Appetizers can be notoriously high in calories, even when seemingly healthy ingredients like spinach and artichoke are in the title. Unfortunately, creamy spinach artichoke dip traditionally contains sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, which add up to loads of calories and unhealthy fats. As mentioned on my other blog, HCG Diet Success Program, this recipe will really help accelerate your diet faster.

Now chips and dip have always been a favorite when I have company over, but it is so easy to dip into this dish a few too many times and underestimate the damage.

Salsa or fat-free bean dips are great alternatives if you are simply looking for low calorie choices, but if you are craving something creamy, try my version of spinach artichoke dip. Instead of using just low-fat versions of mayonnaise and sour cream, I have added probiotics and pumped up the protein with Greek yogurt and buttermilk. Probiotics are known to promote good digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally they help to boost the immune system, which is especially important during the cold and flu season. In order to preserve the tangy flavor of the dip, I use a spreadable low-fat cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to create a dish you won't feel guilty about serving your guests.

What's the best chip to dip? I like baked tortilla chips, whole wheat pita chips or other whole grain crackers. Add slices of veggies to the platter and you have a pretty tempting and presentable appetizer to munch on while socializing with your guests.

Go ahead and give it a try and don't be afraid to make it your own.

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces low-fat spreadable cheese
• 1/4 cup fat-free buttermilk
• 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed

Directions

Squeeze the liquid out of the spinach and put in a food processor. Add the artichoke hearts and chop for 15 seconds.

In a large bowl cream together the yogurt, buttermilk and spreadable cheese. Add the spinach and artichoke mixture and sliced scallions. Season with the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper.

Serve cool or at room temperature. Note: You may be tempted to warm up the dip, but this will negate the probiotic benefits as heat destroys the live-active cultures in the yogurt and buttermilk.