5 Good-For-You Dips And Spreads For The Big Game
(Photos: Jackie Newgent)
One of the benefits of dips and spreads is that they act as an ideal vehicle for getting some healthful foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Try it out for yourself with these 5 great-tasting, good-for-you recipes. And make them a day in advance so they’re ready to go when the action starts.
1. Roasted California Grape Guacamole
Grapes contain the same heart-healthful compounds found in red wine, including resveratrol, which is found in the skins of grapes of all colors. Here, the grapes are roasted for extra depth of flavor. The avocado is notably healthful too, contributing nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. To further jazz up this recipe, coriander provides warm earthiness and nuts add crunch. Dunk into this guacamole with organic blue-corn tortilla chips or warm tortillas. CALORIES: 83. Get the recipe here.
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2. BLT White-Bean Bruschetta Spread
The base of this spread is a velvety white-bean hummus, which has a lovely spring-green hue, thanks to fresh baby spinach. It acts as the “lettuce” of the BLT. It makes the spread a significant source of folate, which is important for its potential breast-cancer-preventive role. To create a dippier texture, use green tea. Fresh tomato and a just-right amount of crispy bacon that contains no added nitrates or nitrites complete the recipe. It pairs perfectly with whole-grain toast or crackers. CALORIES: 94. Get the recipe here.
3. Wild Buffalo Dip
Start with grilled organic chicken nuggets or grilled chicken skewers, then go “wild” by dunking them into this yogurt-based dip. Or have it with vegetables, such as roasted cauliflower florets or raw celery sticks. The dip includes a little blue cheese, which Buffalo wings are often paired with. Plus, it’s finished with hot sauce. Make it as “hot” as you like! CALORIES: 42. Get the recipe here.
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4. Grilled Zucchini Baba Ghanoush
Baba ghanoush is a Middle Eastern eggplant dip, but instead of eggplant, this version is prepared with zucchini. To get the dip’s distinct smokiness, the zucchini is grilled and a pinch of smoked paprika is added. One of the other key players in this baba ghanoush is tahini, a sesame seed paste, which is a surprising way to up your iron intake. Scoop up this dip with a whole-grain pita, pita chips or lentil chips — and enjoy the plant-centered goodness. CALORIES: 58. Get the recipe here.
5. Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Ball
One cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet is nuts, including pistachios. A Harvard University study suggests a daily handful of pistachios may have a role in health and longevity. Incorporate pistachios in recipes like this goat cheese ball. You’ll mix goat cheese with part-skim ricotta to lighten it; then add apple-cider vinegar and black pepper to up the flavor. But the star of the show is the pistachios, which generously coat the ball. It’s delicious on fruit-nut bread or paired with seedless grapes or pear wedges. CALORIES: 108. Get the recipe here.
By Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN
Read more from LIVESTRONG.COM:
The Health Benefits of Hot Sauce
Game Day Guacamole With a Secret Ingredient
18 Paleo Snacks Under 200 Calories
The original article “10 Good-for-Your Dips and Spreads for the Big Game Day Gathering" appeared on LIVESTRONG.COM
