Creamy, zesty spinach dip -- healthy and yummy! It's no trouble at all with these easy appetizer recipes.

Spinach dip is a perennial favorite at cocktail parties. There's something irresistible about blending super-healthy spinach with sour cream, seasonings and other tangy ingredients.

And, you can keep it heart-healthy without compromising flavor by using low-fat or fat-free products. How can this be? Well, the spinach and spices take center stage, so this dip is tasty so matter which version of sour cream, mayo, cottage cheese or other product you choose to work with for the creamy base.

Each of these dips can be served with sturdy dipping items such as rye crisps, pita chips or bread sticks. Or use cold veggie sticks for an ultra-healthy offering that skips the crackers and chips altogether. Another idea is to serve these dips in a bread bowl with bread dipping chunks. (Several supermarkets sell inexpensive bread bowls to save you loads of time.)

Best of all, our easy recipe options can be prepared in just 3-4 quick steps:

Super-Easy Spinach Dip Recipe #1

INGREDIENTS

Two 10-oz. packages of frozen chopped spinach (or at least 20 oz. if you buy it bagged)

1 cup mayonnaise (low-fat or fat-free are fine)

1 cup sour cream (again, low or no-fat versions work just fine)

1 packet of dried veggie soup mix (these usually come in 1-5/8 oz. packets)

One 7-oz. can of sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped

RECIPE

  1. Thaw and drain the chopped spinach; pat with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl that holds 4 cups, and blend thoroughly.
  3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 2-4 hours so the flavors have a chance to fuse together.

Makes about 4 cups of dip.

We promised it would be easy!

Super-Easy Spinach Dip Recipe #2

(This one's spicier)

INGREDIENTS

One 10-oz. package of frozen chopped spinach

1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or fat-free)

1/2 cup light sour cream or non-fat plain yogurt

1/2 cup fresh parsely, finely chopped

1/4 cup scallions or green onions, finely chopped including green and white sections

1 Tb lemon juice

1 tsp hot pepper flakes or sauce

RECIPE

  1. Thaw and drain the chopped spinach; pat with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Combine cottage cheese and lemon juice; blend until smooth.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients and hand-mix until blended throughout.
  4. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 2-4 hours.

Makes about 3 cups of dip.

Super-Easy Spinach Dip Recipe #3

(This one features Parmesan cheese)

INGREDIENTS

One 10-oz. package of frozen chopped spinach

1/2 cup light sour cream or non-fat plain yogurt

4 oz. cream cheese (fat-free, softened)

1/4 cup scallions or green onions, finely chopped including green and white sections

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 Tb lemon juice

1 minced garlic clove or 1 tsp garlic powder

RECIPE

  1. Thaw and drain the chopped spinach; pat with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Combine sour cream or yogurt with cream cheese and lemon juice; blend until smooth.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients and hand-mix until blended throughout.
  4. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 2-4 hours.

Makes about 2 cups of dip.

Super-Easy Spinach Dip Recipe #4

(This one features ranch dressing and colorful carrots)

INGREDIENTS

One 10-oz. package of frozen chopped spinach

2 cups ranch dressing (low-fat or fat-free is fine)

1 cup light sour cream or non-fat plain yogurt

1/4 cup scallions or green onions, finely chopped including green and white sections

1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped

1 Tb lemon juice

RECIPE

  1. Thaw and drain the chopped spinach; pat with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Combine with all ingredients and blend thoroughly until smooth.
  3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 2-4 hours.

Makes about 4 cups of dip.

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