This Healthy, Light Yet Filling Watercress Dip Is a Must-Try for Spring
Spring weather makes it extra tempting to order up at an outdoor restaurant, but sometimes you must remind yourself you have food at home. When those days come, it’s simple, refreshing meals that make it enjoyable to dine at home (ideally al fresco).
For us, that means easy yet nutritious recipes that can satisfy our stomachs without making a mess in the kitchen or taking 3 hours to make. One recipe that fits the bill is Dr. Nicholas Perricone’s Watercress Dip With Chipotle and Lime.
The Benefits Behind the Recipe
The star ingredient of this dip is, undeniably, watercress. According to Dr. Perricone, watercress is a low-calorie vegetable that is an excellent source of key nutrients, including vitamins A, C and E, folate, calcium and iron. These nutrients assist in overall health, from skin, bone, immune, heart, vision and gut health to blood sugar regulation and weight loss.
Combine that with the vitamins and nutrients packed inside the fresh raw vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots or celery sticks) he recommends serving this dip with and you have yourself a heart-healthy meal perfect for a spring lunch or evening snack.
Makes 3 cups
- 5 bunches or bags of watercress, trimmed
- 8 ounces cream cheese (about 1 cup) at room temperature
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle in adobo sauce or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon sea salt or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Have ready a large bowl of ice water.
- Blanch the watercress in the boiling water for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until just tender. Drain and immediately submerge the watercress in the ice water. When the watercress has cooled, drain it well and bundle it in a clean dish towel. Squeeze it very tightly to extract all excess moisture. Set aside.
- Combine the cream cheese and all the remaining ingredients in a food processer. Blend until very smooth, about 9 seconds. Add the watercress and pulse until just combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
