Healthy & Delicious Vegan Spinach Dip Recipe
Have you been searching for a delicious and easy vegan spinach dip recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! I’m thrilled to share my go-to vegan spinach dip recipe that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at any gathering.
This dip packs in all the creamy and tasty goodness you want without any of the dairy or other animal products commonly found in traditional spinach dips. It’s also packed with hidden veggies, making it perfect for getting those nutrients into picky eaters.
Plus, this recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients and takes just minutes to make – so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party. Keep reading for the complete ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and a few helpful tips to ensure your vegan spinach dip turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: you’re hosting a party, and all of your guests have arrived. You want to impress them with some tasty appetizers, but you also want to accommodate any dietary restrictions. That’s where my easy vegan spinach dip recipe comes in!
Not only is this dip completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly, but it’s also quick and easy to make. Using just a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have on hand, the end result is a creamy and flavorful dip that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
But what makes this vegan spinach dip truly special is the addition of marinated artichokes. These tender and tangy bites add a whole new depth of flavor to the classic spinach dip. And the best part? You won’t even be able to tell that there are hidden veggies in every bite!
Whether you’re serving it with chips, crackers, or veggies for a healthier option, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this easy vegan spinach dip. Fear not, this recipe requires only basic and inexpensive ingredients that are widely available at any grocery store. Make sure to have the following items on hand:
Spinach and Artichokes
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 can (14 oz) of marinated artichokes, drained and roughly chopped
Soft Tofu
- 1 cup of soft tofu
- 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
Raw Cashews
- 1/2 cup of raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes and drained)
Onion and Garlic
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Vegan Cream Cheese
- 4 oz vegan cream cheese
- 1/4 cup vegan sour cream
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Feel free to check your pantry for any additional spices or ingredients that you’d like to add to this vegan spinach dip recipe. You can also adjust the ingredient quantities based on your preference or the size of your party.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. Here are the steps to make this easy vegan spinach dip:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Here’s a quick recap of what you’ll need:
- 1 small yellow onion
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cup vegan cream cheese
- ½ cup vegan sour cream
- 3/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finely chop the onion and garlic. Thaw and drain the spinach well, squeezing out as much moisture as possible. Drain and chop the artichoke hearts.
Step 3: Saute Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Mix Ingredients
Add all other ingredients (including cooked onions and garlic) to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the blended mixture into an oven-safe dish. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Serve Hot with your Favorite Dipping Options
Once your homemade vegan spinach-artichoke dip is done baking, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving it hot with crackers, bread or vegetable crudités.
Enjoy this delicious appetizer at your next party or movie night in with friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Do you love experimenting and changing up traditional recipes? Then, you will enjoy customizing this easy vegan spinach dip to match your preferences. You can tweak the ingredients to make it spicy, creamy, or tangy. Let’s take a look at some of the substitutions and variations you can try:
– Tofu Options: If you prefer a firmer texture for your spinach dip, swap out the soft tofu for firm or extra-firm tofu. Alternatively, use silken tofu if you desire a smoother and creamier dip.
– Hidden Veggies: Sneak in some additional veggies into your dip by adding shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or grated zucchini. Not only does it boost its nutritional value, but it also adds extra color and texture!
– Vegan Cheese: For a cheesy flavor and stretchy consistency, include vegan cheese such as Kite Hill or mozzarella shreds. It’s an excellent addition to increase the creaminess of the dip!
– Artichoke Options: You can replace marinated artichokes with artichoke hearts for a less tangy flavor. Additionally, experiment with different types of artichoke dips such as hot spinach and artichoke pasta bake for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
– Non-Dairy Options: Swap natural vegan yogurt in place of vegan sour cream if you desire lower fat content. Another recommendation is using non-dairy cream cheese to make a dairy-free version.
– Nutritional Yeast: Try experimenting with different amounts of nutritional yeast to adjust the flavor profile of your dip. Less or more nutritional yeast changes the umami depth in your dip.
Think outside the box and try out different combinations; everyone has their preference on what works best for their taste. Let us know in the comments below which variations you have tried!
Serving and Pairing
The easy vegan spinach dip is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. The dip pairs well with carrot sticks, celery, sliced bell peppers, and whole-grain crackers. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches, wraps or toast.
For a fancier presentation, the vegan spinach dip could be spread onto crostini to create an elegant appetizer or served in a bread bowl for a party centerpiece. Pair this dip with a light beer or crisp white wine to balance out its creaminess.
If you want an extra kick of nutrition or hidden veggies in your meal, try incorporating the spinach dip into your pasta dishes. Simply toss it with your favorite pasta and some additional veggies to make a delicious vegan spinach artichoke pasta bake. It’s also yummy as a creamy topping on roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.
No matter how you decide to serve it, this easy vegan spinach dip recipe has the potential to become one of your go-to appetizers or snacks for any occasion. Enjoy it guilt-free knowing that it’s dairy-free and full of plant-based nutritious ingredients!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Congratulations, you have successfully made your delicious vegan spinach dip! But what do you do with it now? Don’t worry, I have got you covered.
Make-Ahead:
If you are planning on making this easy vegan spinach dip ahead of time, make sure to let it cool down completely before refrigerating. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it into an air-tight container to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving.
Storing:
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing the vegan spinach dip as the texture may change.
Reheating:
When reheating your vegan spinach dip, you need to be very careful as tofu and cashews tend to thicken when refrigerated. To reheat, simply transfer your desired amount of vegan spinach dip into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds intervals until warm. You can also reheat it on the stovetop by adding a dash of vegetable broth or plant-based milk and heating it over low heat until warm.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy your delicious vegan spinach dip anytime you want without any hassle!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to take your vegan spinach dip to the next level, then pay attention to these helpful tips that will help you achieve perfect results every time.
First and foremost, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh spinach and marinated artichokes, as well as nutritional yeast, vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and soft tofu. These ingredients will not only make your dip even more delicious but also bring unique flavors to the table.
Another important tip is to mix your dip well. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined before serving. Use a blender or food processor for best results. This will help smooth out any lumps or bumps and ensure that the dip is silky smooth.
When cooking the frozen spinach, remember to squeeze out excess moisture once thawed. This will prevent the final product from being too watery. You can do this using a sieve or cheesecloth.
Garlic powder, black pepper, and onion are some of the most popular ingredients in spinach dip recipes. Use them generously to impart maximum flavor. However, be careful with salt since most of the ingredients already have salty notes.
Finally, if you’re serving this at a party or gathering, consider doubling or tripling the recipe as it is likely that people will go back for seconds. And who can blame them? Vegan spinach dip is irresistibly creamy and is sure to be a hit amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy vegan spinach dip recipe is not only delicious and creamy, but also packed with hidden veggies, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The combination of marinated artichokes, minced garlic, and frozen spinach is simply irresistible. You can enjoy this dip with sliced veggies, crackers, or bread.
As someone who is passionate about plant-based eating, I love that this recipe takes a classic dish like spinach dip and makes it vegan-friendly without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s quick and easy to make, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Plus, you can easily adapt it to your desired level of creaminess by adjusting the amount of vegan cream cheese or tofu you use.
Whether you’re hosting a party or sharing a meal with friends and family, this vegan spinach dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Being vegan doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious food – in fact, it can often lead to discovering new and creative dishes.
So why not try this recipe out for yourself? I promise you won’t regret it. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can easily whip up a batch of creamy vegan spinach dip that everyone will love. Give it a go and see for yourself why this is one of my go-to appetizers!
Easy Vegan Spinach Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) package soft tofu
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (12 ounce) jar marinated artichokes
- 1 (1 ounce) envelope ranch dip mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 -2 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon onion flakes
Instructions
- Combine drained tofu with spices, and blend together (I used my food processor, but a hand blender would work well too). Thin out mixure with 1-2 T of marinade from the artichokes, until the consistancy of sour cream.
- Add artichokes, roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Add spinach and mix well.
- Refrigerate for several hours before serving cold with pumpernickel bread, crackers, or raw vegetables.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.