Spinach Parmesan Dip

 

With Holiday parties in full swing these days, I was looking for an easy, yet healthy appetizer that I could easily make ahead and take with me to parties. This spinach dip is loaded with nutrients and uses fat free yogurt, reduced fat cream cheese and parmesan to get that creamy flavour without all the calories. But at the same time it doesn't have that "healthy taste" due to all the wonderful fresh flavour from the spinach, garlic and basil. I served it up with homemade whole wheat pita chips, but you could also use fresh cut veggies.

What you'll need:
1 tsp Olive Oil
3 Garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 tsp Salt
1 (10oz) package of fresh Spinach
1/2 cup Basil Leaves, loosely packed
1/3 cup Reduced Fat Cream Cheese, softened
1/8 tsp Black Pepper
1/3 cup Plain Fat-Free Yogurt
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

In a skillet over medium-high, heat oil and saute garlic for 1 minute. 

Add salt and spinach, saute 3 minutes or until spinach wilts.

 It may seem like a lot, but it will wilt down.

Place mixture in a colander and press with the back of the spoon until the mixture is barely moist.

In a food processor, quickly process together the basil, cream cheese, yogurt, Parmesan and pepper.

Add spinach mixture and process until smooth.

Serve with homemade pita crisps or fresh cut veggies.

To make Pita Crisps:

Cut whole wheat pitas with kitchen scissors into 8 slices. Brush with olive oil. Broil for 3-4 minutes until toasted. Be careful to watch them so that you don't burn them!

Makes 8 servings

Adapted from Cooking Light, November 2004

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Nutritional Information