classic herbaceous note that complements spinach beautifully.
Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory onion flavor and adds depth.
Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal.
Optional: Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): For an extra layer of savory, cheesy flavor.

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Instructions

Prepare the Spinach: Begin by thawing the frozen spinach completely. The best way to do this is to place the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s thawed. Alternatively, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, it’s crucial to remove as much excess water as possible. Place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the towel together and squeeze firmly to extract the water. You’ll be surprised how much water comes out! This step is essential for preventing a watery dip. Set the squeezed spinach aside.
Soften the Cream Cheese: If you haven’t already, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free dip. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or gently microwave it in 10-second intervals until softened, being careful not to melt it.
Combine Cream Cheese and Greek Yogurt: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt together until they are completely smooth and well combined. This is the base of your creamy dip, so ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. The mixture should be light and airy.
Incorporate Mayonnaise and Lemon Juice: Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice to the cream cheese and Greek yogurt mixture. Mix again until everything is evenly incorporated. The mayonnaise will add extra creaminess, and the lemon juice will provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the dip.
Add the Flavor Enhancers: Now it’s time to build the flavor profile. Add the minced garlic, finely diced red onion, dried dill, and onion powder to the bowl. Stir everything together until the spices and aromatics are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. The raw garlic and red onion will infuse their flavors into the dip as it chills.
Fold in the Spinach and Water Chestnuts: Add the squeezed and chopped spinach and the chopped water chestnuts to the bowl. Gently fold them into the creamy mixture using a spatula or spoon. Distribute the spinach and water chestnuts evenly throughout the dip, ensuring they are incorporated but not overmixed. Overmixing can make the dip tough.
Season to Perfection: Season the dip with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with about a teaspoon of salt and a ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and then taste the dip. Adjust the seasonings as needed to your preference. Remember that chilling the dip will often mellow the flavors slightly, so you might want to season it slightly more than you think you need. If using, gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese at this stage.
Chill and Let Flavors Meld: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container. Refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer (3-4 hours or even overnight). Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, and the dip will thicken to the perfect consistency. This chilling time is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the dip a final stir. Transfer it to a serving bowl and get ready to enjoy! Serve the Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip cold with your favorite dippers (see serving suggestions below). Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped red onion, if desired, for visual appeal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 100
Sodium: 250
Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 5
Protein: 6