I’m constantly in search of simpler and more delicious ways to introduce nutritious foods to my family. Encouraging children to adopt healthier eating habits requires some strategic planning, but dishes like this radish and cream cheese dip can make the process smoother. Even adults find this a delightful way to increase their vegetable intake!
Having some form of a garden, even a small one, is something I highly recommend. I’m excited about the early radish varieties that will appear this spring and will have this recipe ready to go!
Healthy Cream Cheese Dip Featuring Radishes
Radishes may not rank high on many shopping lists, yet this modest vegetable deserves appreciation. They are rich in vitamin C and provide numerous health benefits, such as cleansing the urinary system, maintaining healthy blood pressure, easing congestion, and providing respiratory support. Radishes also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and they can help oxygenate the blood.
Although radishes are extremely nutritious, children might find their taste a bit too spicy. By combining cottage cheese, cream cheese, and radishes, the healthy fats from the dairy can mellow the radishes’ sharp flavor. While many creamy dips include sour cream, I have chosen cottage cheese for its higher protein content.
Opting for milder varieties, such as French breakfast radishes, can also be helpful. These are often available at farmer’s markets, or you could grow your own. Plant radishes early in the spring once there is no threat of frost. If you’re thinking about starting a garden, here’s how to begin!
Is Dairy Healthy?
While dairy isn’t an essential dietary component (especially not large quantities of pasteurized milk for children), it does bring some health advantages. Raw, grass-fed, and cultured dairy products offer nourishing fats, calcium, and vitamin K2, which are beneficial for gut and body health.
Our family stopped consuming cottage cheese due to the unpleasant additives until we discovered the Good Culture brand. I love that it’s packed with protein and naturally cultured without the stabilizers, thickeners, and added flavorings found in other brands.
Radish Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This dip is smooth and creamy, bursting with fresh herbal flavors and a subtle kick from the radishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of radishes
- 8 oz block of cream cheese
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 handful of fresh parsley
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
- Wash the radishes thoroughly and remove the tops and bottoms.
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Serve with veggies for dipping.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutritional Information
Radish Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Servings: 0.25 cup per serving
- Calories: 84
- Calories from Fat: 63
% Daily Value: - Fat: 7g (11%)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 22mg (7%)
- Sodium: 213mg (9%)
- Potassium: 55mg (2%)
- Carbohydrates: 2g (1%)
- Fiber: 0.1g (0%)
- Sugar: 1g (1%)
- Protein: 3g (6%)
- Vitamin A: 315IU (6%)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)
- Calcium: 35mg (4%)
- Iron: 0.1mg (1%)
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Recipe Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Although this recipe suggests basil and parsley, you can vary the herbs depending on what’s available in the garden. Try incorporating chives, summer savory, dill, or any other herb of your choice.
- For an enhanced flavor experience, let the cream cheese dip rest in the fridge for several hours or overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Radish Cream Cheese Dip
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dip. For extra heat, top it with chopped green onions or jalapenos! If you want a cheesier profile, mix in some grated parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese.
Our favorite dipping choices are veggies like bell pepper, cucumber slices, and carrots. You can also pair the dip with homemade tortilla chips or even potato chips if desired.
Making Radish Cream Cheese Dip With Kids
I’ve found that when we get creative with vegetables, my children are more likely to enjoy eating them. Involving kids in the kitchen (teaching safety with knives!) encourages them to eat their culinary creations. Similarly, when they plant a garden, they tend to want to eat what they cultivate!
Fun ways to serve veggies for added variety:
- Slice celery into finger-width pieces to create "celery smiles."
- Cut vegetables into cubes and arrange them on skewers for veggie kabobs. Softer veggies like cucumber, celery, avocado, and tomatoes work well.
- Allow children to design their own vegetable art by arranging slices into pictures or scenes, then enjoy eating it!
More Dip Recipes
On the hunt for new recipes? Here are a few appetizer dips to consider for your next meal or snack. They are also protein-rich and made with simple ingredients!
How do you incorporate more vegetables into your meals? Do you have a favorite dip you enjoy?
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