11 Delicious Diabetes-Friendly Dip Recipes

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.
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 (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.
PREP TIME
10 minCOOK TIME
25 minTOTAL TIME
45 minIngredients
Directions
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.
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
130total fat
11gsaturated fat
1.3gprotein
2gcarbohydrates
8gfiber
2gsugar
4.4gadded sugar
2.1gsodium
59mgTAGS:
Tree Nuts, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Appetizer, SnackRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
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
31total fat
2gsaturated fat
1gprotein
2gcarbohydrates
2gfiber
0.2gsugar
0.9gadded sugar
0gsodium
172mgTAGS:
Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie, Family-Friendly, Quick & Easy, SnackRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
15 minTOTAL TIME
15 minIngredients
Directions
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
82total fat
3gsaturated fat
0.4gprotein
3gcarbohydrates
14gfiber
4.1gsugar
5.8gadded sugar
0gsodium
60mgTAGS:
Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Snack, AppetizerRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
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
24total fat
1gsaturated fat
0.4gprotein
3gcarbohydrates
2gfiber
0.1gsugar
1.1gadded sugar
0gsodium
151mgTAGS:
Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Quick & EasyRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
10 minCOOK TIME
45 minTOTAL TIME
1 hr 5 minIngredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
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.
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.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley, if using.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size¼ cup
calories
134total fat
10gsaturated fat
1.4gprotein
3gcarbohydrates
10gfiber
3.8gsugar
3.9gadded sugar
0gsodium
188mgTAGS:
Sesame, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Anti-Inflammatory, Vegetarian, Snack, AppetizerRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
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
87total fat
7gsaturated fat
1gprotein
1gcarbohydrates
7gfiber
3.7gsugar
0.5gadded sugar
0gsodium
230mgTAGS:
Anti-Inflammatory, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Vegan, VegetarianRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
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
89total fat
9gsaturated fat
1.3gprotein
0gcarbohydrates
2gfiber
0.4gsugar
0.3gadded sugar
0gsodium
4mgTAGS:
Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Carbohydrate, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Ketogenic Diet, Paleo Diet, Whole30 DietRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
10 minIngredients
Directions
Preheat broiler with a rack in the highest position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
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.
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.
Place roasted vegetables and remainder of ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size¼ cup
calories
30total fat
2gsaturated fat
0.3gprotein
0.5gcarbohydrates
3gfiber
0.7gsugar
1.5gadded sugar
0gsodium
71mgTAGS:
Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Low-Sodium, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet, Vegan, VegetarianRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
10 minTOTAL TIME
10 minIngredients
Directions
Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
calories
165total fat
13gsaturated fat
1.7gprotein
3gcarbohydrates
10gfiber
2.7gsugar
2.3gadded sugar
0gsodium
183mgTAGS:
Sesame, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, SnackRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until well blended.
Serve immediately or refrigerate up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size1/2 Cup
calories
37total fat
0.4gsaturated fat
0.2gprotein
2gcarbohydrates
8gfiber
2.5gsugar
4.1gadded sugar
0.3gsodium
363mgTAGS:
Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Snack, Appetizer, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet, Tree NutsRate recipe
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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.
PREP TIME
10 minTOTAL TIME
40 minIngredients
Directions
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.
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
112total fat
5gsaturated fat
1.1gprotein
6gcarbohydrates
12gfiber
2gsugar
8.1gadded sugar
0.4gsodium
41mgTAGS:
Dairy, Tree Nuts, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Family-Friendly, DessertRate recipe
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- Tips for Eating Well. American Diabetes Association.

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
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...