Cream Cheese Dill Dip is a delicious dip packed with fresh dill and herb flavor. We've taken the calories down from the traditional version for a guilt-free easy appetizer recipe made with simple ingredients.
Lower-calorie cream cheese dill dip is a perfect accompaniment to an array of snacks such as fresh vegetables, whole-grain crackers, or baked pita chips. It also works well as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, adding a burst of flavor without packing on excessive calories.
It's a great choice for game day gatherings, your next potluck, movie nights or noshing when you are in the mood for a great flavored creamy dip.
A perfect pairing with loads of fresh vegetables. Hosting a party? Combine this tasty party dip with Dill Pickle Ranch Dip or Spicy Greek Feta Dip and lots of colorful cut raw vegetables for dipping.
With this low-calorie version of cream cheese dill dip, you can enjoy a tasty and guilt-free dip that satisfies your cravings while keeping your calorie intake in check.
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What makes it skinny?
Substituting reduced fat cream cheese and light sour cream. The cream cheese base swap reduced the calories by 30% and the fat by 50%. Light sour cream has 40% less fat and about ⅓ less calories.
NOTE: there are fat free versions of both cream cheese and sour cream however these products use stabilizers to achieve the consistency and flavors. We believe a few more calories are worth better quality ingredients.
Recipe Ingredient Notes
Light cream cheese. This is usually labelled as '⅓ less fat' or Neufchatel Cheese. You'll need an 8 ounce package. Be sure to start with the cream cheese at room temperature or softened so it blends well with the other ingredients.
Light sour cream. You'll use 1 cup.
Green onions (scallions). Two large scallions, rinsed, patted dry and finely chopped; use both the white and green portions (trim off the roots and top of the greens first). You'll need ⅓ cup chopped.
Fresh dill. This is the star flavor ingredient! Finely chop the fresh dill and use 2 tablespoons.
Garlic powder. This gives a mild garlic flavor that is more subtle than fresh garlic.
Onion powder. Another flavor builder that has a mild flavor to complement the green onions.
Dried parsley. The last flavor ingredient.
Kosher salt. This type of salt is less salty tasting.
How to make it
Making this cream cheese dip could not be easier! Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to mix together all the ingredients.
NOTE: if the cream cheese is not fully softened it can be lumpy. If so you can use an electric mixer (a stand mixer or hand mixer both work) to make the dip smooth.
Chill for one hour before serving. This allows the dip to thicken and the flavors to blend. Give it a good stir before serving and garnish with fresh dill sprigs if desired.
Variations
Add more or different fresh herbs. This dip is very flexible in flavor and easy to change up. Fresh chopped basil, cilantro, thyme would all be delicious.
No fresh dill? To substitute dried dill week use 2 teaspoons. Dried herbs are stronger in flavor so the amount is reduced by about ⅓ of fresh herbs.
Add some fresh lemon juice. For some additional tang a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds bright flavor.
Like some spice? A few splashes of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes will spice up this easy dill dip.
Fresh garlic. For stronger garlic flavor add 1 clove minced fresh garlic.
How to Serve it
Here are some of our favorite dippers for a perfect appetizer:
- with cut fresh vegetables (crudités); bell pepper, carrots, celery, jicama, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, snap peas.
- crunchy crackers (like Nuthins)
- baked chips (because the dip is thick, traditional potato chips may break if dipping)
- breadsticks
- pretzels
How to Store
Store leftover dip in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be made beforehand just plan for a total storage time of no more than 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
We haven't tried it but it definitely will work. Fat-free cream cheese is more difficult to find as well as to get the consistency of cream cheese it uses more artificial ingredients and stabilizers than Reduced Fat Cream Cheese. If you don't mind that using it will reduce the calories of the cream cheese by half.
Using non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the light sour cream will not have the same creaminess in the dip. It will also add a tangier flavor and more moisture so we would not recommend it if planning to keep the dip in the refrigerator for a few days. Full fat Greek yogurt is a better swap for texture but has a similar amount of calories as light sour cream.
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Recipe
Cream Cheese Dill Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces light cream cheese softened
- 1 cup reduced fat sour cream
- 2 large green onions white and lower green portions finely chopped (⅓ cup yield)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a bowl. Stir together until fully mixed together.8 ounces light cream cheese, 1 cup reduced fat sour cream, 2 large green onions, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Cover and chill for at least one hour before serving. Stir after chilling before servings.
Notes
- Add more or different fresh herbs. This dip is very flexible in flavor and easy to change up. Fresh chopped basil, cilantro, thyme would all be delicious.
- No fresh dill? To substitute dried dill week use 2 teaspoons. Dried herbs are stronger in flavor so the amount is reduced by about ⅓ of fresh herbs.
- Add some fresh lemon juice. For some additional tang a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds bright flavor.
- Like some spice? A few splashes of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes will spice up this easy dill dip.
- Fresh garlic. For stronger garlic flavor add 1 clove minced fresh garlic.
Sharon says
I love how easy and simple this recipe is! This cream cheese dill dip recipe tastes better than the one I usually make. Making it again this weekend.
Maryam says
I'm always looking for a new way to enjoy fresh veggies in the summer and this is perfect! Pairs so well with garden vegetables!
Tay says
I love trying new fresh dips in summer, and this one is fantastic! Great with cut vegetables.
Casey says
This is so yummy! I'm obsessed with cream cheese and dill.
Mary says
My new favorite dip! Perfect for our cut vegetables.
Gloria says
The perfect dip for summer parties. I have lots of dill growing right now. This is a great place to use it.
Katherine says
This dip is so addictive! We all loved it. I need to make another batch soon
Joanne says
Loved the fresh flavor. I made this for a book club gathering with an assortment of cut vegetables and everyone really enjoyed it.
Sharina says
This was a great addition to our appetizer charcuterie board. It was incredibly delicious and a crowd fav!
Kerry says
The dill really makes this dip! Thanks.