Summer Fun Dips

At a party, it doesn’t matter if you serve crudités, chips, crackers, or crostini—the real stars are the dips. And while I enjoy ( ok I am obsessed with dips in the summer) hummus, and guacamole can be a bit predictable. Next time you are hosting a party or just need some spice to your veggies, try one of these easy recipes.

BEAN DIP

What you’ll need:

• 1 can beans

• Generous squeeze of fresh lemon

• Dash of salt and pepper

• Swirl of olive oil

• Optional add-ins: garlic, cumin, parsley, and/or chili powder

What to do: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until very smooth, adding a little water if needed. Experiment with different beans—try chickpeas, pinto beans, black beans, and white beans—and the add-ins to find your favorite mix.

LEMON TAHINI DIP

What you’ll need:

• Zest and juice of half of a lemon

• 2 spoonfuls of tahini

• Drizzle of maple syrup

• Salt

What to do:

Stir together all ingredients until very smooth, thinning with water if needed (or adding a little plain yogurt for a creamy version). Finish with a sprinkle of salt.

RUSTIC SALSA

What you’ll need:

- Handful of chopped tomatoes

- 1 small red onion, peeled and minced

- Handful of chopped cilantro

- Juice of a lime

- Salt

- Optional add-ins: minced garlic, cumin, minced jalapeno, chopped peach or mango

What to do:

Toss together all ingredients, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. (If you want to tone down the bite of the onion, soak it in hot water for 30 minutes first. Dry thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.)

AVOCADO FETA DIP

What you will need:

• 1 avocado - diced and removed from peel

• 4 oz feta cheese

• 1 lemon - juiced

• 2 or 3 scallions - roughly chopped

• 1 large handful of parsley

• 8 twists of black pepper (from a pepper mill)

What to do:

Add avocado, feta cheese, juice of one lemon, scallions, parsley and pepper to food processor.

Pulse food processor until desired consistency - I liked mine to be slightly chunky.

Vegan Ranch Dressing - Who does not like Ranch dressing? Here is an alternative for all my vegan friends. Yields 2 cups

• 1 cup vegan mayonnaise

• 1⁄2teaspoon garlic powder

• 1⁄2teaspoon onion powder

• 1⁄4teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons parsley, chopped

• 1⁄2cup unsweetened almond milk, or coconut milk