Punch up your table with these dip options

Dip, dip hooray! It’s party time!

There’s just something about a fun-filled bash that makes dipping food feel so right. Whether you’re nibbling on veggie sticks, pita chips, crackers or some other noshable treat, you want to punch it up a bit.

Dip adds an extra zing to snacks and makes a party feel like a party. But what kind of dip should you put on the table? Here are a few options.

‘Guac’ your world

Avocados get a lot of love for their nutritional value, and rightfully so. They’re also downright delicious and lusciously creamy — two attributes on full display in this easy guacamole recipe. (Make extra, because this guac will disappear quickly!)

Kick up the flavor

Party dip doesn’t have to taste like … well, just plain ol’ dip. This creamy Italian dip overflows with flavor thanks to the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and basil. It’s low-fat, too, because of ingredients such as part-skim ricotta cheese and nonfat yogurt.

Sweet change

Hummus is traditionally made from chickpeas … but it doesn’t have to be! Sweet potatoes provide the base for this take on the classic spread. Roasted red peppers, garlic, cumin and cayenne pepper add some zingy pops of flavor.

Eight is enough

There are layers to this Mexican fiesta dip recipe. Eight, to be exact. The levels of tasty goodness include refried beans, avocado, sour cream, salsa, cheddar cheese, lettuce, olives and a meat of your choice.

A healthy classic

“Spinach artichoke dip” may sound healthy, but this buffet table classic is often a fat and calorie bomb. The solution? Sub-in reduced-fat cream cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt for a heart-healthy version of the party favorite.

Simply awesome

When the first three stops of a recipe are “open can and pour out contents” … well, you know it’s going to be an easy dish to make. This zesty bean salsa is really that simple to put together, too. An added bonus? It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Cool as a…

Did you know that cucumbers are a fruit? It’s true! They earn the designation because they grow from flowers and contain seeds. Feel free to share that fascinating tidbit while serving this cucumber yogurt dip.

Create a buzz

The addition of honey adds a delightful sweetness to this yogurt-based mixture, which is perfect for dipping your favorite fruit. It’s so yummy, you won’t want to stop once you start eating it.