Meatless Monday: Dip It Good

What do pretzels, carrot sticks, and endive have in common? Well, they all taste better when dunked into a tasty dip, as do cucumber rounds, toasted pita wedges, tortilla chips, blanched green beans, and more!

Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just looking to amp up your afternoon snack, a creamy, spicy, or savoury dip or spread will take raw veggies and crackers to the next level. Plus, a great dip is an easy way to add a little oomph to your Meatless Monday meals—check it out below.

• Smoky Guacamole. This Mexican fave features chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give it that smoky, spicy flavour. Slather it on top of a high-quality veggie patty (either made from scratch or purchased at your natural health retailer) with some Monterey Jack cheese.
• Sweet Potato, Lime, and Cucumber Dip. Spread this tangy dip on a whole grain tortilla, top with fresh veggies, and wrap it up for a convenient meal on the go.
• Lentil Tapenade. Cooking for one? Prepare yourself a French-inspired tapas plate with Lentil Tapenade; crudités or baguette; French cheeses such as Camembert, Boursin, and brie; and fruit such as plums and grapes.
• Edamame and Pea Hummus. This modern take on the classic hummus features protein-rich edamame and green peas. Control your salt intake by making your own pita chips by cutting whole grain pita bread into eighths, brushing with extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, and baking until crunchy.
• Jamaican Mango Papaya Salsa. A barbecue isn’t only good for cooking up meat. Grill up some marinated tofu steaks and top with a hefty serving of this tropical salsa.
• Mexican Flag Salsa. Skip the ketchup-y jarred salsa and whip up this fresh, authentic Mexican salsa. Eat with organic corn chips, or use as a topper for quinoa burgers.