Spinach Ranch Dip Recipe
If you’re looking for a zesty, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as simple as it is irresistible, look no further than Spinach Ranch Dip. This creamy, flavor-packed dip brings together cool ranch seasonings, the earthiness of spinach, a pop of cheddar, and a satisfying crunch from water chestnuts—all blended to perfection with a short chill in the fridge. Whether you’re hosting game night, a family gathering, or simply craving a standout snack, Spinach Ranch Dip is the cool, creamy classic that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every Spinach Ranch Dip ingredient serves an important purpose—adding zest, creaminess, crunch, and that signature green pop. Here’s a quick low-down on why you’ll want every item in your bowl.
- Frozen chopped spinach (10-ounce package): This is the vibrant, vitamin-packed heart of your dip—just make sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Delivers silky, tangy creaminess as the perfect base for soaking up ranch flavors.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Lends even more richness and gives the dip its classic, spoonable consistency.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1-ounce packet): Packs in all those herby, garlicky notes we love—easy, quick, and full of flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Melty, sharp cheddar offers depth, body, and a little color in every bite.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): Adds a fresh, mild kick and a pop of green throughout the dip.
- Finely chopped water chestnuts (¼ cup, optional): For a gentle crunch and subtle sweetness—it’s totally optional but seriously recommended!
- Salt and pepper to taste: For that final flourish, season to let every ingredient shine.
How to Make Spinach Ranch Dip
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—this is where your Spinach Ranch Dip comes to life. Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix until the mixture is smooth and no pockets of powder remain. This ensures every scoop delivers that perfect ranch zing.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Fold in your thawed, well-drained spinach right into the creamy base, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, those finely chopped water chestnuts. Stir, stir, stir until everything is evenly distributed—each bite should have a little of everything!
Step 3: Season and Taste
Give your mixture a taste and sprinkle in salt and pepper as you like. Ranch seasoning already brings a salty tang, so start slow and adjust to your preferences. This is where you can truly make Spinach Ranch Dip your own.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Magic
Cover your bowl (plastic wrap works perfectly) and refrigerate for at least one hour. This rest lets all those bold flavors meld, transforming your dip from good to “oh wow, what is in this?!” Trust me, don’t skip the chill!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, give your Spinach Ranch Dip one final stir for good measure. Scoop it into your prettiest bowl and lay out the dippers—chips, crackers, veggies, you name it!
How to Serve Spinach Ranch Dip
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate any dip. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a few sliced green onions, or even a little cracked black pepper on top make your Spinach Ranch Dip look just as amazing as it tastes. For extra brightness, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Side Dishes
Spinach Ranch Dip is a perfect partner for so many sides! Lay out crisp carrot sticks, sliced celery, bell pepper strips, pita chips, bagel chips, or lightly salted tortilla chips. It also pairs beautifully with thin slices of sourdough or rustic baguette.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the (chip) box? Try hollowing out a round loaf of sourdough for a fun bread-bowl presentation, or serve your dip in individual hidden veggie cups for grab-and-go portions at a party. Mini Mason jars or small ramekins also look charming on a buffet table, letting guests help themselves while keeping things tidy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spinach Ranch Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, and the flavors tend to get even better after a little sit—just stir well before serving again.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Spinach Ranch Dip, it’s not recommended. Both sour cream and mayonnaise can separate or become grainy when thawed, so the texture won’t be quite as creamy as when fresh. If you do freeze it, stir it well after thawing.
Reheating
This cold dip is best enjoyed chilled, not hot, so no reheating is necessary. Just bring it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so it’s perfectly scoopable. If the dip thickens, add a spoonful of sour cream or mayo to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain it very well and chop. Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture—you want the dip creamy, not watery.
How can I make this dip lighter?
For a lighter take on Spinach Ranch Dip, swap Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream and mayonnaise. You’ll get extra protein and a tangy flavor while keeping things lighter.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise, and either skip the cheese or use a plant-based shredded cheese. Check that your ranch seasoning mix is dairy-free too.
What can I serve with this dip besides chips and veggies?
Spinach Ranch Dip is delicious with warm pita bread, pretzel bites, thin breadsticks, or even as a sandwich spread. Let your imagination (and pantry) be your guide.
How far in advance can I make Spinach Ranch Dip?
You can prepare Spinach Ranch Dip up to two days ahead. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge makes the ranch and spinach flavors even more pronounced and delicious.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to easy, tasty, and endlessly adaptable party appetizers, Spinach Ranch Dip is always a win. It’s quick to whip up, simple to customize, and absolutely guaranteed to disappear faster than you think. Give it a try and watch your guests dive back for seconds and thirds!
Print
Spinach Ranch Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Ranch Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Packed with spinach, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup finely chopped water chestnuts (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
- Serve chilled with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Add the chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, green onions, and water chestnuts if using. Stir until fully combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or mayonnaise.
- Make sure to squeeze as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
