Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Greek Yogurt: The Ultimate Weight Watchers Copycat Recipe

For years, I found myself dreaming about the irresistible Spinach Artichoke Dip once served at Joey’s restaurant. It was a classic appetizer that, despite being removed from their menu, lingered in my memory, inspiring a quest to recreate its deliciousness. However, my goal wasn’t just to make a simple copycat; I set out to develop a **healthier, lighter, and Weight Watchers-friendly version** of that beloved dish. The result is this incredible Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe (with Greek yogurt) that captures all the flavor without the guilt.

This creamy, flavorful spinach and artichoke dip is a year-round favorite, but it truly shines as the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Imagine a guilt-free game day spread, a cozy movie night snack, an exciting game night accompaniment, or a standout dish to bring to your next potluck. Its rich taste and smooth texture will have everyone fooled – no one will suspect it’s a lighter, healthier, or Weight Watchers-friendly option. I’m confident this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to appetizers, just as it inspired my Spinach Artichoke Casserole.

My children are my most honest and discerning taste testers, and I always value their opinions. For this particular recipe, I decided to have a little fun and conduct a *blind taste test* with my daughter. I blindfolded her and presented her with two versions: the initial Joey’s copycat recipe I had developed and this new, lightened-up rendition. To my absolute delight and a slight surprise, she overwhelmingly preferred the healthier, lightened-up version! This girl truly knows her dips, and her endorsement solidified my confidence in this recipe.

Ingredients for a Healthier Dip

What makes this healthy spinach artichoke dip truly stand out is its clever ingredient swaps. We’ve eliminated traditional mayo and cream cheese, significantly reducing fat content, and instead, utilized non-fat sour cream and Greek yogurt to achieve that coveted creamy texture. For this delightful dip, you’ll need the following:

• Butter (unsalted is preferred, but salted can be used with a salt adjustment)
• All-purpose flour
• Onion (finely diced)
• Garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
• Salt (to enhance all the flavors)
• Non-fat Greek yogurt (the secret to its creamy, light texture)
• Light Parmesan cheese (or non-fat for an even lighter option)
• Non-fat sour cream (adds tang and creaminess without extra fat)
• Light Monterey Jack cheese (for melty goodness and a mild flavor)
• Lemon juice (a splash brightens the entire dip)
• Tabasco sauce (for a subtle kick, adjustable to your preference)
• Frozen spinach (thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry; fresh spinach can be used but requires more prep)
• Canned or marinated artichoke hearts (jarred, marinated hearts offer deeper flavor)
• Agave (a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes)
• Milk (1% milk is ideal for maintaining a light profile)

*Refer to the full recipe card below for precise quantities and additional details.

Variations & Smart Substitutions

One of the best aspects of cooking is the flexibility to adapt recipes to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some smart variations and substitutions for your healthy spinach artichoke dip:

• Spinach: While frozen spinach is incredibly convenient (just thaw and squeeze!), you can certainly use fresh spinach. Just remember, you’ll need roughly double the amount of fresh spinach compared to frozen, and it will require sautéing, draining, and cooling before adding to the dip. This definitely adds a bit more work to your prep time.
• Agave: If you don’t have agave syrup, liquid honey can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that you’ll need to double the amount of honey for equivalent sweetness, and if you’re tracking Weight Watchers points, you’ll need to account for the difference.
• Butter: If using salted butter instead of unsalted, you can skip the additional salt mentioned in the recipe or reduce it significantly, tasting as you go.
• Cheese: While I highly recommend sticking with light Monterey Jack for its perfect melty texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients, mozzarella cheese can be used in a pinch. However, be aware that mozzarella has a different texture and flavor profile, which might alter the overall experience.
• Greek Yogurt: For those not concerned with calories or Weight Watchers points, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used for an even richer, creamier dip. It will, however, increase the fat and calorie content.
• Spicier: To add a bit more heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the Tabasco sauce. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Milk: Skim milk or 2% milk can be used interchangeably with 1% milk. The difference in richness will be minimal, maintaining the dip’s light profile.

Easy Stovetop Instructions for a Quick Dip

What sets this hot spinach artichoke dip apart is its incredible ease and speed of preparation. Unlike many traditional recipes, there’s no need for baking. This is a simple, delicious appetizer that comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time and reheating when you’re ready to serve. You can warm it up in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and salt. Cook and stir this mixture until the onions become translucent and softened, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Once the onions are ready, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until it is fully incorporated into the butter and onion mixture, forming a smooth roux.
2. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the milk, adding approximately one-third of the total amount at a time. Ensure the roux mixture is completely smooth after each addition before adding more milk. This gradual process helps prevent lumps and ensures a perfectly creamy base.
3. After all the milk has been added, continue whisking gently over low heat to ensure a consistently smooth and creamy texture develops.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently. This step is crucial to thicken the dip and prevent any scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat source. Add the non-fat Greek yogurt, light Parmesan cheese, non-fat sour cream, light Monterey Jack cheese, fresh lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, thoroughly squeezed frozen spinach, and drained and chopped artichoke hearts. Mix all the ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed for the best texture and flavor.
6. Return the pot to low heat and warm the dip through, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired serving temperature. Avoid bringing it to a rolling boil.

What to Serve with Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

This versatile dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

• Mini Pita Pockets or Pita Chips: Warm pita bread or crispy pita chips are fantastic for scooping up every bit of this creamy dip.
• Fresh Veggies: For a healthy and crunchy option, serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables like crisp cucumber slices, crunchy carrot sticks, crisp celery stalks, and vibrant bell pepper strips.
• Water Crackers: Delicate water crackers provide a light, neutral base that lets the dip’s flavors truly shine.
• Tortilla Chips: Classic tortilla chips are always a hit, offering a satisfying crunch and salty complement to the rich dip.

Essential Equipment for Your Dip

To whip up this delicious dip, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• A medium-sized saucepan is perfect for preparing the roux and heating the entire dip evenly.
• A reliable whisk is essential for creating a smooth, lump-free roux and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
• For serving, a chip and dip serving platter is the ideal way to present your delicious creation, allowing easy access for all your dippers.

Storing and Reheating Your Dip

Proper storage ensures your healthy spinach artichoke dip stays fresh and delicious for future enjoyment.

Fridge: Store any leftover dip in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to note: Do NOT freeze this dip, as the dairy components can separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for approximately 45 seconds to 2 minutes (depending on your microwave’s power), stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s warmed through and creamy again.

Generous Serving Size & Nutritional Benefits

This healthy artichoke dip recipe yields 8 generous servings, with each serving being approximately ⅓ of a cup. When developing Weight Watchers friendly recipes, I often notice others claiming to feed 15 people with the same amount of dip, which can be misleading. Let’s be real – who truly considers a mere couple of tablespoons a satisfying serving size? With this recipe, you get a decent portion that actually feels like a treat, not a deprivation.

Beyond the satisfying portion, this dip offers significant nutritional advantages compared to its traditional counterparts. For instance, the original Joey’s Restaurant (Canada) Spinach and Artichoke dip is reported by My Fitness Pal to contain a whopping 1000 calories for just one bowl with chips! Our lightened-up version, made with Greek yogurt and low-fat ingredients, offers a fraction of those calories while still delivering rich, comforting flavor. It’s a testament to how smart substitutions can transform a classic indulgent appetizer into a wholesome option without compromising on taste.

Weight Watchers Points

For those following the Weight Watchers program, this delectable copycat spinach artichoke dip is just 5 WW points per ⅓ cup serving. This makes it an excellent choice for a snack or appetizer that aligns with your health and wellness goals.

Top Tip: Transforming Leftovers into a New Dish

If by some miracle you have any leftover healthy spinach and artichoke dip, you absolutely must try making these **Spinach Artichoke Twice Baked Potatoes**! This ingenious idea came to me when I had both leftover baked potatoes and some of this delicious dip on hand – it was a perfect (and incredibly tasty!) combination.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Take your leftover baked potatoes and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the fluffy potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell intact. Mash the potato flesh with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
2. Add your leftover healthy spinach and artichoke dip to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until the dip is evenly incorporated. Divide this flavorful mixture evenly and spoon it back into the empty potato shells. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle a little light Monterey Jack cheese (or another cheese of your preference) on top of each stuffed potato half.
3. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and cook them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired, and serve warm. This transforms a simple leftover into a brand new, hearty, and satisfying meal!

And if you enjoy inventive ways to use leftovers, you’ll also love my Caesar Twice Baked Potatoes, which cleverly utilize leftover Caesar salad dressing!

Creating a spot-on copycat recipe requires a significant amount of effort, often more so than developing a dish from scratch. The dedication involved in perfecting this healthier version of a restaurant favorite truly speaks to its worth. I’m confident you’ll find this Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip (with Greek Yogurt) equally rewarding and utterly delicious. If you’re a fan of recreating beloved restaurant dishes at home, you might also enjoy my other popular copycat recipes:

• IHOP Harvest Grain & Nut Pancakes (Copycat)
• Ginger Beef (Calgary Ginger Beef Restaurant Copycat)
• Grilled Steak Salad with Feta and Clamato Dressing (Moxie’s Copycat)
• Monterey Chicken (Bonanza Copycat)
• Moxie’s Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Mayo Dip (Copycat) (shown below)
• Pistachio Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat)
• Boo Batter Ice Cream (No-Churn Cold Stone Copycat)
• Dill Pickle Pizza (Calgary Stampede Copycat)
• No Churn Butterbeer Ice Cream (Calgary Stampede Copycat)

So, whether you’re seeking a healthier alternative to a classic, a delicious Weight Watchers-friendly appetizer, or simply a fantastic spinach and artichoke dip, this recipe is sure to impress. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

And if you’re exploring other healthy and Weight Watchers-friendly dip options, be sure to check out my Cowboy Caviar Dip! It’s a mere 1 WW point for a ¼ cup serving. You’ll find more WW-friendly dip recipes listed at the bottom of this post for even more delicious inspiration!