This dip is a wonderful twist on a traditional recipe.   The added chicken makes it higher in hunger-satisfying protein, while the water chestnuts add a great crunch.  This is a great dip to offer your guests this holiday season.  Try it out!

Time to table: 45 minutes

Serves: 12

Healing Nutrient Spotlight:

Excellent Source of vitamin A
Good source of vitamin C, calcium, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, manganese
Wheat, Dairy, and Egg Free

Ingredients*

1 10-oz. package frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and chopped
1 cup water chestnuts, chopped
2  3-oz. cooked chicken breasts, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 10-oz. package Vegan Gourmet brand mozzarella cheese
1 cup Follow Your Heart brand Grapeseed Oil Veganaise
1 tsp. liquid smoke flavoring (choose a gluten-free version and one that’s been scrubbed and filtered to remove impurities; or you can add a few pieces of crumbled, pre-cooked nitrite-free bacon for a wonderful smoky flavor)

*Choose organic ingredients for optimum nutrition.

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Combine spinach, water chestnuts, chicken, mayonnaise, cheese, onions, garlic, and liquid smoke in a large bowl.  Mix well.  Spoon mixture into a shallow glass baking dish.  Bake for 30 minutes or until dip is bubbly and the edges turn golden brown.  Serve with rice crackers, tortilla chips, or veggies.

Nutrition

225 calories, 6 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates, 20 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 4 g monounsaturated fat, 2 g polyunsaturated fat, 12 mg cholesterol, .6 g sugar,

2.4 g fiber, 1840 IU vitamin A, 2.06 mg niacin, .17 mg pantothenic acid, .13 mg vitamin B-6, 30 mcg folate, 6 mg vitamin C, 65 mg calcium, .7 mg iron,19 mg magnesium, .20 mg manganese, 125 mg potassium, 4.35 mcg selenium,

240 mg sodium, .26 mg zinc

[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at LaValle Metabolic Institute (formerly part of Living Longer Institute).  She offers personal nutritional counseling at LMI for clients who need help with their diet in relation to illness or disease. Laura also provides educational services in the areas of health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention. To learn more click here.]