Worried If someone knocks on your door unexpectedly and you are not ready for the hospitality or what to serve them as a snack? Happens all the time when someone drops by your home without dropping a message.  Don't worry, MOMS of Mothersopedia have got you covered.

You don't have to prepare a  full main course for them, instead go for a cup of coffee, a mug of beer with light but still fancy snacking. Dips are versatile, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or simply has to serve unexpected guests. Have some dips arranged or prepared in your fridge for such unexpected arrivals.

In this article, we'll explore a collection of delightful and nutritious dip recipes that are packed with wholesome ingredients. Get ready to elevate your snacking game with these tasty and easy-to-make dips that will leave you wanting more.

Here are the Top 5 Healthy and Easy Dips 

Greek Yogurt Tzatziki

 Tzatziki is a refreshing and healthy dip of Greek origin. This creamy dip pairs perfectly with pita bread, and cucumber slices, or as a refreshing topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

Here's a recipe for Greek Yogurt Tzatziki:

Ingredients:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill or coriander or parsley chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Take the grated cucumber and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
• In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Mix well to combine.
• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

MOMS TIP - Serve the Greek Yogurt Tzatziki as a dip with pita bread, cucumber slices, and carrot, or as a condiment for grilled meats, falafel, fritters or cutlets.

Honey mustard 

Honey mustard makes a delicious spread for sandwiches and a fantastic dip for chicken and veggies. Whisk the honey, Greek yogurt, Mustard sauce(Homemade or Store brought), and lemon juice. 

MOMS TIP - Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Classic Garlic Hummus

Ingredients:

1  big bowl of Boiled Chickpeas
1 large lemon
1 tablespoon cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
Garlic minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons water

Instructions:

• In a food processor, add the drained and boiled chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt.
• Process the mixture until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl occasionally.
• Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, and continue to process until you achieve your desired consistency. The water helps make the hummus smoother and creamier.
• Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if needed. You can also add more lemon juice or tahini for a tangier or nuttier flavor, respectively.

MOMS TIP -: Hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve it with pita bread, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or your favorite veggies for dipping. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a condiment in wraps.

Classic  Salsa 

Here's a recipe for a classic Salsa:

Ingredients:

4 ripe tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 green chili or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro/ coriander, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper, coriander/cilantro, and minced garlic.
• Add the fresh lime juice and sprinkle in the ground cumin. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
• Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
• Let the salsa sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Taste the salsa and make any additional adjustments, if needed.

MOMS TIP - Add Store bought Tomato sauce(Ketchup) and Red chili sauce in Diced onions and tomatoes if want to make salsa quicker and with minimum effort.

Garlic Cheese Dip 

Ingredients:

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cheese (parmesan, cheddar, or regular cheese spread)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a food processor or blender, add the cottage cheese, parmesan, cheddar, or regular cheese spread whatever you like minced garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Process the mixture until smooth and creamy. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
• Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic if desired.
• Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

MOMS TIP - It can make an amazing dip to preserve in the fridge, as it is the most versatile dip, spread that everybody enjoys.  

Creamy Pesto Dip Sauce

 Creamy pesto dip is a blend of mayonnaise, parmesan cheese or store brought cheese spread, basil pesto, and seasonings that are combined to create a rich and creamy dip in just minutes.

Here's a recipe for a classic Pesto Sauce:

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, washed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Cheese Spread or Mayonnaise
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic.
• Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients.
• While the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
• If using immediately, transfer the pesto to a bowl. Otherwise, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Enjoy the pesto sauce with pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, as a topping for grilled meats, or as a dip for bread and vegetables.

MOMS TIP: Traditional pesto sauce uses pine nuts, but you can also try substituting them with walnuts or almonds for a variation in flavor. 

Classic Sour Cream

It's a versatile condiment that adds a delightful touch to various dishes and can be used as a healthier alternative to using only sour cream. Serve it as a dip for vegetables, chips, or as a topping for baked potatoes, tacos, or grilled meats.

1 cup sour cream
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh coriander/ dill/ parsley chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and plain yogurt.
• Stir the mixture until well blended and smooth.
• Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped dill to the bowl. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
• Season the sour cream with the yogurt mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

MOMS TIP -  You can customize the recipe by adding other herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor. 

Southwest Dip 

 Here's a recipe for a flavorful Southwest Dip:

Ingredients:

1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green onions
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or green chillis.

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, Add mayonnaise. 
• Add the diced green chilies, red bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
• Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
• Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Give the dip a quick stir before serving.

MOMS TIP: For an extra spice kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce to the dip. 

 Friends stop by without much warning and you need an appetizer, and quickly. Try these flavorful dips, easy to make and looks like you have put in a lot of effort to impress your guests.