Appetizers Color Wheel

The ever-increasing popular flavors of Mexico in a creamy snack dip for both vegetables and chips.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 - ½ cup.

5 A Day servings: 2.

3 cups low-fat plain yogurt, drained for 3 hours*
4 oz. can ahopped green chilies, drained
1/4 cup prepared Mexican salsa
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 tbsp. lime juice
salt and pepper, optional**
6 cups assorted snacking vegetables such as: baby carrots, cauliflower or broccoli flowerets, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini sticks
tortilla chips, optional**
cilantro leaves, garnish

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained yogurt with all remaining ingredients for dip except salt and pepper. Allow to chill covered for 15 minutes or more. Before serving, adjust seasonings, if desired.
  2. Prepare all vegetables (please go to Carrot Tuna Vegetable Dip recipe in this category and see Cooking Tip for preparation of snacking vegetables.) Arrange on a large platter surrounding a medium-sized soup bowl. Optional: serve chips in basket.
  3. When ready, spoon dip into center bowl, garnish with additional cilantro and serve. Enjoy, enjoy!

*Chef's Note: When yogurt is placed in a coffee filter or cheesecloth-lined sieve (over a bowl) and allowed to drain for several hours, much of the extra moisture drains away, leaving a thicker consistency. The longer it is drained, the thicker it becomes, ultimately becoming the consistency of cream cheese. With its good nutrition and low-fat content, drained yogurt is a great base for many flavored snacking dips to accompany both vegetables and fruits. Occasionally, the term "yogurt cheese" is used to designate drained yogurt.

**Optional ingredients are not included in the dietary analysis.



Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 160 Saturated Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g Dietary Fiber: 4g
Total Fat: 1g % of Calories from Fat: 1%
Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 270mg
  Protein: 8g