Quick and easy dip recipes

When you suddenly discover guests are about to stop in for a visit or you are invited to a last-minute potluck, a dip is a great item to put out. Turn to one of these quick and easy dip recipes to impress your friends and family in moments.

The key to a great go-to, speedy dip is picking a recipe that requires ingredients you almost always have on hand. That’s why we’ve collected three delicious dips that use simple, common ingredients. Place the dip on a serving dish with your favourite selection of vegetables, crackers or breads, and you have a quick and easy appetizer in moments. Read on to find the right emergency dip for you.

Creamy French onion dip

Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com

With just three ingredients — which are easy to keep on hand all the time— you can whip up this creamy dip in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 package dry French onion soup mix
• 1-1/4 cups non-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise

Directions:

1. Thoroughly stir together the soup mix, sour cream and mayonnaise.
2. Transfer to a decorative bowl and serve.

Tzatziki

To add a healthy Mediterranean twist to your night, whip up this yummy Greek dip.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogourt
• 1/2 an English cucumber
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-1/2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Begin by peeling the cucumber. Cut it twice down the centre to divide it into quarters. Slice off the seeds from each quarter and discard. Slice the cucumber quarters thinly and place pieces in a colander in the sink. Sprinkle pieces with salt and let sit. This will help dehydrate the cucumber pieces so the dip doesn’t become runny.
2. After 20 minutes, pat the cucumber pieces dry with a paper towel.
3. Combine the yogourt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic and dill.
4. Transfer to a decorative bowl and serve.

Hummus

This delicious Middle Eastern dip can be blended together in minutes and keeps very well — if you even have any leftovers. Your guests are sure to gobble it up!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) can chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of paprika (optional)

Directions:

1. Pour the liquid surrounding the chickpeas into another container. Place the chickpeas in a strainer, and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
2. Place the chickpeas into the food processor. Add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin and salt. Blend until the chickpeas have broken down.
3. Slowly pour in the chickpea liquid one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
4. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

more appetizer recipes

Healthy appetizer: Vegetable antipasto
Tasty appetizer: Olive-stuffed cheese balls
Create a delicious antipasto platter