For some people, appetizers are just as essential to a holiday spread as the main course. They help titillate our tastebuds, all while setting the stage for whatever else we may encounter at mealtime.
Last week, we discussed tips for eating healthy during the holiday season and to help you out, we’ve created a luscious-tasting yet healthier-than-normal version of a classic appetizer – the Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip. This recipe is low-fat, low-calorie, and gluten-free - just remember to pair it with gluten-free dippers like veggies, tortilla chips, or your favorite gluten-free crackers!
Who Said Healthy Can’t Be Tasty?
What makes this a healthier recipe? Most Spinach Artichoke dips are heavy on shredded cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise, which make the recipe very tasty but also fattening. We’ve opted for low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and you can also choose to use “reduced-fat” mozzarella in place of regular mozzarella. This will still give you a lip-smacking recipe, but it won’t be as calorific.
Greek Yogurt is definitely one of the star-ingredients in this recipe. Not only is it a low-fat alternative to mayonnaise, but it also offers more protein and is a rich source of a few key nutrients. Most notably, you’ll find that true Greek yogurt (one that isn’t saturated with sugar) is rich in vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. Vitamin B12 is beneficial for red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and energy production. Zinc and selenium are immunomodulators. They help control the release of cytokines, which are proteins involved in inflammatory and immune responses.
Recipe
Ready to try this mouth-watering, healthy recipe? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
8 oz low-fat cream cheese softened and cubed1 cup plain Greek yogurt
4 capsules MyPure™ MYcoMune™ 4X, powder from
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
10 oz bag of fresh baby spinach
2 green onions, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Dash of hot sauce
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a slow-cooker and toss briefly to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 30 minutes - 1 hour, until the cheese is completely melted. Check the dip every 30 minutes or so to be sure that it does not accidentally overcook.
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Stir the dip until evenly combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot with veggies, gluten-free crackers, or tortilla chips.
From our kitchen to yours, we hope this dish inspires warmth and good health this holiday season. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
