Valentines Recipes:
Pink Valentine Dip


Looking for fun Valentines recipes that are as tasty and healthy as they are attractive? Try this delicious dip.

It's perfect with tortilla chips, or with a plate of raw vegetables. The cheerful color makes this one of the nicest Valentines Day ideas I know!

Of course, this tasty dip is not just for Valentine's Day! Serve it any time you want a tasty and healthy snack.

valentine dip



Not only does the grated beet give this dip a beautiful color, but it is healthy too! Beet juice is full of nutrition. (There's no need to mention that to your kids, though. Actually, it's probably best not to tell them about the beets at all!)



Check that you have these staples at home

  • in the cupboard

    • salt
    • pepper

  • in the fridge or freezer

    • plain yogurt
    • cream cheese
    • bottled lemon juice

Buy these fresh ingredients

  • green onions
  • beets

Get out your equipment

  • Essential

    • a small bowl
    • a spoon
    • a cutting board and sharp knife
    • a grater

  • Nice to have but not necessary

    • kitchen gloves
    • measuring cups and spoons (if not, just estimate)




The recipe

1/2 cup/125 mL plain yogurt

1/2 cup/125 ml cream cheese, softened

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup/60 mL grated raw beet

2 tsp/10 mL lemon juice

salt and pepper, to taste

In a small bowl, cream together the yogurt and the cream cheese.

Add the green onions, grated beet, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Mix well.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate.



Substitutions

  • Use sour cream in place of part or all of the yogurt.

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled.

  • Use minced red or white onion in place of the green onion.

Ideas for making this recipe your own

  • Try substituting another citrus juice for the lemon juice. Perhaps lime juice or orange juice would taste good!

Tips

  • Peel the beet before grating it.

  • Beet juice can really stain your skin! I wear rubber gloves when peeling and grating beets.

  • Here are several ways to soften cream cheese:
    • Leave it at room temperature for an hour or more.
    • Put it on a microwaveable plate and microwave it on HIGH for 10 seconds or so. (Microwaving time will vary; check it frequently.)
    • Put the cream cheese in a bowl and attack it with the back of a spoon, mushing it against the side of the bowl until it is soft.




Serving suggestion

Serve this dip with