Healthy 7-Layer Dip for the Big Game

I love football and I love the Super Bowl.  Not only do you get to watch a great sporting event, but you also get to enjoy funny commercials and often enjoy the company of friends and family for the evening too.  I also love the Super Bowl for all the yummy food that can accompany a Super Bowl party.   This year, I challenge you to try a healthy and festive dish that is perfect for any celebration of the Big Game.

This year, I will be making the following dish to serve at our upcoming gathering with friends.  It is called the Healthy 7-Layer Dip.  The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:

• 1 container (8 oz.) plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. finely minced fresh cilantro
• 1/2  tsp. oregano flakes
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• dash of ground cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
• 2 medium avocados, peeled, pitted, and mashed
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups fresh shredded baby spinach
• 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained, rinsed, and chopped coarsely in a mini food processor
• 1 cup of your favorite chunky salsa
• 1/2 cup of reduced-fat (2% milk) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 fresh plum tomatoes, diced
• 2 to 3 scallions, chopped
• 10 black olives, pitted and diced

Preparation:

1. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt with cilantro, oregano, cumin, chili powder and ground cayenne pepper.  Set aside.
2. In another small bowl, combine the mashed avocado and fresh lemon juice.  Set aside.
3. Place the finely chopped spinach in a clear serving bowl.  Spoon in the mashed black beans on top of the spinach.  Use a spatula to spread the yogurt mixture over the beans.  Spread the avocado mixture over the yogurt.  Spoon the salsa over the avocado mixture.  Sprinkle with the cheese and top with a layer each of plum tomatoes, olives, and scallions.  Serve, if desired with a selection of bell peppers, celery or carrot sticks, or with baked multigrain chips.

This healthy dip will add beautiful color to your game day food spread.  It is high in iron, vitamins A, C and E, calcium, protein and fiber.  Enjoy, and may the best team win on Sunday!