One of the best parts of a party is the food, am I right? Another question, is a party really a party without tasty dips and dippers? Maaaaaybe, but I wouldn't risk it. "Wow" your party guests by adding this naturally sweetened Honey Ricotta Dip with Dates and Pistachios to your party spread! With a base of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, and honey this sweet and salty, decadent dessert dip is uber creamy and delicious. It's simple to make, but feels kinda fancy. Your party guests will be thrilled and just might ask you to make another batch!
A Simple Appetizer That Aims to Impress
I can't get over this dip! It's so so creamy and rich with the perfect amount of sweetness, salt, and spice. The chopped date and roasted pistachio topping adds a nice texture as well as contrasting sweet and savory flavors that pair so nicely with the creamy base.
With just 7 simple ingredients, this delectable Honey Ricotta Dip with Dates and Pistachios comes together in 10 minutes or less and has both a flavor and texture combo that will have you (and your guests) coming back for more. It's perfect for a casual girl's movie night, a bridal luncheon, date night at home, or a fancy holiday party. Though simple to prepare (and even simpler to enjoy) this dip screams "decadence" - it's an appetizer that aims to impress.
Are Natural Sweeteners Healthy?
This sweet and savory dip is naturally sweetened with honey and chopped dates. Does that make it "healthy" compared to foods sweetened with regular sugar?
I don't think "healthy" is the right term to describe natural sweeteners. Just like any foods that contains carbohydrates (sweeteners, grains, fruit, starchy vegetables, etc.), natural sweeteners are broken down into sugar molecules and absorbed into the body.
However, natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, agave, fresh or dried fruit, and 100% fruit juice and more nutrient dense than regular sugar or brown sugar. Although these natural sweeteners still contain sugar, they also contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and/or antioxidants and add so much flavor!
If you're interested in learning more about natural sweeteners, check out this article by Today's Dietitian Magazine.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is so delicious, but it's nothing without dippers! Given that it's both sweet and salty, this Honey Ricotta Dip with Dates and Pistachios pairs well with a variety of dippers including:
Pretzels
Graham crackers
Sliced pears
Cinnamon pita chips
Pita wedges
Crackers
Strawberries
Vanilla wafers
My personal favorite dippers for this dip are pretzels! I'm a big texture person, and the saltiness and crunch from the pretzels contrasts so nicely with the sweet and creamy cheese and yogurt base. It's also delicious spread over a piece of freshly baked or toasted sourdough.
What’s in This Recipe?
Ricotta cheese – contains calcium and protein; provides flavor
Cream cheese – contains calcium and protein; provides flavor
Plain Greek yogurt – rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics; easier to digest than other dairy products due to fermentation
Honey – natural sweetener; contains antioxidants, prebiotics, and a variety of vitamins and minerals
Spices and seasonings – cinnamon and cardamom
Dates – natural sweetener; contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals
Pistachios – contains healthy fats, protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals
Notes: This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free. To keep this recipe gluten free*, serve with certified gluten free versions of the dipper suggestions (pretzels, graham crackers, etc.).
Honey Ricotta Dip with Dates and Pistachios
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 T honey plus extra for drizzling
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
4 dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup lightly salted pistachios
Dipper Suggestions:
Pretzels*
Graham crackers*
Sliced pears
Cinnamon pita chips
Pita wedges*
Crackers*
Strawberries
Vanilla wafers*
Directions:
Whisk together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp. honey, and spices in a medium bowl until smooth.
Top with chopped dates, pistachios, and a drizzle of honey, just before serving.
Serve with your choice of dippers or spread on toast.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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