Less Guilty Taco Dip

In Wisconsin, taco dip is a staple for Badger games, Packer games, Brewer tailgates, etc. If there is a party involving beer, taco dip is on the table. I used to think that everyone loved taco dip, and then Heather informed me that it’s a Midwestern thing. WHAT? Taco dip should be the official dip of America.

This weekend the Badgers are home and my beloved Packers are playing the Bears. Taco dip is a necessity this weekend. I have one problem with taco dip – it’s not healthy. At all. It’s high in fat and sodium (oh and high in delicious-ness).

Guess what? It doesn’t have to be.

I took my mother’s taco dip recipe, and found a way to make it a little less guilty. You cannot have guilt-free taco dip. Taco dip with zero fat would be….gosh I don’t know. Can you have fat free cream cheese, fat free cheese, and flavor? No. At the end of the day, it’s about little changes that make something a little bit less unhealthy. Those little changes add up!

Lower the fat, increase the protein, and lower the sodium. Little changes.

Less Guilty Taco Dip (adapted from my mom):

I think the greatest thing about taco dip is you can make it your own. Like spicy food? Kick it up with hot sauce and spicy salsa. Top it with jalapenos. Hate black olives? Load up on other veggies. Customize it with the veggies and toppings YOU like. Also it’s better if you make it the night before. For some reason taco dip is always better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredient:

• 1 8 oz. package Neufchatel cheese, softened
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 16 oz. jar chunky salsa
• 1 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup shredded reduced fat cheese
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo, drained

In a large bowl mix together the Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt, salsa, and taco seasoning. I used a mixer, but you could do it by hand. It will take longer, but it’s doable. Once well mixed, pour into a 9×13 pan. Top with the lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo. Since my parents are going to the Badger game tomorrow, I made the taco dip in a tupperware. Much more tailgate friendly than Pyrex!

Make sure you grab good chips too! These are my favorite tortilla chips.

What’s your gameday food staple?

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