National Ranch Dressing Day: Three healthy alternative dips
If you hadnt heard, March 10th isnt just another day: its National Ranch Dressing Day. The popular dip, used especially to make veggies more appealing…
March 10 is National Ranch Dressing Day. (Shutterstock)
If you hadnt heard, March 10th isnt just another day: its National Ranch Dressing Day.
The popular dip, used especially to make veggies more appealing to kids (and adults, often!), has been around for over half a century. While recipes vary, the most common versions involve buttermilk, oil, mayonnaise, sugar, salt and a variety of spices.
SEE ALSO: Make your own authentic Greek salad with dressing
According to the nutritional information on Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, one serving of two tablespoonswhich is far less than many of us would eat while snacking on carrots and celery stickscontains 140 calories. Of those, 130 come from fat.
Its undoubtedly tasty, but no ones arguing that traditional ranch dressing is particularly healthy. The good news is that if youre looking for an alternative dip for your veggies, there are plenty of other options. These can all be easily made at home or, if youre in a hurry, found at the grocery store.
Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
Try this healthy Greek yogurt ranch dressing. (Shutterstock)
If you want to celebrate National Ranch Dressing day with the taste but not the calorie count, make this yogurt-based dip.
Ingredients:
– Half pint of Greek yogurt (use a low-fat version)
– 1 small onion or shallot
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (or dried, if fresh is unavailable)
– 1 teaspoon dill
– Handful of fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Once youve cut up the onion or shallot, mix that with all of the other ingredients and serve with your carrots, broccoli, radishes or snap peas. The creamy yogurt and spice combination makes this alternative dip reminiscent of traditional ranch dressing, but youll avoid the calories from fat found in buttermilk and oil. Plus, Greek yogurt is high in protein, making your snack all the better for your health.
Tzatziki Sauce
Try this healthy Tzatziki sauce recipe. (Shutterstock)
Another yogurt-based dip, tzatziki is popular in Persian and Lebanese cuisine. Its spiced a little bit differently than ranch, offering you and your family a break from the traditional. Try this healthy version of a Food Network recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2%)
– 1 cucumber, seeded, grated, and drained
– 2 minced garlic gloves
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus zest to taste
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, crushed and chopped
– 1 tablespoon dill (if desired)
– Salt and pepper to taste
According to Livestrong, two tablespoons of tzatziki sauce contains 50 calories, which is just a third of the calories in the same amount of ranch dressing. This alternative dip is good both on veggies and on meat: youll often see it used on gyros, kabobs, or falafel.
Hummus
If youve been to the health section of your local grocery store, you know that hummus comes in almost innumerable flavors. What you might not know is that its easy to make at home, too, and can easily replace your favorite dressing. All youll need is a blender or food processor to try this recipe.
Try this healthy hummus. (Shutterstock)
Ingredients:
– 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2-3 tablespoons tahini (this is easy to buy in a container at the store. Try it before adding: depending on how much you like the taste, adjust this amount up or down)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1-2 minced garlic cloves
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Optional: add spices like cumin, coriander, or cayenne; blend roasted red peppers or artichokes, extra garlic, or pine nuts to give the hummus a particular flavor
Even if youre not using to working with these ingredients, the recipe is easy: just throw everything in the food processor and blend, adding water if needed to loosen up the mixture.
You can adjust seasonings and flavors as you go. With protein from the chickpeas and unsaturated fat from the olive oil, this is a relatively guilt-free alternative dip.
If youre marking National Ranch Dressing day, consider any of these three healthier dip recipes. As summer approaches, your waistline will thank you!
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