Our friend and Registered Dietician Nutritionist, Chelsea LeBlanc has shared how we can stay on track this holiday with this quick and creamy Mediterranean Whipped Ricotta Dip with an added healthy twist- protein-packed cottage cheese. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or parties! Whip it up in minutes and bring it along to your next holiday gathering to help you make healthy choices.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and you know what that means – a calendar full of parties and festivities! One of my favorite tips for enjoying these events with our health goals in mind is to offer to bring a nourishing dish! Not only does that mean that you have something to choose from that will help you stay on track for your health goals but contributes something delicious to the party spread. That’s where this beautiful dip comes into play. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also lightened up with a few healthy twists.

Whipped cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that takes this dip to the next level. Its natural creaminess not only lightens up the dip but also adds a substantial boost of protein.

To top it off, this Mediterranean Whipped Ricotta Dip is elevated to a whole new level with the addition of Pure Flavor® RedRoyals® Sweet Cherry Tomatoes On-the-Vine. These tomatoes are not just a burst of sweet and tangy flavor; they also come with a host of nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they make this dip not only a tasty treat but a nutritious one too. These stunning tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system- a definite perk during the cold and flu season and while busy schedules keep you on the run.

Stay on Track During the Holidays –

Maintaining your health goals during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste! Here are a few tips on how to enjoy holiday parties without straying too far from your health goals:

  • Plan Ahead: Before heading to a holiday gathering, have a small, balanced meal or snack to help curb your appetite. This can help prevent you from overeating when you arrive.
  • Portion Control: Choose smaller portions of your favorite dishes. This way, you can sample a variety without enjoying too much.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the event to help control your appetite and stay hydrated. Add one glass of water for every cocktail that you may enjoy.
  • Choose Wisely: Opt for healthier options when available, such as vegetables and lean proteins, and make sure to snack on these first.
  • Mindful Eating: Savor each bite and engage in conversations to slow down your eating pace. This can help prevent overeating.
  • Share Desserts: Share desserts with a friend or family member to satisfy your sweet tooth just not over-indulge.
  • Bring a Dish: With the best Mediterranean Whipped Ricotta Dip in your recipe box, you can offer to bring a healthier dish to the holiday table, ensuring there’s at least one option that aligns with your nutritional goals.

What You’ll Need to Make Mediterranean Whipped Ricotta Dip –

How to Serve –

This easy Whipped Ricotta Dip is the perfect appetizer! Simply roast the tomatoes, olives, and garlic while you whip together the ricotta, cottage cheese, lemon juice & za’atar.  Spread the whipped ricotta on a shallow dish and top with the warm roasted cherry tomatoes and olives. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve with crackers, veggies, and/ or toasted baguette slices. If you have extra, it can also be used as a spread for sandwiches, topping for toast, or even as the base for roasted veggies and chickpeas.

Since the schedule this time of year is often busy, make the whipped ricotta and the roasted tomatoes in advance of when you need to serve. Store each component separately and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the tomatoes in the microwave, then spoon over the chilled whipped ricotta.

Enjoy!

~ Chelsea