Herbed Spinach Dip

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When I first made this Herbed Spinach Dip, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a hit. I threw it together for a weekend gathering, hoping for a simple, tasty appetizer—and it ended up stealing the show. It’s creamy, full of fresh herb flavor, and perfectly balanced with a garlicky tang that makes it irresistible on just about anything: crackers, veggie sticks, or even a spoon (yes, I went there).

What I love most about this dip is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. There’s no cooking involved, just some chopping, mixing, and chilling. It’s become one of those recipes I can always count on when I need something delicious in a pinch, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack, this dip brings fresh, bold flavors with hardly any effort.

Why You’ll Love This Herbed Spinach Dip

This dip is a flavor-packed, creamy dream. The combination of fresh herbs and spinach gives it a vibrant green color and a garden-fresh taste, while the cream cheese and Greek yogurt bring that rich, velvety texture everyone craves. It’s quick to make, super customizable, and works for everything from casual snacking to elegant entertaining. Best of all—it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead.

What Kind of Spinach Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen spinach here, depending on what you have on hand. Fresh spinach gives a brighter flavor and texture, but frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) works just as well and saves time. Just make sure all excess moisture is removed so the dip doesn’t get watery.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily adapt this dip to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a richer, tangier flavor.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt to make it vegan.
• Mix in different herbs like dill, mint, or basil depending on your flavor mood.
• Add a handful of finely chopped watercress or arugula for a peppery twist.
• Spice it up with a dash of crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

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Ingredients for this Herbed Spinach Dip

• Cream cheese: Acts as the rich, creamy base. It gives the dip body and smoothness.
• Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightens the texture. Also bumps up the protein content.
• Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained): Provides that earthy green base flavor and beautiful color.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a clean, slightly peppery brightness.
• Fresh chives: Mild onion flavor that blends beautifully into the creamy base.
• Fresh dill: Gives a punch of garden-fresh, slightly tangy flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Brings sharpness and depth. You can mince or grate it finely for best results.
• Olive oil: Just a drizzle brings smoothness and rounds out all the flavors.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
• Lemon juice (optional): Adds a pop of brightness to lift the flavor profile.

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Step 1: Prep the Spinach

If you’re using fresh spinach, blanch it quickly in boiling water (about 30 seconds), then transfer to ice water to cool. Squeeze out all excess moisture and chop finely. For frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze dry.

Step 2: Chop the Herbs

Finely chop the parsley, chives, and dill. You want them distributed evenly throughout the dip, so the finer, the better.

Step 3: Soften the Cream Cheese

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This helps it blend more easily with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Stir together until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Herbs

Mix in the chopped spinach, parsley, chives, and dill. Stir well so everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Add Garlic, Olive Oil, and Seasonings

Grate in the garlic (or mince finely), add a drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice now if you’re using it.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and let the dip chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

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How Long to Prepare the Herbed Spinach Dip

Making this Herbed Spinach Dip is pleasantly quick. The active prep time, especially if you’re using frozen spinach, is under 15 minutes. If you go with fresh spinach, factor in an extra 5 minutes for blanching and chopping.

The key to full flavor is giving it time to chill. After mixing, let the dip rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, make it a few hours in advance—the longer it sits, the better the flavors develop.

Tips for Perfect Herbed Spinach Dip

• Use room temperature cream cheese to get a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Squeeze spinach dry—whether fresh or frozen—so your dip isn’t watery.
• Chop herbs finely for even distribution and a more refined mouthfeel.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning after chilling—it may need a bit more salt or lemon.
• Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and extra herbs for a fresh, elegant finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chilling step: This dip needs time to let flavors meld. Serving it right away misses out on depth.
• Using watery spinach: Failing to squeeze out moisture will ruin the texture.
• Overloading with garlic: A little goes a long way—too much can overpower the herbs.
• Not softening the cream cheese: Cold cream cheese is hard to mix and can leave lumps.
• Overmixing: Stir gently to keep a light, fluffy texture.

What to Serve With Herbed Spinach Dip?

1. Crunchy Crackers

Perfect for scooping, especially whole-grain or seeded varieties.

2. Sliced Veggies

Carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, celery, and bell peppers all pair well and keep it healthy.

3. Pita Chips

Their sturdy structure holds up beautifully to thick, creamy dips.

4. Toasted Baguette Slices

Add a gourmet touch with crisp crostini.

5. Grilled Chicken Skewers

Use the dip as a cool, herby contrast to warm, spiced proteins.

Storage Instructions

This dip stores beautifully. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If liquid separates, just give it a quick stir before serving again. Freezing isn’t ideal, as the dairy components can change texture once thawed, but it’s so easy to whip up fresh, you probably won’t need to.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, approx. 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I leave the dip out at room temperature?

No more than 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated for safety.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s best when made a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

You can, but the flavor will be more muted. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it with.

Can I add cheese to the dip?

Absolutely. A bit of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta adds extra depth.

Conclusion

This Herbed Spinach Dip is a fresh, creamy, flavor-packed addition to any table. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress guests or satisfy your snack cravings. Whether you’re entertaining or meal prepping, this dip delivers every time with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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