Entertaining? Try These 4 Vegan, Gluten-Free Dips

December 16, 2014

Dips often get a bad rap and for good reason — they are usually filled with sour cream, cheese and other dangerous (albeit delicious) stuff. Here are four tasty and varied vegan dips made gluten- and dairy-free that you can feel good about putting out for guests or serving your family.

Pineapple Avocado Salsa With Hazelnuts

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large pineapple (about 2 cups diced)

1 large, ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

3 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted

1 serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

juice of 1 large lime

pinch of lime zest

sea salt + freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well to combine. Serve or place in the fridge until ready to serve with sliced veggies or gluten-free crackers.

Sweet Pea Puree

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 lbs. frozen baby peas, thawed

2 ½ tablespoons water

1 tablespoon vegan butter

sea salt, to taste

fresh basil or chives, for garnish

Preparation

1. Combine water and peas in a blender; puree until smooth.

2. Transfer mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring often until hot, about 2-3 minutes. Add in butter and sea salt. Season to taste with sea salt. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil or chives.

Swiss Chard Almond Pesto

Ingredients

Serves 2

1 bunch of Swiss chard leaves, finely chopped

4 large garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

sea salt + freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 tablespoon sliced almonds

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients except almonds in a food processor; pulse until chunky or to desired smooth consistency. Garnish with almonds. Serve or place in the fridge until ready to serve with gluten-free crackers.