Real Food Spinach Dip Recipe
This spinach dip recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a healthier version of the all-time classic party dip. It’s made with real food ingredients, including fresh spinach and cottage cheese. This tasty dip is a great addition to a lunch box, and it makes the perfect after-school snack for kids.
Spinach dip is a classic at many gatherings across the country. It’s right up there with onion dip and ranch dip, and it’s likely a good source of spinach for those who don’t typically enjoy eating the green, leafy stuff.
But good gracious! The fat content on most containers of packaged dip is enough to send you running for your closest pair of big-boy pants. And even then, you may have to leave the button undone.
So in the interest of saving you from all that running…. errr… I mean, saving you from having to wear your big-boy-pants ~ehem~, here’s my version – a healthy spinach dip recipe made with REAL FOOD INGREDIENTS.
OTHER HEALTHY DIP RECIPES:
Don’t stop at the spinach dip recipe! Here are other real food dips you can make for your next snacking session.
REAL FOOD SPINACH DIP RECIPE NOTES:
I use a package of frozen spinach to make the dip. If you want to use fresh spinach, you will need to steam-cook it and then wring as much liquid as possible from the leaves.
Real Food Spinach Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) container cottage cheese
- 10 oz. bag frozen spinach, thawed
- 8 oz. can water chestnuts, chopped fine
- 2 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
- Using a blender, blend the cottage cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
- Put the cottage cheese in a large mixing bowl, and add all other ingredients. Stir well.
Nutrition
Recipe from the Gracious Pantry archives, originally posted 1/28/11.
Any substitutes for those if who never ate cottage cheese? It creeps me out I’m scared to even touch it, is that an actual picture of it?
Michelle – Yes, that’s an actual picture. I’m not sure how non-fat yogurt would work, but you could give it a try.
Just wanted to say thank you for all these great recipes. I love that you put ones out that are relevant to the time of year (i.e. party/appetizer/finger foods during football season.) And even for those who have no interest in the Super Bowl, who doesn’t love a good spinach dip anytime?! So, thanks!!! Keep them coming!
Beth – Awwe! Thanks so much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my site and my recipes. Have a great day!
You are my HERO, Thank you!
Maria – You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it!
OOOHHHHHHH can’t wait to make this!! Perhaps tomorrow since I have to bring a dish for the new member reception at church on Sunday. That way I know at least one thing will be clean!
Paulissa – Always a good idea to bring one clean dish to a gathering! It’s something to fall back on.
Could you put artichoke hearts in this instead of the crunchy water chestnuts?
Sandra – Sure! That would be tasty!
Made a batch of this for the church potluck and the ENTIRE bowl was wiped clean. Served it with some gluten free almond crackers which also went over well.
Paulissa – FANTASTIC!!! I’m so happy everyone enjoyed it!
yum! call me crazy but i also love adding sardines or tuna to my spinach dip…
Lynn – I’ve never had it that way! Sounds just different enough for me to try! Thanks!
Don’t care for cottage cheese myself, but I think this could be mighty tasty with some low-fat ricotta cheese… maybe, even some soft silken tofu. Oh, and fresh basil chopped or blended with the cheese/tofu! I very much appreciate that you do not have any actual onion in this recipe–it’s something I really dislike, and just about every recipe for spinach dip I’ve found so far has the accursed stuff in it. 🙁
Charlena – LOL. You remind me of my cousin. He can’t stand onions either. Your substitutions sound good! Let me know how you like it!
It could be even better with some raw minced garlic mixed in at the end. Cooking breaks down the otherwise healthy compounds/antioxidants in garlic, so the fresher the better. Raw garlic can also be thrown into a soup, salad or stirfry just before serving.
Charlena – Fresh garlic is always a fantastic addition. Give it a try!
I’m assuming you drained the spinach too?? I’m making this for a staff gathering. Here’s hoping my co-workers all like it!
Janette – I didn’t make it a point to drain it, but it might be a good thing to do if you have a lot of water content.
The spinach dip was a hit at my house! So good!
Kristen – That’s wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Spinach (bread) dip is the best….mum made two for my wedding…haha….we like to substitute thick natural yoghurt for the tradition sour cream.
Natasha – Yum! Sounds good!
They are in with the canned goods. I would ask a clerk to help you find them. Depending on where you are, they could also be a seasonal thing. But most stores carry them.
I don’t recommend it.
I’m going to test this out on my husband today. I’m planning on putting out for munchies with crudite on Thanksgiving. Not has heavy as hummus or cheese and crackers eaten pre-meal.
I hope you both enjoy it!
I love spinach dip, but don’t enjoy how much I have to work off traditional spinach dip. This is one of my new favorite recipes! It’s so light and creamy, the best part is my anti “diet” food friends had no idea just how good for them this is.
This is fabulous! I have been searching for a good spinach dip that is clean eating worthy. Cannot wait to have my family and friends try this!
I used this spinach dip to make stuffed baked chicken breast, delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
Yum! What a great idea!
This was so yummy!!!
I’m the only one in the house that will eat it though – has anyone tried freezing it?
Or does anyone have any recipes Likethe stuffed chicken one? I’m not creative enough to do it on my own!
Cottage cheese doesn’t freeze very well in my experience. But you could certainly use it in an omelet for breakfast!
….speaking of freezing cottage cheese,I love to score it 1/2 right before it expires and stick it in the freezer…you’re right, the texture does change, but it creates a perfect ricotta like consistency that is just right for a clean(er) lasagna 🙂
Randi – Interesting! Thanks!