Creamy Low-Calorie Cheesy Kale Dip

By Leta Shy

Updated on 1/24/2016 at 9:00 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

If you're in love with spinach dip, the same can't be said for the appetizer's calorie count, which can clock in at 280 calories for a quarter-cup (four-tablespoon) serving. At your next holiday party, please taste buds and diet plans alike by swapping the calorie-busting spinach dip with this kale ricotta dip. It tastes almost as creamy and just as delicious — seriously, you'll be surprised. And at only 24 calories per quarter-cup serving (not to mention a good dose of vitamin A), it's practically guilt-free. Serve with sliced veggies or baked pita chips and save even more calories!

Kale Ricotta Dip

Cook Time15 mins
Yield6 to 8 servings
Calories24

Adapted from Whole Foods

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 bunch green kale, stems and tough ribs stripped out and discarded, leaves sliced
    • 1 small onion, sliced
    • 4 cloves garlic
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Lemon zest to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. In a large saucepan, combine kale, onion, garlic and 1/4 cup water. Set over medium heat, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender, about 12 minutes; add more water a tablespoon at a time if the pan dries out.

    2. Transfer vegetables and any liquid in the pan to a food processor or blender and let cool a few minutes. Add ricotta, parmesan, lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper flakes. Process until smooth.

    3. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

    Notes

    If you don't have a food processor, a blender works fine. Just make sure you slice the kale leaves into smaller pieces and take care to remove the tough ribs for easier blending.