Summer just got a whole lot more delicious! As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with friends and family to enjoy a refreshing plate of dips and snacks. And when it comes to creamy, cold dippers that hit the spot on a hot day, we’ve got you covered.
From classic guacamole to tangy tzatziki sauce, spicy jalapeño popper dip to smoky roasted red pepper hummus, our collection of 18 creamy cold dip recipes has something for every taste and craving. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a quick snack to cool down with, these mouthwatering morsels are sure to please.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of creamy cold dips, highlighting some of our favorite recipes that are perfect for summer. So grab your sunglasses, fire up the grill (or not!), and let’s get started!
Classic Guacamole with Fresh Lime
A classic Mexican dip that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the creamy richness of avocados with the brightness of fresh lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the avocado halves until mostly smooth.
2. Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
3. Use a fork to combine all the ingredients until you reach your desired consistency for the guacamole.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cool Cucumber Dill Yogurt Dip
Refresh your snack time with this creamy, cucumber-infused yogurt dip! Perfect for veggies, chips, or crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced fresh cucumber
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
This dip is perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a cool and refreshing snack. The cucumber adds natural sweetness, while the dill provides a hint of fresh flavor. Enjoy!
Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Cream Cheese
This classic party favorite combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, spinach, and artichokes for a deliciously addictive snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, spinach, artichoke hearts, and garlic. Mix until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet.
5. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
7. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita bread, or crackers.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Zesty Avocado and Cilantro Dip
This creamy and refreshing dip is perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering. With the brightness of lime juice and the earthiness of cilantro, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado flesh, cilantro leaves, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy with tortilla chips, pita bread, or veggies for a healthy snack. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
Tangy Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Get ready to elevate your gyro game with this refreshing and tangy tzatziki sauce, perfect for topping pita bread, grilled meats, or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
2. Fold in chopped fresh dill.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time) + refrigeration time
Refreshing Mango Salsa Dip
This sweet and tangy dip is perfect for warm weather gatherings and outdoor celebrations. Made with fresh mango, red onion, and a hint of lime, it’s sure to be a refreshing hit at your next get-together!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, pita bread, or veggies.
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time: 5 minutes; chilling time: 30 minutes)
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Dip
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and spicy dip, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 ounce) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (about 2-3 peppers)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cilantro, cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is warm and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven and stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Serve: Warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies!
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Elevate your snack game with this smoky twist on classic hummus! Sweet and smoky roasted red peppers add depth to the traditional chickpea dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 2 cups roasted red peppers (see roasting instructions below)
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast red peppers by placing them on a baking sheet and drizzling with olive oil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until skin is blistered.
3. Let peppers cool, then peel off skin, discarding seeds.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, roasted peppers, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
5. With the blender running, slowly pour in olive oil.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Herbed Goat Cheese and Chive Dip
A creamy and flavorful dip perfect for snacking or entertaining. This recipe combines the tanginess of goat cheese with the subtle onion flavor of chives.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chopped chives, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Serve: With crackers, vegetables, or pita chips. Enjoy!
Creamy Feta and Olive Tapenade
Elevate your appetizer game with this rich and tangy tapenade, featuring the creaminess of feta cheese and the savory flavor of olives.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup creamy goat cheese (chèvre)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olives, feta, goat cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the tapenade to a serving dish or ramekin.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Sweet Pineapple and Coconut Dip
A creamy and refreshing dip that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of coconut, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the unsweetened shredded coconut and granulated sugar; mix until well combined.
4. Fold in the crushed pineapple, lime juice, and salt.
5. Pour the mixture into a small baking dish or ramekin.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is lightly golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cool Ranch and Sour Cream Dip
A creamy and tangy dip perfect for snacking or as a topping for your favorite foods.
Ingredients:
• 1 (16 oz) container sour cream
• 1 packet Cool Ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and Cool Ranch dressing mix. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
3. Add chopped parsley and mix until evenly distributed.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is ready to serve immediately.
Notes: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Serve with your favorite dippers like chips, crackers, or veggies. Enjoy!
Chunky Salsa Verde with Avocado
Elevate your Mexican-inspired dishes with this vibrant and creamy salsa verde, featuring the richness of ripe avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, lime juice, jalapeño, and garlic. Blend until coarsely chopped.
2. Stir in diced avocado until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep) + blending time
Tips:
Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the level of heat by using more or less jalapeño pepper. Enjoy as a dip, use as a topping, or mix into your favorite recipes!
Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Dip
Transform your favorite bruschetta flavors into a creamy, addictive dip perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
4. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
5. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or vegetables for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Garlicky White Bean and Lemon Dip
This creamy dip is a perfect combination of flavors, with the richness of white beans, the brightness of lemon, and the pungency of garlic. Serve it with crudités, crackers, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine white beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Serving Suggestions:
– Serve chilled with crudités, crackers, or pita chips
– Use as a sauce for grilled meats, vegetables, or seafood
– Enjoy as a dip for your favorite snacks
Chilled Crab and Cream Cheese Dip
This refreshing dip combines the sweetness of crab meat with the tanginess of cream cheese, perfect for a summer gathering or casual party.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup of lump crab meat, flaked
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the flaked crab meat, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Refreshing Watermelon and Mint Dip
Beat the heat with this refreshing dip that’s perfect for summer gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves and blend until well combined.
3. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and honey until smooth.
4. Fold in the watermelon-mint mixture into the yogurt-honey mixture until well combined.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Cool Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip
Cool Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip Recipe Summary:
Experience the bold flavors of Buffalo, New York with this creamy blue cheese dip, perfect for snacking or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and blue cheese until smooth.
3. Stir in ranch dressing and hot sauce until well combined.
4. Add garlic powder and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or small cast-iron skillet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Summary
Stay cool this summer with these 18 creamy cold dip recipes! From classic guacamole to zesty avocado and cilantro, tangy Greek tzatziki sauce to sweet pineapple and coconut, there’s something for everyone. Perfect for hot summer days, these dips are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or gathering. With flavors ranging from fresh herbs to smoky roasted red peppers, there’s no shortage of deliciousness in this collection.
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