I’m not sure if you all realize this, but Memorial Day is this weekend! That means summer is like four days away. You might not be aware of this if you, like me, live in the frozen tundra Michigan where for some reason it was 30 degrees last night. Yesterday the high was 50. Fifty degrees feels just swell in March, but in May? Not so much.
Side Note: One thing this blog has made me realize is I complain about the weather A LOT. BUT, I live in Michigan, so I am entitled. If you live farther south and you want to complain to me about the rain/snow/sleet/cold, I have no patience for you.
Anyway, even if the weather doesn’t know it, summer is just right around the corner. Memorial Day might not be the official start of summer, but it is the official beginning of BBQs, pool parties, and late summer nights. Still not feeling swimsuit ready? Me neither. That’s why this dip is absolutely perfect! It’s yummy, it’s easy to make in advance and transport, AND it’s only 115 calories per serving! Bonus: You can make it in less than 15 minutes and it keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just jazz it up with a swirl of olive oil and sprinkle some turmeric, paprika, and feta cheese on top. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now and I know I will be keeping them on hand all summer so I can whip this up at a moment’s notice. Double Bonus: You can munch on this all afternoon without worrying about it wreaking havoc on your waistline! Seriously, I told you, this is the perfect dip!
One problem with ultra super healthy dips like this one is that the dip is only one half of the equation. Don’t wreck the benefits by bringing high calorie chips to pair alongside. And, keep in mind, crackers are usually not any better than chips, even those that are supposedly “multigrain,” “whole wheat,” or gluten-free. If you are looking for an absolutely amazingly delicious cracker that is 100% whole grain and gluten free, I highly, highly recommend Mary’s Gone Crackers. Confession: I order these by the dozen from Amazon. They are a little pricy and I can usually only find them at the fancy health food store where everything is already over-priced, so Amazon is definitely the way to go. We like the jalapeño, but if original is more your style, you can usually find those at Costco.
And if you don’t really like your friends/relatives enough to share an almost $5 box of crackers (no judgment), then cut up some cucumbers, carrots, or other veggies to serve alongside.
- 1-2 cloves garlic (depending on how garlicky you like things)
- 2 cans (15 oz.) Great Northern beans
- 1 c. crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of 1.5 lemons (about ¾ cup)
- ¼ cup olive oil+more for garnish (optional)
- ½ t. turmeric
- ¼ t. white pepper
- ½ T. Franks or other hot sauce (more or less to taste; can omit completely)
- Optional: Paprika for garnish
- Pulse garlic in food processor until diced.
- Add remaining ingredients, pulse until smooth. I recommend adding 1 can of beans, then everything else, pulse, then add remaining can of beans.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- To serve: place in bowl, top with a swirl of olive oil, sprinkle of turmeric and paprika, and a few pinches of feta.
- Serve with crackers, corn chips, tortilla chips, or veggies.
Calories: 115 per serving
P.S. This post contains affiliate links for Amazon products that I LOVE and recommend to you. That means that if you click the link above and buy these super yummy crackers from Amazon, they throw me a few pennies for sending you their way. However, this post is in no way sponsored by Mary’s Gone Organic, I just recommend those because they are seriously the best crackers ever! Now go try them!