Healthy Dips - Cooking Light

Photo: John Autry

Our Favorite Healthy Dip Recipes

It's party time! For impressive and satisfying nibbles that are sure to be a hit at even the most discerning celebration, try one of our delicious dip recipes.

We'll start you off with Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread. Serve with crackers or bread slices. If you can't find Gruyère, substitute raclette, fontina, or Swiss cheese.

View Recipe: Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Photo: John Autry

Orange and Avocado Salsa

Serve this salsa with chips, or spoon it atop sautéed chicken breast or fish. If you want to make the salsa ahead, omit the cilantro and avocado, and stir them in just before serving. If you find blood oranges, substitute them for regular oranges for seasonal color.

View Recipe: Orange and Avocado Salsa

Photo: John Autry

Cajun Hot Crab Dip

Spoon this dip into a baking dish up to a day ahead, but top with panko and chives just before baking. If it's chilled, leave the dish out at room temperature while the oven preheats. Scoop into multiple bowls that you can set at different tasting stations.

View Recipe: Cajun Hot Crab Dip

Photo: John Autry

Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade

Make the romesco sauce and tapenade up to three days ahead, and keep them chilled separately.

View Recipe: Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade

Photo: John Autry

Zesty Green Goddess Dip

Because fresh herbs are increasingly available, you can make this tangy, peppery dip year-round.

View Recipe: Zesty Green Goddess Dip

Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Bacon

We took this classic warm, creamy dip and improved it with smoky bacon, because bacon makes everything better. Make sure to serve this in a central location―it's sure to attract a crowd at any party.

View Recipe: Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Bacon

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Traditional Hummus

This Middle Eastern dip is traditionally made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil; it lends itself to several variations. Prepare and refrigerate it a day ahead; let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving at your gathering. Garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh parsley sprig, and serve with Spicy Baked Pita Chips. Feeling adventurous? Try these variations on Traditional Hummus: White Bean and Roasted Garlic Hummus, Spicy Red Pepper Hummus, Feta-Baked Hummus

View Recipe: Traditional Hummus

Photo: Ellen Silverman

Creamy Garlic-Herb Dip

You can prepare this all-purpose dip up to a day ahead. Serve it with cauliflower and broccoli florets, carrot and celery sticks, and bell pepper strips.

View Recipe: Creamy Garlic-Herb Dip

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Warm Caramelized Onion Dip

Here we’ve lightened a favorite. Serve with hearty crackers or slices of French bread and we promise nobody will know this is the healthy cousin to dip that’s usually loaded with sodium, fat, and calories.

View Recipe: Warm Caramelized Onion Dip

Photo: Beau Gustafson

Artichoke and Fennel Caponata

This dip is best with something nice and crunchy; slice baguette very thin and toast well, or use fancy crackers. You can make it ahead of time and pull out for last-minute guests.

View Recipe: Artichoke and Fennel Caponata

Roasted Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomato, and White Bean Dip

Creamy beans and sweet sun-dried tomatoes offer the perfect texture and flavor combo in this simple dip. You can prepare a day ahead and bring to room temperature before serving. For a more formal presentation, serve on bagel chips garnished with rosemary sprigs. For a casual gathering, serve in a bowl with crackers or bagel chips for dipping.

View Recipe: Roasted Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomato, and White Bean Dip

Randy Mayor

Roasted Red Pepper and Cannellini Bean Dip

The smoky-sweet flavor of roasted red peppers makes a perfect combination with creamy cannellini beans in this Mediterranean dip. It's similar to the Spanish classic romesco, making it a great addition to a tapas-style spread. Serve with crunchy veggies like carrot, zucchini, broccoli, and jicama for dipping.

View Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Cannellini Bean Dip

Randy Mayor

Party Bean Dip with Baked Tortilla Chips

We add a little lime juice to smooth out the beans and enhance the flavor. This dip comes together quickly for parties or as an appetizer course.

View Recipe: Party Bean Dip with Baked Tortilla Chips

Photo: Oxmoor House

Pumpkin Dip

Canned pumpkin makes it easy to whip up this sweet dip. Make sure to purchase 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

View Recipe: Pumpkin Dip

Photo: Randy Mayor

Edamame Dip

Eating edamame straight out of the pods is a great snack, but the little bean's culinary possibilities go far beyond that. When pureed, it makes a smooth and flavorful dip. Here, white beans are added to create a sophisticated flavor.

View Recipe: Edamame Dip

Photo: John Autry

Spicy Tortilla Strips

Increase the ground red pepper to add a kick, or omit it for a tame batch. Blend regular flour, whole-wheat flour, and corn tortillas for a mixture of taste and texture, if you like. Try them with our Orange and Avocado Salsa.

View Recipe: Spicy Tortilla Strips

Photo: John Autry

Toasted Parmesan Pita Crisps

These crunchy crisps make the perfect dipper for our Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade.

View Recipe: Toasted Parmesan Pita Crisps