If vegetables tend to feel like the least exciting thing on your plate, it might be time to rethink how you serve them. A good dip can turn crunchy carrots, cucumber, peppers and broccoli into something you actually look forward to eating.
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Try these simple, flavour-packed recipes and give your everyday veggies a delicious upgrade.
Creamy herby yoghurt dip
Fresh, creamy and packed with flavour, this is an easy alternative to heavier creamy dips. Greek yoghurt provides protein, while fresh herbs add plenty of flavour without needing lots of salt.
Quick recipe: Mix 1 cup plain Greek yoghurt with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 small crushed garlic clove and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill or coriander. Season with black pepper and a little salt. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Try it with cucumber, carrots, sugar snap peas or roasted vegetables.
Hummus with a fresh twist
Hummus is a classic for good reason, but a few simple additions can give it a completely different personality.
Quick recipe: Blend 1 cup cooked chickpeas with 2 tablespoons tahini, the juice of ½ lemon, 1 small garlic clove and 1–2 tablespoons olive oil. Add a splash of water until smooth, then season to taste. For extra flavour, stir through chopped roasted red pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Serve with peppers, baby marrow, celery or toasted wholegrain pita.
Avocado and lime dip
Creamy avocado makes an excellent base for a dip, while lime and coriander give it a fresh, zingy finish. It’s particularly good alongside crunchy vegetables.
Quick recipe: Mash 1 ripe avocado with the juice of ½ lime, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yoghurt and a handful of chopped coriander. Add a pinch of chilli flakes if you like some heat. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon it alongside cucumber, carrots and sweet peppers, or use it as a spread in wraps.
Roasted red pepper and feta dip
Sweet roasted peppers and salty feta make a delicious combination. This vibrant dip is ideal when you want something with a little more Mediterranean flair.
Quick recipe: Blend 2 roasted red peppers with 100 g feta, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yoghurt, 1 teaspoon olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add a pinch of smoked paprika and blend until creamy but still slightly textured.
Serve with sliced peppers, broccoli, baby tomatoes or wholegrain crackers.
Peanut, soy and lime dip
For something a little different, combine creamy peanut butter with soy and lime for a savoury dip with plenty of flavour. It works particularly well with raw vegetables or as a dressing for a crunchy vegetable bowl.
Quick recipe: Whisk together 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, the juice of ½ lime and 1–2 tablespoons warm water until smooth. Add a little grated ginger or chilli for extra zing.
Try it with carrots, cucumber, mangetout and red peppers.
Make snacking more colourful
Having a homemade dip ready in the fridge can make it much easier to reach for vegetables when hunger strikes. Prepare one at the beginning of the week and keep a container of chopped vegetables nearby for quick snacking. Because when healthy eating is convenient – and genuinely delicious – it becomes much easier to make it part of your routine.
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Featured Image: Magnific
