Cold Dips for Warm Evenings

 
Continuing our theme from last week’s Cold Sandwiches post, this week we’ll be featuring some of the amazing cold dips you’ve submitted. Because when it’s been hot all day and evening starts to roll in, sometimes there’s nothing better than a nice cold drink and something yummy to nibble on that’s quick, easy, and more likely calls for the food processor rather than the stove.

Note: You won’t be seeing any salsa and guacamole recipes in here because, let’s face it, they deserve their own post. (And they’ll get one, too. Trust me.)

Let’s start off with one of the most popular dips around: hummus. It’s healthy, extremely customizable, and all it calls for is a food processor and a few minutes of your time. We’ve even got a white bean version for those who don’t like chickpeas.

Clockwise from top left: PW’s Classic Hummus, Spinach and Feta Hummus from whatsgabycooking, White Bean Dip from stickycook, Homemade Hummus from ThreeManyCooks, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from Heather, and Beet Hummus submitted by elanaspantry (courtesy of Elise of Simply Recipes).

 
 
 
If you’d rather skip the beans altogether, try one of these other dips. They’re all cool and creamy, and some of them can also double as a burger topping if someone’s manning the grill for dinner. (Notice that I didn’t say that you were manning the grill. You’re welcome.)

Clockwise from top left: Ree’s Baba Ghanoush, Baby!, Edamame Dip from foodwoolf, (Almost) Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Dip from ruth, Rosemary and Thyme Spread from ericalea, Lemon Asparagus Cheese Dip from jodiemo, Caramelized Onion Dip from jenniferperillo, and Smoked Tuna Dip from rolltidegrl26.

 
 
 
For those who want a chunkier, less-smooth dip, or something that just smacks of down home comfort, any one of the recipes below would be an excellent choice. Hmmm. I wonder if I can pull off an all-dip dinner and pass it off as healthy because it has vegetables.

Clockwise from top left: Mexican Dip from Java Girl, Deviled Egg Dip from Karly Campbell, Mexican Layer Dip from Ree, Southwest Corn Dip from Karenpie, Taco Dip from Michelle (Brown Eyed Baker), BLT Dip from aliwicious, and Pimento Cheese from barefootbelle.

 
 
 
And finally, we’ve got a few sweet dips for you to enjoy. Because not all dips have to be savory, and a nice Nutella, caramel, or peanut butter dip and some fruit make an excellent snack for the kids to enjoy. You can also sneak a taste or two without feeling guilty, because hey, you just want to make sure it tastes good, right? You’re just looking out for them.

 
Ah. The sacrifices we parents make for our kids. Just look at what we have to sample for their sake.

Clockwise from top left: Creamy Peanut Butter Dip from mcmom, Fat Free Cheesecake Dip from misshospitality, Nutella Cream Cheese Fruit Dip from jamieanne, Vanilla-Mint Yogurt Dip from Briana, and Healthy “Caramel” Dip from jmjacques.

 
 
 
Whether it’s something to enjoy along with your evening drink, or a snack to munch on during the day, Cold Dips are a great way to get a delicious dish ready in mere minutes without having to fire up the stove. Which is especially helpful if you’ve already started on that drink and the sangria might have gone to your head a bit. Although, on second thought, you might not want to handle the food processor either. You know, heavy machinery and all.

 
I’m just watching out for you. Because I love you like you were all my kids. Now march yourselves into the kitchen and help me clean up.

 
Anyone fall for that? Anyone?