Sensational Summer Dips
It's no secret that we love healthy snacks and appetizers at Tuesday Foods. Snacking can be excellent way to help sustain your energy throughout the day. Studies suggest eating every few hours can help balance blood sugar and keep your metabolism revved. Plus, it can make you happier! A study at the University of Wales showed that women who were given snacks reported being in a better mood, were sharper mentally, and performed better on memory tasks.
Our formula for a healthy snack always contains a balance of carbohydrates (with a focus on fruits and vegetables), high quality protein, and healthy fats. Also, having a nibble between meals can keep you from overeating later in the day.
When we think of healthy snack food, the first things that come to mind are our delicious (can we say famous?) dips and spreads. Try these sensational summer dips - from our refreshing vegan tztaziki to our light and bright green pea guacamole - to keep you energized and avoid that afternoon slump!
Smoky Tahini Dressing
One of our favorites from Vegan At Times, this smoky dressing makes a delicious dip for veggies or pita, a dressing for salads, or drizzled over roasted sweet potatoes or sweet potato fries
Ingredients:
1/2 cup smooth tahini (we like 365 brand)
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
1/4 cup water (more for desired consistency)
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, paprika, salt and water until smooth. If it’s too thick, add water to desired consistency. Taste for salt - you might want to add a pinch more.
Green Goddess Dip
Cool, creamy, and flecked with fresh herbs, this Green Goddess dip is one of our favorites. The fresh herbs give it a fresh and cleansing feel. We love this dressing on a big salad with romaine, cucumbers, corn and chickpeas . It makes a delicious dip for veggies, and also makes a tasty addition to a simple grain bowl, with brown rice or quinoa, beans and vegetables. YUM!
Ingredients:
1 garlic clove
2 small avocados * (tahini or yogurt combined with 1 avocado works well here. notes below)
1/4 cup high quality olive oil
1/3 cup water
3/4 cup packed basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped chives
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped scallions (dark green part only)
Juice of 1 medium lemon
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
teaspoon honey or maple (optional)
Instructions:
Add garlic clove to food processor and process until finely chopped.
Add in the avocado, water, olive oil, herbs & onion. Process until smooth. Now add in the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar slowly stopping to taste it every little bit. Add in the salt to taste. You might need more water to get the desired consistency.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a favorite in our Tuesday Foods Kitchen. It's a refreshing and good-for-you yogurt and cucumber dip. Serve it with pita, veggie crudites, any Mediterranean dish - or just eat it with a spoon!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (We use Oatly Oatgurt brand for non-dairy )
1 medium English or hothouse cucumber, seeded, coarsely grated and squeezed dry (about 1 cup)
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint (or dill)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary ( you can add a pinch of coconut sugar to balance the flavors). Cover and chill until ready to serve. Before serving, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh mint, if desired.
Green Pea Guacamole
Add some extra nutrients to the classic party dip by making it a green pea guacamole. The taste of a traditional guac it still there, but the health benefits and protein power are amped up. Serve with tortilla chips and veggie crudite or as a spread for tacos to keep it on the healthy side.
Ingredients
2 handful cilantro leaves
1 cup frozen peas, thawed under warm running water
2 tbsp fresh lime juice plus more to taste
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon jalapeño or serrano, minced
1 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
pinch of cumin
2 large ripe avocados pitted and peeled and chopped into rough chunks
Instructions:
Place everything except the avocado in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the avocado, and pulse a few times until they are incorporated, but still chunky.
Serve with chips and veggie crudite, or use as a spread on tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.