As the Super Bowl approaches, many enthusiasts are gearing up for a day filled with exciting football action, camaraderie, and of course, delectable snacks. Among the staples of Super Bowl gatherings are dips, ranging from classic favorites to inventive creations. While these dips often tempt with indulgent flavors, it’s worth noting that there are healthier alternatives that can still satisfy your taste buds without compromising on nutrition.
We spoke with Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, registered dietitian nutritionist at the BodybuildingReviews; and Michelle Saari MSc, RD at EHealth project, to learn about one of the healthiest dips you can make at this year’s Super Bowl party: layered hummus dip. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this delicious and healthy dip.
Layered Hummus Dip
Hummus, a versatile and flavorful dip, stands out as a healthy and crowd-pleasing option for Super Bowl parties. Made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings, hummus is not only rich in protein and fiber but also offers a host of vitamins and minerals. Its creamy texture and savory taste make it an ideal pairing for an assortment of veggies or whole-grain crackers.
Saari highlights the benefits of this dip by saying, "Hummus is made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help with digestion and feeling full. The olive oil in hummus is rich in monounsaturated fats, known to support heart health. Hummus also provides essential nutrients like iron, folate, and phosphorus."
Layered Hummus Dip Recipe
Having understood the health advantages of hummus, Andrews has provided us with a healthy and refreshing recipe that is unquestionably worth trying at this year's Super Bowl party!
Ingredients you'll need: 1 container of your favorite hummus (she recommends Sabra, Garden Fresh, Boar's Head) or you can make your own at home, 10 cherry tomatoes- quartered, 1/2 a small cucumber (chopped), 1 tbsp. red onion, 1 tbsp. feta cheese crumbles (you can use low-fat), 10 pitted kalamata olives, 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. oregano.
Directions: 1. In a 9-inch pie plate, spread the hummus on the bottom. 2. Place the quartered tomatoes on top of the hummus, spreading them out to cover all of it. 3. Add the red onion on top of the tomatoes, then the feta cheese, and olives. Be sure to spread all of the ingredients out in layers. 4. Drizzle olive oil over the veggies. 5. Sprinkle oregano over the top.
She recommends to "serve with pita, raw veggies (carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers, pepper strips), or pita chips."
Enjoy and happy Super Bowl!
