Healthy Basil Veggie Dip

I love veggie trays. Mostly because veggies make a wonderful vehicle for the dips that are served with them… the kind that, more often than not, negate all the health benefits of choosing veggies in the first place. Not good.

After this weekend’s outings and celebrations {not to mention Banoffee Bites}, I was feeling a bit like I needed a nutritious boost to get my system back on track. {Watching all those Olympians might have had something to do with it, too.}

While I was craving raw veggies, I knew I’d be more likely to eat a larger serving if there were something delicious to dip them in. I also knew it would be a bit counterintuitive to pair them with an unhealthy dip.

So, with a little creativity and just a handful of ingredients, I threw together this healthy, flavorful veggie dip that gave me the best of both worlds.

The cottage cheese {stop making that face cottage cheese haters, you won’t even realize it’s an ingredient!} gives you the creaminess of fat-laden dips without the calories, and the herbs are the perfect burst of flavor to distract you from the fact that it’s actually healthy! 🙂

I chopped up some raw broccoli, red pepper, and zucchini and munched away happily.

I think this dip would make a great dressing or a nice addition to a pita or wrap, and I love the fact that you can customize it with the fresh herbs and veggies you have on hand.

Sadly, woman cannot live by Banoffee Bites alone, {well, maybe she could, but not without having to purchase a whole new wardrobe to fit into} but this healthy veggie dip will make it much easier to compromise.* 😉

What are some of your favorite recipes for upping your veggie intake?

*All humor aside, I actually enjoy eating all kinds of veggies and feel that the  more I eat them, the more I crave them!

Healthy Basil Veggie Dip

1 cup low fat or fat free cottage cheese
1 large bunch basil {approximately 1/2 cup}
1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
2 tablespoons fat free Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend {such as Alessi Dipping Spice grinder}*

Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Blend together until smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Serve with chopped fresh vegetables, or pita chips. {Easily make your own!}

*If your seasoning blend contains salt, do not add salt to dip.