No-Cook Dips and Spreads

Skip the baked, greasy dips and replace them with refreshing spreads that highlight fresh veggies and in-season produce. The best part about these recipes: you'll never have to turn on your oven or stove. From dessert dips to savory spreads, these recipes are great to have on-hand all year. 

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

All you need is a blender to serve this miso aioli dip with your next platter of fresh crudités.

Store-bought fruit salsas are often full of preservatives and added sugars. Keep things fresh and healthy with an easy homemade version that comes in at 37 calories per 1/4 cup serving. 
 

Top a baked potato or sandwich, or stir into chopped chicken and celery for Greek chicken salad.

Don't let the peanut butter trip you up; this savory dip still packs all the great flavors of hummus with an unexpected, nutty note that provides thickness, creaminess, and flavor. Hummus is made more kid-friendly with the addition of peanut butter. Top with crushed peanuts for extra crunch. Serve with vegetables or pita chips. To easily measure 7 tablespoons water without losing count, pour 1/2 cup into a measuring cup and remove 1 tablespoon.

While you're putting the final touches on your dishes, your guests can snack on this dip. Precut crudités will hold up well if you'd like to prep them the day before. Wrap trimmed and cut veggies in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in a zip-top plastic bag for the crispiest texture.

Prepare this retro-chic snack up to two days ahead, and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies. Rolled in minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, this cheese ball is festive enough for even the most discerning party guests.

Everyone needs a great, dependable, simple dip recipe to put out with crudités. Done—this is the one. It’s like a much fresher version of ranch dip, one that’s creamy, rich, and flavored with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic. We call for a small clove of garlic because it’s left raw and is therefore at its most pungent; you can grate it on a Microplane-style grater for a smooth garlic paste that incorporates well into the dip. You can prepare the all-purpose dip up to a day ahead, making this appetizer a quick fix for hungry guests.

The food processor makes quick work of this easy guacamole that's rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. We like the heat from the jalapeño seeds, but you can seed the pepper for a milder guac. Serve with tortilla chips or crudités.

If someone asked what the color green tastes like, chimichurri might very well be an answer. The parsley and cilantro create a bright, fresh, and tart sauce with a touch of spicy heat from the red pepper flakes. A classic condiment for meat, it is extremely versatile.

Try this recipe with grilled steak, chicken, or fish; roasted lamb; roasted new potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or baby carrots; sandwiches as a dipping sauce; grilled bread; or raw oysters on the half shell.

Made with Greek yogurt and light sour cream, this delicious spread makes a guilt-free treat. Serve on graham crackers, or add it to a peanut butter sandwich for a touch of sweetness without loading it up with calories.

Bright and tangy non-fat Greek yogurt helps save 100 calories and 3g sat fat in this delicious, creamy dip. Sharp feta cheese adds a punch that complements beautifully with the fresh herbs. Perfect for game day, this appetizer is a surefire crowd pleaser that serves well with vegetables, pita chips, or tortilla chips. It requires almost no preparation, and is ready to serve immediately.

This simple treat puts the flavor of classic snickerdoodle cookies in dippable form. Serve with apple and pear slices.

Perfect as a salad topping or a dip, this insanely popular dressing earns rave reviews for its infusion of fresh herbs and creamy blend of sour cream, Greek yogurt, and mayonnaise.

Minced chipotle chile in adobo sauce gives this salsa the right amount of heat. If you make it in advance, add the chopped tomatoes at the last minute to keep them crisp. Store leftover salsa in an airtight container, making sure to drain off any excess liquid periodically.

When cooking vegetarian tacos, opt for a bright, fresh salsa such as tomatillo. The lighter fillings demand milder flavor. This salsa also makes for the perfect party snack that your guests can enjoy without an unpleasnt, fiery mouth. The tomatillos provide just enough sweetness and depth of flavor that make this an enjoyable salsa dip for all. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips.

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.

Canned pumpkin makes it easy to whip up this sweet dip. Make sure to purchase 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. This kid-friendly dip is the perfect treat for a crisp Fall day. Bring it to a potluck or serve it as an appetizer and the guests will swoon over this seasonal creation. Dip in apples, smear it on toast, or top it on whole grain pancakes. If you're into the Fall pumpkin craze, this dip is sure to satisfy that craving.

Scoop this creamy dip with pita chips and carrot, celery, red bell pepper, and jicama sticks. Prepare up to eight hours in advance, and refrigerate in an airtight container. To further simplify your evening, use precut vegetables from the produce section.

Sweet, crunchy, and tangy, this condiment should be a constant presence on your spring and summer table. Use as a sauce for any grilled meat or fish. Spread on grilled or toasted bread with goat cheese for bruschetta. Add some jalapeño slices for a tortilla-chip dip. The possibilities are endless.

The trick to this easy recipe is blending some of the salmon in the food processor, so its taste gets spread throughout, but also folding in some larger bits for textural contrast.