We all love fruits and vegetables, but sometimes even our favorite healthy snacks start to get boring by themselves. Dips and sauces are really easy and quick ways to spice up even the most basic dip-able snacks, but they’re not always wallet-, waistline- or time-friendly. Enter: 2-ingredient sauce recipes. The following 7 sauces and dips can be made using ingredients you probably already have at home, are way lower in fat and calories than their grocery store counterparts and only take a matter of minutes to make. Let the dipping/saucing/marinating begin!
1. Greek Yogurt + Mashed Avocado = Easy Guacamole
Photo by Hannah Lin.
Mix equal parts plain Greek yogurt and mashed avocado. Season with salt, garlic or other spices to taste.
2. Almonds + Onion Soup Mix = Healthy Onion Dip
Photo by Hannah Lin
Soak 1 cup raw almonds in water overnight, then combine with one packet onion soup mix in a food processor or blender.
3. Basil + Olive Oil = Pesto
Photo by Hannah Lin
Mix 4 cups basil with 3 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The above three recipes can be subbed in for these Super Bowl recipes. But don’t wait until the Super Bowl — make these dips to enhance your snacking experience while watching races, baseball games or pre-season games, or even to spice up your next pregame (no judgment).
4. Whiskey + Balsamic Vinegar = Steak or Chicken Marinade
Photo by Hannah Lin
Mix equal parts whiskey and balsamic vinegar and marinate meat for at least 30 minutes.
Follow this guide to marinating for college kids, using the above recipe in place of a store-bought marinade.
5. Peanut Butter + Chili Sauce= Asian Peanut Sauce
Photo by Hannah Lin
Mix 1 cup sweet chili sauce with 4 teaspoons peanut butter (crunchy or creamy, it’s up to you!).
Substitute this sauce for the one in this recipe for soba noodles and bask in the simplicity.
6. Mayo (or Greek yogurt) + Mustard = Universal Sauce
Photo by Hannah Lin
Mix 2 parts mayo or Greek yogurt with 1 part Dijon or spicy brown mustard. I usually use this to top grilled salmon, but I’ve found it’s delicious with just about anything grilled, and also as a salad dressing, sandwich spread or vegetable/cracker dip.
7. Fruit + Sugar = Fruit Compote
Photo by Hannah Lin
Mix 1 pound chopped fruit of choice with ¼-½ cup each sugar and water (depending on desired sweetness and consistency) in a saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, then simmer for about five minutes, stirring often, until mixture thickens and fruit starts to break down.
Here’s a recipe for strawberry compote that uses 3 ingredients for an added lemon-honey touch.