When I was a kid and had friends sleep over at my house, it wasn’t an actual slumber party until we broke out a bowl of my trusty French onion and bacon dip, a bag of potato chips and a package of cookies. Now that I’ve grown up, I’ve moved on to a wider (and healthier) variety of social snackage, but the original thought remains the same: a party just isn’t a party without dips, spreads and other bite-size nibbles.Just in case you’ve got a shindig coming up, I’ve collected some of our favorite recipes for snacking.
Love spinach dip? Try our creamy version opens in a new tab, or go for a new taste with Lemon-Ricotta Kale Dip opens in a new tab.
If tortilla chips are your scooping vessels of choice, try Fresh Pineapple Salsa opens in a new tab, Green Pea Guacamole opens in a new tab or Alfresco Dip opens in a new tab, a twist on pico de gallo.
These Steamed Green Beans with Carrot-Dill Dip opens in a new tab are a refreshing nibble. Or try using our Asian-inspired Carrot Dressing opens in a new tab as a foil for mini wontons or spring rolls.
Beans make excellent dips and spreads. Eggplant-Garbanzo Bean Dip opens in a new tab and Simple White Bean Spread opens in a new tab are deliciously simple hummus alternatives.
Got summer basil? We’ve got Vegan Pesto opens in a new tab and Nutty Red Pepper and Basil Dip opens in a new tab, both perfect for serving with fresh or lightly steamed veggies.
If cheese is what you please, this Marinated Feta Cheese with Lemon and Fresh Herbs opens in a new tab is a tangy taste with crisp crostini. And it goes without saying that Party-Time Pimento Cheese opens in a new tab is sure to be a hit.
Mix leftover or smoked salmon with cheese and you’ve got a breakfast-inspired dip ready for any time of day. Lemon Tarragon Smoked Salmon Spread opens in a new tab or Grilled Salmon Spread with Fennel and Chives opens in a new tab are flavorful choices.
We’ve got you covered on sweet treats too, with Apricot Graham Snackers opens in a new tab and Dried Apple Slices opens in a new tab. Or keep the dipping alive and serve fresh summer fruits with Dark Chocolate and Coconut Dessert Sauce opens in a new tab.
What’s your favorite snack for party time or any time? Let me know in the comments.
