My Plant-Based Family

Eating Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet recipes, On a Budget.

party food

Last Minute Party Food

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It’s New Year’s Eve! It’s also my birthday. Happy Birthday to me!

My kids are running around excited about eating cake for dinner, so not going to happen. One insists I need a Spider Man cake, the other a Star Wars cake. My 7 year old said it should be half and half. I asked, “Do you think your mommy wants a Spider Man Star Wars cake.” He said, “yes, that is perfect, then you can think of both of your sons.” And that my friends is motherhood in a nut shell.

Last Minute Party Foods

New Year’s Eve

Since it is New Year’s Eve and I’m no where close to prepared I wanted to share some last minute food ideas.

My ideal party food is appetizers and desserts. I like fun dips and finger foods. Take a little time in the grocery store then whip up this spread in about half an hour. [Read more…] about Last Minute Party Food

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

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Are you looking for an all around great tasting dip that is perfect for friendly get together’s, holiday parties or comfort food. Let me introduce you to my guilt-free, low-fat Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Unlike your typical spinach artichoke dip, this healthy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is dairy-free, gluten-free, oil-free and nut-free!

Many people use cashews to make cheesy plant-based dips, but that adds fat and allergens. Since I consider this perfect party food, I want it to be suitable for people with nut allergies.

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Plant-Based Pantry Staples

I like to keep a jar of artichoke hearts in my pantry just in case I want to make this dip! I usually have all the other ingredients on hand so this is an easy dip to make.

  • White Beans
  • Spices + Nutritional Yeast
  • Spinach
  • Artichokes
  • Lemon Juice
Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Quick and Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Nothing has to be prepared ahead of time and I don’t have to buy any special ingredients. This dip comes together quickly in my Blendtec Blender but a food processor would work too.

Plant-Based Party Food

This Plant-Based Spinach Artichoke Dip is perfect for holiday’s like Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties! It’s a game day must have! It also travels really well so it’s easy to take with you.

You don’t have to save it for parties or football season. It’s perfectly suited for movie nights, pre-dinner (or post-dinner) snacks, on a sandwich or wrap, or to make when you are all by yourself and don’t want to share.

vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Easy, vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip uses whole foods to create a delicious plant-based dip. See F.A.Q.’s for substitutions.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup warm white beans (I use Great Northern)
  • ½ cup water (more or less)
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ cup artichoke hearts (I use jarred, without oil)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup raw spinach

Do

  1. Puree beans, water and spices in a food processor or high-powered blender, I use my Blendtec.
  2. Add artichoke hearts and lemon juice and pulse slightly until it reaches desired texture.
  3. Pour dip into heat safe container (I use an oven safe casserole dish). Rip spinach into smaller pieces and mix into dip.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes at 350° or until warm.

Serve

This dip is great with crackers or chips but also really good on bread or in a wrap. This is oil-free and diary-free but tastes sinfully good.

Yield: 8 servings

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is perfect for parties or football season. This easy recipe is dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, oil-free and delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 15 ounce can of white beans, drained and warmed (I use Great Northern)
  • ½ cup water (more or less)
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ cup artichoke hearts (I use jarred, without oil)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup raw spinach

Instructions

  1. Drain your beans then warm them slightly. Puree beans, water and spices in a food processor or high-powered blender, I use my Blendtec.
  2. Add artichoke hearts and lemon juice and pulse slightly until it reaches desired texture.
  3. Pour dip into heat safe container (I use an oven safe 9x9 casserole dish). Rip spinach into smaller pieces and mix into dip.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes at 350° or until warm.

Notes

This dip is great with crackers or chips but also really good on bread or in a wrap. I love it with fresh, raw veggies.

Store covered in the fridge for a few days.

See F.A.Q.'s in the post for more information.

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Sauces, Dips, and Salad Dressings

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you use white beans?

White beans give the dip a creamy base that is low in fat. It’s also more allergy-friendly than dips with a nut base. White beans are full of fiber so you’ll feel more satisfied.

Does Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip taste cheesy?

This dip is dairy-free and doesn’t contain cheese so it isn’t real cheesy. It does contain nutritional yeast which gives it some cheesy flavor.

Can I use frozen chopped spinach instead of fresh?

Yes you can. I recommend allowing the spinach to thaw a bit and squeeze out extra moisture.

Can I use fresh garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic, and even roasted garlic is delicious in this. I originally used garlic powder for ease but fresh is a great option.

For more football food ideas visit my Party Food Pinterest Board! It’s full of delicious dips and finger foods.

Need More Dip Ideas

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Super Bowl

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I’ve been seeing a lot of talk about the Super Bowl lately but honestly I have no idea who is playing. I do know that it is today and many of you have planned your food already. If you are a bit of a procrastinator you can still show up with great food.

Here are a few of my top picks…

The Best Chili EverThe Chili is completely customizable to suit your spice tolerance. I’ve even had some of the most committed meat eaters sing it’s praise to the tune of the Hallelujah Chorus. Make it quickly by using canned beans, canned diced tomatoes, and peppers.Grilled Portobello Burgers and Vegan Potato Salad

If you’d rather have a burger try a Bean Burger or a Portobello Burger. Most grocery stores have something suitable in the freezer section; read the ingredients in because their could be something scary lurking. Potato salad or sweet potato wedges would make a great side dish.

NachosNachos are by far one of the best party foods. Try it with precooked quinoa (it comes in little pouches near the rice) seasoned with taco seasoning, canned refried Beans, then whip up some Faux Cheese Sauce.

Even if you don’t go that far you can still pick up some chips, salsa, and guacamole; yes it is easy but it’s also good.

Strawberry ParfaitOf course you will also need dessert. Try Making a large parfait, it’s easier than making individual cups. A large container of yogurt (I like coconut milk yogurt), fresh berries, and store-bought granola comes together in a few minutes. It makes an impressive presentation in a large clear bowl and you can even add dark chocolate chips for an unexpected indulgence.

large fruit bowlDon’t underestimate the power of a large bowl of fresh fruit. It is beautiful and tasty, more impressive than the customary veggie tray. Mix peanut butter and melted chocolate together (maybe a little maple syrup if needed) to make a delicious fruit dip; label the dip for anyone with peanut allergies.

What are your suggestions for last-minute Super Bowl Food?

CHICKpea Salad…Two Ways

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fruity chickpea salad

I have a few friends who have been dying to get their hands on these recipes. I’ll warn you this isn’t one of my typical healthy recipes and it isn’t low in fat. It uses vegan mayo which isn’t an ingredient I typically use or encourage others to use. I made these for a party; they are party food, not everyday food! I repeat, these are not healthy, you can’t eat as much as you want, you’ll get sick or fat.

I hope that wasn’t too mean. Since most of the recipes I present are whole food, plant-based, and no added oil I didn’t want to mislead anyone but I’m gearing up for the Super Bowl and attempting to make some of my favorite party foods a little more accessible to my new lifestyle.

Veggie Chickpea salad wrap

Veggie CHICKpea Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked and drained chickpeas
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 stalk of celery
  • 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo
  • dash of black salt, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutritional yeast

Chickpea Salad

Do

  1. Chop chickpeas in a food processor until they are course, this takes 15 to 30 seconds depending on your processor. Then place in a mixing bowl.
  2. Shred carrot and celery in food processor then add to the chickpeas.
  3. Add mayo and spices and gently stir until combined.

Serve

I served these in lettuce wraps, but they would be great as sandwiches or on crackers too. It keeps well for a few days and travels well with an icepack to keep it cold.

Fruity Chickpea salad in wrap

Fruity CHICKpea Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked and drained chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup grapes, cut in half
  • 1 apple, diced (I used granny smith)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (OPTIONAL)
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo (or for a twist use vegan yogurt)
  • dash  of black salt
  • dash of onion powder

Do

  1. Chop chickpeas in a food processor until they are course, this takes 15 to 30 seconds depending on your processor. Then place in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir gently until everything is combined.

Serve

I served these in lettuce wraps too but it would be amazing on top of a bed of greens. I also tried the yogurt version and put it in fillo shells for a fun and delicious dessert. You could also eat this in a sandwich or on crackers, it’s very versatile.

You could make your own vegan mayo for a healthier version.

For more inspiration check out my PARTY FOOD board on Pinterest! Or check out my Faux Tuna Salad Recipe! I think you like it.

How would you enjoy these, on a salad, sandwich, or as part of a wrap?

I submitted this recipe to the Virtual Vegan Linky Potluck!