Creamy Ricotta Spinach Dip with Crunchy Chips
Indulge in the velvety richness of this creamy Ricotta Spinach Dip, a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional cream cheese dips. Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh spinach, green onions, and radishes, it’s a hit for gatherings or as a cozy snack. The optional garnishes of dill, water chestnuts, parsley, and cherry tomatoes elevate this dish to gourmet status. Best of all, you can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Pair it with your favorite chips, crunchy raw veggies, or artisan crackers for a satisfying treat. Enjoy this delightful and nutritious dip that proves snacking can be both delicious and wholesome!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Spinach
1 bunch (Stemmed and minced (about 3/4 pound))
Ricotta Cheese
1 lb (Can use fat-free)
Green Onions or Chives
3-4 or 1 cup (Very finely minced)
Radishes
5-6 (Finely minced)
Salt
To taste
Black Pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Fresh Dill
1-2 tablespoons (Minced (optional))
Water Chestnuts
1/2 cup (Finely minced (optional))
Parsley
To taste (Minced (optional for garnish))
Olives
To taste (Optional for garnish)
Cherry Tomatoes
To taste (Halved (optional for garnish))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the spinach: stem it, rinse thoroughly to remove any grit, and dry it completely with a salad spinner.
2
Finely mince the dried spinach and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese. Using a wire whisk or a wooden spoon (or a KitchenAid mixer if preferred), beat the ricotta until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
4
Stir in the minced spinach along with the green onions (or chives), radishes, and any optional ingredients like dill and water chestnuts.
5
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring it’s well-balanced.
6
Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until the dip is very cold, allowing at least an hour for the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, give the dip a gentle stir, garnish with parsley or cherry tomatoes if desired, and serve alongside your favorite chips, fresh veggies, or high-quality crackers.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ricotta Spinach Dip?
It is a velvety, rich dip made with ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and herbs, serving as a healthier alternative to traditional cream cheese dips.
Is this dip considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and wholesome snack option that is lighter than standard cream cheese-based appetizers.
Can I use fat-free ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use fat-free ricotta cheese for this recipe to further reduce the fat content.
How should I prepare the fresh spinach?
Stem the spinach, rinse it thoroughly to remove grit, dry it completely using a salad spinner, and then finely mince it.
How do I make the ricotta creamy?
Beat the ricotta cheese with a wire whisk, a wooden spoon, or a KitchenAid mixer until it reaching a smooth and creamy consistency.
Can I use a mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a KitchenAid mixer is an excellent tool for beating the ricotta until it is smooth.
Can I substitute green onions?
Yes, you can use one cup of very finely minced chives as a substitute for green onions.
How many radishes are needed?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 finely minced radishes.
Is fresh dill a required ingredient?
Fresh dill is optional, but adding 1-2 tablespoons of minced dill provides extra flavor.
Why should I add water chestnuts?
Adding 1/2 cup of finely minced water chestnuts is optional but adds a pleasant crunch to the dip.
How long should I refrigerate the dip before serving?
Refrigerate the dip for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld, or until it is very cold.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dip a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What should I serve with this dip?
It pairs perfectly with your favorite chips, crunchy raw vegetables, or high-quality artisan crackers.
What garnishes are recommended?
You can garnish the dip with minced parsley, halved cherry tomatoes, or olives.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Ricotta Spinach Dip is suitable for vegetarians.
Do I need to cook the spinach first?
No, the spinach is used fresh and raw, simply stemmed and finely minced.
How do I ensure the spinach is clean?
Rinse the spinach thoroughly in water to remove any grit before drying and mincing.
What is the texture of the dip?
The dip has a smooth, creamy base with fine pieces of spinach and optional crunchy textures from radishes and water chestnuts.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ricotta cheese.
Can I use cherry tomatoes in the dip?
Cherry tomatoes are recommended as an optional garnish rather than an ingredient mixed directly into the dip.
What seasonings are used?
The dip is seasoned simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How much spinach is in one bunch?
One bunch of spinach is typically about 3/4 pound once it has been stemmed.
How should I store the dip?
Store the dip in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.
Is this dip good for parties?
Yes, it is described as a hit for gatherings and party food due to its vibrant flavors.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities if necessary.
Should the dip be stirred before serving?
Yes, give the dip a gentle stir before serving to ensure the consistency is even after refrigeration.
Is the spinach dried before mincing?
Yes, it is essential to dry the spinach completely, preferably with a salad spinner, before mincing it.
Can I add olives to the recipe?
Yes, olives can be added as an optional garnish to enhance the flavor.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip ingredients themselves are gluten-free, but ensure you serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if needed.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 green onions, very finely minced.