Diabetes-Friendly Dips: 11 Delicious Recipes

11 Delicious Diabetes-Friendly Dip Recipes

11 Delicious Diabetes-Friendly Dip Recipes
Adobe Stock (2); iStock

The snacks aisle at the grocery store is a minefield if you’ve been told to watch your intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fat. With a little easy prep in the kitchen, however, you can replace packaged junk foods and gloopy fatty dips with vibrant and crowd-pleasing dips that won’t spike your glucose level.

How do you prepare a diabetes-friendly dip? Start by pairing high-fiber legumes and veggies like chickpeas, beets, and avocados with healthy fats and protein sources, and then rely on fresh herbs, citrus, and spices to bring the flavors.

 These dips are zesty and bright, even though they’re not packed with sugar and salt. Just don’t scoop them up with highly refined and processed foods like tortilla chips or crusty white bread — instead, choose fresh raw veggies, whole-grain crackers, or even slices of apple or pear.

All Everyday Health recipes meet expert-developed nutrient goals, considering several dietary guidelines. Learn more about the methodology used to develop and tag each of the recipes on this list as diabetes-friendly.

muhammara
Esin Deniz/Adobe Stock

Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Walnut Dip)

Muhammara is a sweet and nutty dip that originated in Syria and is traditionally served with flatbread, per the Kitchn. Bell peppers provide an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and roasting them amplifies their sweetness. Walnuts add a creamy taste when blended and a source of brain-boosting omega-3 fats. Make homemade pomegranate molasses by letting pomegranate juice simmer to a reduction. Serve this dip with sliced cucumbers and carrot sticks or use it as a sandwich spread.

contains  Tree Nuts

SERVES

5

CALORIES PER SERVING

130

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

25 min

TOTAL TIME

45 min

Ingredients

2 medium red bell peppers, sliced lengthwise and seeds removed
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
⅓ cup toasted walnuts, halves
1½ tbsp pomegranate molasses or balsamic glaze
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp Aleppo pepper flakes or red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Brush bell peppers with 1 tbsp olive oil and place facedown on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the skin is charred and blistered. Allow to cool.

2

Transfer bell peppers to a food processor, along with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, paprika, lemon juice, pepper flakes, if using, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, about 1–2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size¼ cup

calories

130

total fat

11g

saturated fat

1.3g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

8g

fiber

2g

sugar

4.4g

added sugar

2.1g

sodium

59mg

TAGS:

Tree Nuts, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Appetizer, Snack
dip
Brent Hofacker/Adobe Stock

Dill Pickle Dip

Pickles and fresh dill combine to create this delicious dip that takes just a few minutes to put together. Some past research has found that dill helps regulate blood sugar and aids cardiovascular health. This dip uses nonfat Greek yogurt, which adds calcium and gut-friendly probiotic bacteria but also keeps calories low.

contains  Dairy
4.2 out of 5 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

31

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
3 tbsp pickle brine
⅔ cup chopped dill pickles
2 tbsp fresh dill
¾ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder

Directions

1

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, yogurt, and pickle brine until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Serve with whole-grain pretzels or your favorite veggie sticks.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size¼ cup

calories

31

total fat

2g

saturated fat

1g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

2g

fiber

0.2g

sugar

0.9g

added sugar

0g

sodium

172mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie, Family-Friendly, Quick & Easy, Snack
black bean salsa
Adobe Stock

Mango Black Bean Avocado Salsa

Mangoes add a pop of color, sweetness, and an excellent source of vitamin C to salsa. Black beans pack plant-protein and fiber, both of which promote satiety, while avocado adds creamy taste and a healthy source of fat. Enjoy with homemade baked tortilla chips. Simply slice up a corn or whole-wheat flour tortilla, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake until crispy.

4.8 out of 5 reviews

SERVES

9

CALORIES PER SERVING

82

PREP TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

15 min

Ingredients

1 15-oz can of low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, diced
1 mango, peeled and diced
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, diced
½ small red onion, finely diced
1 lime, juiced
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1

In a large mixing bowl, mix together black beans, tomatoes, mango, avocado, red onion, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss well and garnish with cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size½ cup

calories

82

total fat

3g

saturated fat

0.4g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

14g

fiber

4.1g

sugar

5.8g

added sugar

0g

sodium

60mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Snack, Appetizer
green goddess dressing
Adobe Stock

Homemade Green Goddess Dressing

Green Goddess dressing gets its name and bright flavor from the green herbs it contains. In this version, Greek yogurt stands in for less-healthy ingredients such as mayonnaise and full-fat sour cream — both of which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat, according to the USDA. As a bonus, the Greek yogurt adds a natural tang to your dish.

contains  Dairy
4.8 out of 9 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

24

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

½ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
½ cup assorted fresh herbs (dill, basil, cilantro, parsley)
1 clove garlic
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Serve over a salad or as a dip.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size3 tbsp

calories

24

total fat

1g

saturated fat

0.4g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

2g

fiber

0.1g

sugar

1.1g

added sugar

0g

sodium

151mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Quick & Easy
babaganoush
iStock

Baba Ghanoush

Baba ghanoush, a puree of eggplant mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, originated in the Middle East and is traditionally served with warmed pita bread, per the New York Times. Eggplant or aubergine is a great source of fiber and low in calories, with just 20 per cup of the cubed fruit, according to USDA data. Pair this dip with sliced bell peppers and Persian cucumbers to boost your fiber intake.

contains  Sesame
5.0 out of 3 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

134

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

45 min

TOTAL TIME

1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

1 large eggplant, halved lengthwise
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
¼ cup tahini
1 lemon, juiced
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp kosher salt
Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2

Brush the interior of each eggplant half with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place each half flesh side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, until the skin collapses and looks lightly charred. Let cool.

3

Scoop out the flesh of each eggplant half with a spoon and discard the skin. Transfer eggplant to a food processor, along with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Process until smooth, about 1 minute.

4

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size¼ cup

calories

134

total fat

10g

saturated fat

1.4g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

10g

fiber

3.8g

sugar

3.9g

added sugar

0g

sodium

188mg

TAGS:

Sesame, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Anti-Inflammatory, Vegetarian, Snack, Appetizer
creamy avocado salsa crema
Nadine Greeff Stocksy

Creamy Avocado Salsa

Did you know that avocado is actually a fruit? This delightfully creamy avocado salsa is like if guacamole and salsa had a baby! It’s absolutely delicious and sure to disappear from your table quickly. Plus, avocado is loaded with health benefits from the heart-healthy fats and fiber it contains, according to the USDA. As another benefit, this recipe requires little chopping, so you can get it on the table in a pinch for a quick appetizer or entrée topping.

5.0 out of 319 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

87

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados
2 limes, juiced
⅓ cup fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed
1 4.5-oz can mild diced green chilies, undrained
1 tsp ground cumin
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ cup water (plus more as needed)

Directions

1

Blend all ingredients in a blender on high until smooth, about 1 minute. Add more water if necessary to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size½ cup

calories

87

total fat

7g

saturated fat

1g

protein

1g

carbohydrates

7g

fiber

3.7g

sugar

0.5g

added sugar

0g

sodium

230mg

TAGS:

Anti-Inflammatory, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
chimichurri
Adobe Stock

Cilantro Mint Chimichurri

Chimichurri, a sauce traditionally served over grilled meats, originated in Argentina and Uruguay and is made of parsley and olive oil, according to Allrecipes. This variation mixes it up with cilantro and mint. Cilantro leaves may offer heart-protective benefits, according to a review published in Molecules in December 2021. Try this herby sauce on top of any animal or plant protein or grilled veggies, or use it as a dip.

5.0 out of 3 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

89

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2½ cups fresh cilantro
¾ cup fresh mint leaves
5 garlic cloves
Juice of 2 limes
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small red chile or jalapeño (optional)
⅛ tsp kosher salt (optional)
⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

1

Place all ingredients into a food processor and process on high for about 1 to 2 minutes until mixture is smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 tbsp

calories

89

total fat

9g

saturated fat

1.3g

protein

0g

carbohydrates

2g

fiber

0.4g

sugar

0.3g

added sugar

0g

sodium

4mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Carbohydrate, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Ketogenic Diet, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet
bowls of tomatillo salsa verde
Adobe Stock

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

If you've never cooked with tomatillos, the task may seem overwhelming, but they're actually quite simple to cook (and delicious). Tomatillos are usually green and come wrapped in a thin brown papery skin. Roast them with onions and garlic for a rich salsa flavor you'll love! Tomatillos are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, notes the Farmers’ Almanac.

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

30

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

6 medium tomatillos
½ medium yellow onion, chopped into large chunks
3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed (add a second jalapeño for spicier salsa)
1 lime, juiced
⅓ cup fresh cilantro
½ tsp kosher salt

Directions

1

Preheat broiler with a rack in the highest position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2

Remove papery skin of tomatillos and rinse them thoroughly. Slice each in half and lay them cut side down on prepared baking sheet. Add onion and garlic to baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

3

Roast in oven until skin of tomatillos begins to brown, about 5–7 minutes. Once vegetables are done, remove them from oven and allow them to cool.

4

Place roasted vegetables and remainder of ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

5

Chill until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size¼ cup

calories

30

total fat

2g

saturated fat

0.3g

protein

0.5g

carbohydrates

3g

fiber

0.7g

sugar

1.5g

added sugar

0g

sodium

71mg

TAGS:

Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Low-Sodium, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet, Vegan, Vegetarian
Beet Hummus
Getty Images

Beet Hummus

Beets are an easy mix-in to homemade hummus, and their vibrant color adds a stunning pink hue to the dish. The result is a satisfying snack with protein and fiber that will keep hunger at bay and is a great vehicle for veggie sticks.

contains  Sesame
4.5 out of 37 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

165

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 roasted beet, skin removed and quartered
2 lemons, juiced
3 tbsp tahini
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
¾ tsp kosher salt

Directions

1

Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

165

total fat

13g

saturated fat

1.7g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

10g

fiber

2.7g

sugar

2.3g

added sugar

0g

sodium

183mg

TAGS:

Sesame, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Snack
Cacao Chipotle Salsa

Cacao Chipotle Salsa

This dip makes the perfect pre-dinner snack or app for your next Sunday Football shindig. It’s packed with ingredients such as tomatoes, which contain the potent antioxidant lycopene that promotes prostate health, as well as garlic and onions, which may help protect against cancer and lower blood pressure. Add cacao to keep the anandamide levels high, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and cannabinoid-rich snack anytime.

4.3 out of 66 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

37

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 lbs. Roma tomatoes (908 g /32 oz), cut into large pieces
1 large white onion (285 g / 10 oz), cut into large pieces
1 jalapeño (15–25 g / 0.5–0.8 oz), stemmed and seeded
1⁄4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (one 3.5-oz can will work)*
4 cloves garlic (15 g / 0.5 oz)
2 T cocoa powder (28 g / 1 oz)
1 tsp. salt
*If you do not like spicy salsa, leave out the jalapeño and just start with one or two chipotle peppers, then add more of either to taste if desired.

Directions

1

Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until well blended.

2

Serve immediately or refrigerate up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1/2 Cup

calories

37

total fat

0.4g

saturated fat

0.2g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

8g

fiber

2.5g

sugar

4.1g

added sugar

0.3g

sodium

363mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Snack, Appetizer, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet, Tree Nuts
brownie dip
iStock

Dark Chocolate Brownie Dip

Dip can be sweet as well as savory, and what better way to satisfy a chocolate craving than this protein-packed spread? The plain Greek yogurt in place of high-fat mayo or sour cream saves calories and adds gut-friendly probiotics, per research, and fiber-rich dates provide natural sweetness. Dates in your diet may support heart health as well, according to research. Enjoy this sweet dip with sliced fruit and whole-wheat graham crackers.

contains  Dairy, Tree Nuts
5.0 out of 1 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

112

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

40 min

Ingredients

½ cup medjool dates (approximately 6 large dates), pitted
1½ cups plain, non-fat Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative yogurt such as soy yogurt)
¼ cup cashew butter or almond butter
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp instant espresso powder
2 tbsp cacao nibs (optional)

Directions

1

Place dates in a small bowl and carefully pour in boiling water until dates are submerged. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, until dates have softened. Drain and transfer dates to a food processor.

2

Add Greek yogurt, cashew butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and espresso powder to the food processor and process for 1 minute, until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in cacao nibs, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size¼ cup

calories

112

total fat

5g

saturated fat

1.1g

protein

6g

carbohydrates

12g

fiber

2g

sugar

8.1g

added sugar

0.4g

sodium

41mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Tree Nuts, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Family-Friendly, Dessert
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Tips for Eating Well. American Diabetes Association.
Lynn Griger photo

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She comp...

Ross Wollen

Ross Wollen

Author

Ross Wollen joined Everyday Health in 2021 and now works as a senior editor, often focusing on diabetes, obesity, heart health, and metabolic health. He previously spent over a dec...