Greek Spinach & Yogurt Dip

spinach dip3

I needed a quick spinach dip for a party, and since I knew many of the ladies were watching their weight, I didn't want to use my beloved full fat mayonnaise.

Instead, I made a nice Greek style dip with lemon and dill and fresh spinach that was blanched and sauteed.

I used a nonfat Greek style plain yogurt and it turned out great! No one could tell that I took out the fat! (then everyone could eat dessert without feeling guilty!).

I got the idea of using chopped walnuts for the top from a Persian recipe called Borani Esfanaaj, which is similar to this dip except there is no cheese added.

Greek Spinach & Yogurt Dip:

16 oz. package of fresh spinach leaves (not baby spinach, but the curly, thick old fashioned variety)
2 large cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
8 ounces plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or low fat)
1/4 cup chopped chives or scallions
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
a handful of crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
a handful of crumbled walnuts for the top

I like to use fresh spinach, but of course you can use a package of frozen chopped spinach.
If you are using frozen, make sure after defrosting you squeeze out all the excess water.


Steam your spinach and cook it with the remaining minced garlic clove in a little olive oil till fragrant. Set aside.



When the spinach has cooled, add the rest of the ingredients along with the other raw garlic clove and mix together with the yogurt.

Lay out in a flat round dish and sprinkle with walnut pieces.
Drizzle with a little olive oil just before serving.

Serve with warm naan bread or pita bread.



Enjoy!

Comments

Anonymous said…
God, do I understand those abstemious ladies! My pants fit just fine, but my spirit, my soul, is STILL overwhelmed by the endless groaning tables I encountered this combo Passover/Easter weekend. Don't want to eat for a week. Which I HATE! Funny, being swamped with TOO much food had temporaily robbed me of desire for one of my main pleasures, FOOD! I just need a break. Back in the saddle real soon, I'm sure.
The JR said…
That looks so much better than that old version everyone has been making for years.
Much healthier, no guilt, and I love my Greek yogurt anyway, of course the pita or naan I would have to have self control with, love that stuff!
kat said…
That looks like a great dip. Going to have to send this one to my mom as she has such a hard time cooking for her friends as they are all always watching their weight!
Foodiewife said…
I'm always watching my weight, and it's still stuck to me. Seriously, it's nice to mix up the go-for-it fat gram recipes by balancing it with healthier versions. Greek yogurt is a great healthy alternative, in disguise. Love anything Greek, because I love spinach and feta. Mmmm.
This looks like a very tasty dip. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Pam said…
I love this healthy and flavorful dip - adding the walnuts gives it great texture.
Joanne said…
Spinach dip is a serious weakness of mine. I love how I could eat this without all of the guilt!
Jen_from_NJ said…
I love all of the Greek flavors in this healthy spinach dip. What a great idea to add the walnuts. Perfect!
Lisa said…
what a great dip idea! I never thought to put walnuts in a dip, but it sounds like the perfect ingredient to a spinach dip. Yummy
Ciao Chow Linda said…
My God, you're such a good girl. I guess I need to eat more like this to lose the weight I put on over the weekend. Looks delicious.
Dana said…
Yum, I love stuff like that! I would rather eat dip than dessert any day.
Cherine said…
I love this dip!!
I love this dip! So healthy AND so delicious! I just shared your recipe and linked back to your site on my blog today...I hope that is ok! Your recipes are so good!