Two Healthy(ish) Super Bowl Appetizers

Enjoy these two snacks and you’ll be the day’s big winner.

They are the ideal recipes for game day that combine comfort food with party appetizers in a way that’s almost indescribable.

Lightened-Up Spinach & Artichoke Dip

If you’re looking for a healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe, this is the one you’ve been searching for. It’s a lightened-up version that isn’t lacking in flavor or creaminess! Instead of mayo, Parmesan cheese and sour cream that many traditional recipes call for, I’ve used Greek yogurt and cream cheese to add that creamy texture everyone loves!  

10 ounces (about 1 cup) frozen spinach
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped green onions (4 to 5 green onions), both green and white parts
1 chopped poblano pepper or green bell pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon fine salt, to taste
8 ounces cream cheese, sliced into 4 even pieces (regular or vegan)
½ cup (4 ounces) Greek Yogurt (or coconut yogurt for vegan option)
½ cup (4 ounces) chopped artichoke, canned in water
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Serving suggestions: Tortilla chips, strips of bell pepper, carrot or celery stick, cucumber slices

To thaw the frozen spinach, place it in a fine mesh strainer and run cool water over it until the ice is all gone. Squeeze out all of the excess moisture in fistfuls over the sink. Set aside.  In a small-to-medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the green onions, poblano pepper (if using), red pepper flakes and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until the green onions are frazzled and lightly golden around the edges and the peppers are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the drained spinach, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, drained artichoke, and several twists of black pepper. While stirring constantly, cook until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, warmed through and lightly steaming, about 2 to 4 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with your desired accompaniments.

Recipe credit: www.cookieandkate.com

Buffalo Ranch Popcorn 

Buffalo ranch popcorn is made in no time, making this a quick and healthy game day snack recipe and a great alternative to munching on potato chips! This buffalo ranch popcorn has a tangy ranch flavor that works so well on popcorn, and is a natural pairing with the zing from buffalo sauce.

12 cups air popped popcorn (about ½ cup kernels)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter or refined coconut oil, melted
1 tbsp. hot sauce or to taste (such as Franks Red Hot)

In a small bowl combine garlic, dill, cumin, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, add melted butter (or refined coconut oil) and hot sauce. Mix until combined. In a large bowl, toss popcorn with butter and hot sauce mixture and then toss with seasoning.