Looking for the perfect dip to bring to your next gathering? This Cold Spinach Dip comes together in just 10 minutes! Delicious and creamy, your guests will all be asking for the recipe!
*Originally published July 2, 2021 and updated with new copy and photos 1/2/23.
Calling all my dip friends! This easy, creamy cold spinach dip is the perfect recipe to bring to your next gathering! This easy appetizer is made without mayo making it dairy-free and vegan! It comes together in just 10 minutes which makes it easily the best!
I don't know about you, but I can sit down with a giant bowl of spinach dip and just eat it all myself. I love all the creamy textures and delicious flavor. With or without artichokes, you have me sold!
If you want some other party appetizers, check out this Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Dip, these Jackfruit BBQ Party Poppers and these Vegan Pesto Bites, or this Crockpot Sausage Dip!
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Why You'll Love This Dairy-Free Cold Spinach Dip
- Creamy-The combination of cream cheese with the vegan mayonnaise makes this dip extra creamy! This dip is made without any dairy so it won't hurt your stomach!
- Lots of Spinach-This dip is really heavy on spinach which makes it delicious! This recipe uses a whole pound of spinach which means you will get spinach in every bite.
- Full of Flavor- Using flavored cream cheese and spices really kick this dip up a notch. You will have bursts of flavor in every bite!
- Customizable- This dip is totally customizable, it can be made with or without artichokes based on your personal flavor preference.
- Easy-This dip comes together in just 10 minutes and requires very little effort. Bring this to your next gathering and everyone will be blown away!
- Great Appetizer for Entertaining- This recipe makes a lot of dip so it is perfect for your next game day event or holiday. It's a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredient Notes
- Frozen chopped spinach- The best part about this dip is how easy it is. To make it even easier, I use frozen chopped spinach. It eliminates the step of having to chop it yourself.
- Vegan Cream Cheese-What makes this dip extra creamy is the vegan cream cheese. I like to add extra flavor by using a chive-flavored cream cheese
- Vegan Mayonnaise- The vegan mayonnaise helps to add a tangy flavor to the dip. If you don't like the taste and flavor of mayonnaise or don't have it on hand, you can still get that tangy flavor from vegan sour cream.
- Optional: Marinated artichoke hearts- The artichokes are totally optional in this recipe, they add a nice texture and flavor but if you don't like artichokes feel free to leave them out!
Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach
You can use fresh spinach in this recipe, however, know that it does take more time and extra steps.
First, to prevent the dip from getting stringy, you will need to chop all the spinach down into small pieces.
You will also need to cook your spinach before adding it to the dip. It will help the leaves to break down or you will be eating crunchy dip. No one wants their dip to be like a salad...
Frozen Spinach is Key
The key to making this recipe great is to use FROZEN spinach. It is cheap and affordable, plus you do not need to pre-cook or pre-cut your spinach beforehand.
All you need to do is defrost your spinach and then squeeze ALL OF THE WATER out before adding it to your dip. I do this over the sink using paper towels.
How to Make Dairy-Free Cold Spinach Dip
Quick Overview
- Thaw the spinach and squeeze out water
- Combine all ingredients
- Mix well
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the spinach! Allow the frozen chopped spinach to thaw completely, once it is defrosted, squeeze out all of the excess water using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
- Step 2: Add the spinach to a bowl with all of the other ingredients, and mix until fully creamed together.
- Step 3: Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. Serve with a sliced baguette or vegetables of your choosing!
Variations
- Spicy - double the amount of chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat into the dish
- Flatbread - Turn this into a fancy appetizer by topping a flatbread with this dip and baking
Check out this Air Fryer Warm Spinach Dip or this Spinach and Artichoke appetizer idea for another great way to use this dip!
Favorite Spinach Dip Pairings
Everyone has their favorite way to dip, I love to provide plenty of options for guests to enjoy. Some of my favorites are:
- Sliced french bread
- Celery
- Carrots
- Pita Chips
- Tortilla Chips
Storage
Because this dip is served cold, it can be made in advance. I like to make my dip 1-2 days in advance to give time for all of the flavors to meld together.
This dip will store for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in a covered, airtight container.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
Top tips
- Serve at room temperature. The cream cheese can stiffen up the dip and make it hard to scoop. Take this dip out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. The dip will still be cold but will be dippable.
- If using artichokes make sure to drain them. I like to use marinated artichokes in this recipe but make sure to drain them of their oil or you will risk getting an oily dip.
- To prevent double dipping serve with a spoon so people can spread their dip on their vessel of choice!
Recipe FAQ's
Cold or warm spinach dip usually consists of spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Some recipes use all of those ingredients and some may use only a few. Since this recipe is dairy-free, all dairy products have been omitted including the cheese.
Serve this spinach artichoke dip with fresh vegetable sticks, crackers, pita chips, bread sticks, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.
Cold Spinach Dip (Dairy-Free)
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Frozen Chopped Spinach
- 8 ounces Chive Flavored Vegan Cream Cheese
- 4 ounces Vegan Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Chili Flakes
- ¼ cup Nutritional Yeast
- 12 ounces marinated artichoke hearts Optional
Instructions
- Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out ALL excess water using a towel or paper towels. (You can defrost in the microwave if you need to do it quickly)
- Add spinach and all other ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix until incorporated.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve in your favorite bowl with fresh vegetables, bread and chips!
Notes
- Serve at room temperature. The cream cheese can stiffen up the dip and make it hard to scoop. Take this dip out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. The dip will still be cold but will be dippable.
- If using artichokes make sure to drain them. I like to use marinated artichokes in this recipe but make sure to drain them of their oil or you will risk getting oily dip.
- To prevent double dipping serve with a spoon so people can spread their dip on their vessel of choice!
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Jenny says
Thanks for your recipe
kaydimaggio says
Of course! Hope you enjoy!
Krysten Quiles says
This is always such a kick at get togethers, I love that you've given us an easy vegan version. Thanks!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Leslie says
Love this!!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Jeri says
This was delicious! I love that it is so much healthier than the traditional spinach dip!
kaydimaggio says
Yes! that means you can eat more of it! Lol
Angela says
This is a great vegan alternative. So fast and easy to make.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Sondra Barker says
Love this dip! Perfect for parties and for accomodating many different diet restrictions!
kaydimaggio says
Yes! It is great! Thanks so much!
Laura says
Very tasty!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
JILL says
Love the vegan twist!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Lindsay says
Super yum, love this as a vegan dip!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Brianna says
Perfect party dip, so creamy!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
aisasami says
Ooooh, this looks super delicious! I never had spinach and artichoke dip, so I have to try this!
kaydimaggio says
I hope you enjoy it!
Mosaic Tiles says
I love spinach dip but I never tried a vegan version of it!!! This looks soooo good!!! I can't wait to make it.
kaydimaggio says
I hope you enjoy it!
Katie Youngs says
I love your lightened up version!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Everything Enchanting says
I love spinach ❤️ I usually make our Indian style spinach curry/palag paneer dishes, but never tried making spinach dip! I'll have to try out your recipe 😍
kaydimaggio says
Yum! That sounds delicious! I hope you enjoy!
Alex says
Uh, when do the artichokes go in?
kaydimaggio says
Hi Alex, I'm so sorry for missing that! They go in right after the spinach has thawed, I have updated the post. 🙂
lori says
Hi..I'm wanting to make this for monday night football tomorrow....however, you mention vegan parm, but it's not listed in the ingredient list of the recipe. Can you please advise? I'm hoping to make this hot, so thinking 350 for 15-20? Thank you!
kaydimaggio says
Hi Lori, my apologies! I have updated the recipe. You use 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan. As far as making this hot, because it is made on the stovetop it should already be hot, however if you want to warm it even further I would suggest 350 for 20 minutes.
lori says
Thank you! I am making ahead of time (about 48 hours) so will need to cook. I can't wait to try this...