Nothing screams game day or the holidays like a good ol’ dip. I first tried buffalo chicken dip in high school at my friend’s house and was hooked ever since. Now I eat the buffalo chicken dip from Trader Joe’s which is also amazing. I wanted to make a lighter vegetarian version, which is where this buffalo lentil dip comes in! This dip is gluten-free, vegetarian, and lower in fat than a traditional buffalo dip. And let me tell you, it’s GOOD.
This buffalo lentil dip is definitely not for someone who can’t handle their spice. Luckily, I’m a girl that loves some spicy food. If spicy foods aren’t your thing, you can take out a little bit of the hot sauce to your liking! No matter how hot you like your dip, you’re sure to love this buffalo lentil dip. The perfect appetizer for the holidays or football Sundays!
What Ingredients Do I Need?
In order to make this delicious and creamy buffalo lentil dip, you only need a handful of ingredients. I bet you that you already have most of them in your kitchen! Here is everything you need:
- Lentils (I used the pre-cooked ones from Trader Joe’s
)
- Reduced-fat cream cheese (any type will work)
- Plain greek yogurt
- Hot sauce
- Feta cheese
- Ranch dressing seasoning
- Garlic
Benefits of Lentils
Lentils have to be one of my favorite plant-based protein sources. Especially the pre-cooked packaged ones from Trader Joe’s. They are the easiest thing to buy, last a long time, don’t require any cooking, and taste delicious! What more could you want?!
Using lentils as a substitute for chicken in this recipe adds a ton of fiber, which is needed for healthy digestion. They also contain a good amount of protein, which will help keep you full. Lentils contain tons of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for heart health and proper blood flow. As you can see, lentils are a nutrient powerhouse.
Making the Dip
If you’re using pre-cooked lentils, making this buffalo lentil dip could not be any easier. All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a large bowl, add them to a baking dish, bake the dip, and eat it! Eating the dip is my favorite step…
Start by combining the cream cheese, greek yogurt, hot sauce, feta cheese, ranch seasoning, and garlic in a large bowl. You may need to microwave the cream cheese for 30 seconds to soften it up.
Once the sauce is mixed up, you’re going to add the lentils. Stir until the lentils and sauce are evenly incorporated. Spread the dip evenly in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake it for 30 minutes or until its nice and warm.
If you’re cooking your own lentils, there are a few extra steps you’ll have to take. Still simple, but a little more time-consuming. I’ve actually never cooked my own lentils, so I would recommend just following the package directions, then following this recipe for everything else.
Ways to Serve
I personally love serving this buffalo lentil dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.
Another great way to eat this dip is on a Caesar salad, to make sort of a buffalo “chicken” salad. You can check out my homemade Caesar dressing, here. Even if you’re not a Caesar salad fan, you can add this to any salad, or even put it on a sandwich! So many possibilities with this one.
How to Store
You can store this buffalo lentil dip in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container or in its baking dish. It’s best served warm, so you can reheat it in the microwave or eat it cold! Either way is delicious.
More Recipes
If you’re looking for some more delicious appetizers, check these out:
- Cranberry & Feta Turkey Meatballs
- Sun-dried Tomato & Feta Guacamole
- 3-Ingredient Lentil Bruschetta Dip
Vegetarian Buffalo Lentil Dip
Course: AppetizersDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 package of Trader Joe’s Pre-Cooked Lentils (or about 2 1/2 cups cooked lentils)
4 oz. reduced fat cream cheese
3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original sauce
1/2 cup feta cheese
1 tbsp Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix
1 tsp minced garlic
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, microwave the cream cheese for around 30 seconds, or until it softens.
- Add in the greek yogurt, hot sauce, feta cheese, ranch seasoning, and garlic to the bowl with the cream cheese. Mix until the sauce is combined.
- Add the lentils to the hot sauce mixture and stir until they are all evenly coated.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a greased, round, glass baking dish. Top with some extra feta cheese if you like.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Enjoy it warm with crackers, chips, or vegetables!
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you try this recipe, make sure you leave a comment and tag me on Instagram @sprinklingofhealth to show me!
