Chilled Spinach-Artichoke Delight
Enjoy this creamy and refreshing Chilled Spinach-Artichoke Delight, perfect for summer gatherings or casual get-togethers. This dip combines the rich flavors of artichoke hearts and spinach with the tanginess of lemon and the warmth of garlic, creating a dip that's both delicious and nutritious. Serve it alongside crisp vegetables or your favorite crackers for a delightful appetizer that everyone will love. Quick to prepare and easy to share, this dip is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water-packed artichoke hearts
14 ounces (rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped)
reduced-fat cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (divided)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
garlic clove
1 small (chopped)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
scallions
2 (sliced)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the ingredients: rinse and drain the artichoke hearts, chop the garlic, thaw and squeeze dry the spinach, and slice the scallions.
2
In a food processor, combine half of the chopped artichokes, softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, lemon juice, chopped garlic, cayenne pepper, and 3 tablespoons of water. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Next, add the remaining artichokes, sliced scallions, and prepared spinach to the food processor. Pulse the mixture briefly, just enough to combine and break up the spinach without over-mixing.
4
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
6
Serve chilled with an assortment of fresh raw vegetables, chips, or crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Spinach-Artichoke Delight?
It is a creamy and refreshing cold dip made with artichoke hearts, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and lemon, perfect for summer gatherings.
Is this spinach-artichoke dip served hot or cold?
This specific recipe is designed to be served chilled, making it a refreshing alternative to traditional warm dips.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 4 servings.
Is the Chilled Spinach-Artichoke Delight vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed including vegetables and cheeses, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What are the main ingredients for this dip?
The primary ingredients are water-packed artichoke hearts, reduced-fat cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, scallions, and frozen chopped spinach.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation is quick, involving simple food processing and a minimum refrigeration time of 30 minutes.
Can I store leftover dip in the refrigerator?
Yes, you can store this dip in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when covered.
What is the best way to serve this dip?
It is best served chilled with an assortment of fresh raw vegetables, chips, or your favorite crackers.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the base ingredients until smooth and to pulse in the remaining ingredients for the right texture.
How do I prepare the spinach for the dip?
You should use frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed very dry to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Can I use marinated artichoke hearts instead of water-packed?
The recipe specifies water-packed artichoke hearts for a cleaner flavor, but marinated hearts could be used if you prefer a more vinegary profile.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, divided between the mixture and the garnish.
Is this dip healthy?
Yes, this recipe is considered a healthy dip option as it uses reduced-fat cream cheese and fiber-rich vegetables like spinach and artichokes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you would need to substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
What gives this dip its tangy flavor?
The tanginess comes from the combination of fresh lemon juice and reduced-fat cream cheese.
Is the dip spicy?
It contains 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which adds a very mild warmth without being overly spicy.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one small chopped fresh garlic clove.
Should I rinse the artichoke hearts?
Yes, you should rinse and drain the water-packed artichoke hearts before coarsely chopping them.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least 30 minutes ahead is required, and it can be prepared up to a day in advance for the best flavor meld.
What is the purpose of adding water to the recipe?
Three tablespoons of water are added during the initial processing to help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for the base.
Can I use fresh spinach?
While the recipe calls for frozen, you can use fresh spinach if you steam and squeeze it dry first to match the texture.
What should the texture of the dip be?
The base should be smooth and creamy, while the final pulse adds small pieces of spinach and artichoke for texture.
Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese texture may become grainy upon thawing.
Are scallions necessary?
Scallions provide a mild onion flavor and color; if omitted, the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I garnish the dip?
The dip is garnished with the remaining tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
What if I don't have cayenne pepper?
You can substitute with a dash of black pepper or omit it entirely if you prefer no heat at all.
Is this a good appetizer for parties?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as perfect for summer gatherings and casual get-togethers.
How many artichoke hearts are used?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce can or jar of water-packed artichoke hearts.
Does the dip contain any added sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugars.
What kind of cream cheese should I buy?
The recipe recommends reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of the traditional dip.