High-Protein Low-Carb Spinach & Artichoke Dip (Creamy & Guilt-Free!)
Enjoy a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, version of your favorite creamy dip! This High-Protein Low-Carb Spinach & Artichoke Dip uses Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for a velvety smooth base, packed with tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and melted cheese. It’s a perfect appetizer or snack that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-28 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup 1% small curd cottage cheese
- 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and very well drained
- 6 ounces marinated artichoke hearts (not in oil), drained and diced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch (2-quart) glass baking dish
- Small blender or food processor
- Dishcloth or paper towels (for draining spinach)
- Medium mixing bowl
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Blend Dairy Base: In a small blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no cottage cheese curds visible.
- Drain Spinach (Crucial!): Place the thawed spinach in a clean dishcloth (or sturdy paper towels) and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a watery dip.
- Combine Dip Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the blended yogurt and cottage cheese mixture, the well-drained spinach, diced artichokes, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and half (¼ cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Pour the dip mixture into the prepared glass baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Broil for Golden Top:
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Then, set your oven’s broiler to high. Broil the dip for 2-3 minutes (watching very closely to prevent burning!) until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy! Carefully remove from the oven. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Low-Carb Dippers: Serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks (in moderation for lower carb), baked zucchini chips, or low-carb crackers.
- Non-Low-Carb Options: Pita chips, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.
Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification (As Written)
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein due to the Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheeses.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. It avoids high-carb ingredients like flour or traditional creamy sauces.
- Keto: NO, this recipe is NOT strictly keto-friendly as written.
- Reason: Nonfat Greek yogurt and 1% cottage cheese contain more lactose (milk sugar/carbs) and less fat than full-fat dairy options, which are preferred on a ketogenic diet. While it’s low-carb, it’s not optimized for typical keto macros.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
