An incredibly quick, easy, and healthy copycat recipe for Trader Joe's Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip.
I'm Chris and I suffer from Type A personality.
Planning excites me. Organization is a beautiful thing. The only thing that frustrates me more than waiting for someone running late is being that person running late.
I'm secretly jealous of people that can travel without an itinerary that was carefully and personally planned out months ahead of time. What do you mean you just figure it out when you get there?!
This weekend was tough for me. I had grand plans to cook all weekend long, try out lots of new recipe ideas, and photograph like crazy. But then the phone calls started rolling in. So and so realtor wants to show your house to their client at __pm.
Over. And over. And over.
I know, I'm incredibly blessed and thankful to have people so interested in seeing our home. We know that each showing brings us closer to this new chapter in our lives of buying a house together. But at the same time, it's a wee-bit unsettling to have your plans be in a constant state of limbo all weekend. My fellow Type A friends completely get it, haha.
Needless to say, there was barely any action in our kitchen this weekend.
But guess what happened in the kitchen last weekend? This.
And this is freaking good.
For those of you who've experienced the healthy crack candy that is Trader's Joes Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip, you already know the level of pure bliss that can be reached just by digging into a container of the stuff.
And sure, it's good for you. But it doesn't taste that way. And that's the best kind of healthy eats.
And really, is there anything as satisfying as copycat recipes that crack the code to your favorite eats?
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Trader Joe’s Copycat Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
- Yield: Approximately 3 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (17 ounce) container 2% Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- 1 cup finely chopped kale
- 1 cup finely chopped spinach
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup water chesnuts, finely minced
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper, finely minced
- ⅓ cup carrot, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dillweed
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Refrigerate for at least a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve with pita chips and/or crudités.
Ashley says
haha I am a crazy type-A person as well. I can't handle being late - and get incredibly frazzled when I'm late because someone else is late, etc. It's bad. I also love love love organizing and planning - it makes me happy!
And I love that you made a copy-cat version of this dip (which I love). I will have to make it at home now instead!
Chris says
I'm SO glad we get each other Ashley! Being late pretty much turns me into a raging lunatic ridden with anxiety. It's not pretty.
Mike says
I'm so not a type-A person Chris, definitely falling more into the type-Z category. I mean, besides work and triathlon nothing is hardly ever planned in my life.
Believe me when I say that at times I wished I had some type-A traits (and maybe some OCD too), it would make my life soooo much easier!
Man, this dip looks way better than Trader Joe's, but like 100x better. Great job!
Chris says
Hahahhahaha... that's so funny Mike! I would have totally pegged you for Type A! And I wouldn't be so fast to wish Type A on yourself. It's kinda a curse and a blessing all at the same time haha
Sandra says
Yup...another type A here! Although having two little boys around now has tempered me down a bit. I can still remember the ONE (yes one time) that I was late to one of their doctors appointments...messed me up for months 😉
Hey so this dip...sounds awesome! I, unlike all the rest of you lucky people don't have a trader joe's that is close. So I guess I'll have to give this a try and see what I'm missing 🙂
Chris says
Hahahaha wow, messed you up for months!! Now that's an impressive Type A'er right there, folks!! So you have tons of Thai places by you but no TJ'S?! Hmmm, I wonder which I would rather choose... to live near great Thai places or TJs. Thai. Thai wins.
Shashi says
If Trader’s Joes Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip is "crack CANDY", then your version must be "crack CHOCOLATE", and chocolate ALWAYS wins over candy in my books (or rather in my belly)!!!
Chris, your version looks and sounds fantastic! I wish I had some Trader Joes quinoa & black bean chips to dig into YOUR dip - unless, you have a copycat recipe for those chips too? 🙂
Chris says
Hahaha chocolate does always win, my friend! And it looks like you totally need to make a copycat version of those chips!!
Shelley says
Lol! I'm Shelley, and I also suffer from Type A personality. Ditto my blogging bud, Gretchen (you can just imagine our "work days" filled with checklists, to-do lists and org charts of all sorts!). 😀 I love, love, love planning! Also loving this gorgeous, super-healthy dip! So many veggies just jam-crammed in there! Brilliant! Absolutely pinning ASAP! And wishing I had some for my afternoon snack this very moment! Yum!
Chris says
We can all start a support group together. The only problem is that we would all get anxiety over planning the itinerary for each meeting, causing our Type A to grow even more fierce. Eh, let's just embrace it, hahaha
Krista says
Oh... totally get it! I am a Type A myself so that would be super frustrating, but hey at least ya got some showings in. Finger crossed that one of them decides to buy!
Love this recipe Chris especially with the kale instead of the typical spinach. I haven't had this stuff at Trader Joes before but guess what... I don't need to because I have your recipe. 🙂 Pinned!
Chris says
Thanks Krista! I hope so!
Erin says
"The only thing that frustrates me more than waiting for someone running late is being that person running late." Yessss my type A self totally gets you! Hope the showings went well! And oh my gosh, I've always wanted to copycat this dip and I am so crazed about this post that I'm going to write a really long run-on sentence about how delicious this looks and how I love all the ingredients and how I'm pinning it and can't wait to make it. Whew. Monday for ya. 😉 Have a great week, friend!
Chris says
EXACTLY! Luckily my wife shares in that frustration of always being on time, so we are rarely late. But waiting for people who are late... ugh, all the time!!! Sometimes run-on sentences are completely acceptable and appropriate. This is one of those times.
Cindy says
Hello Type A Friend 😀 I'm reading this going yep, yep I know exactly what you mean. I'll plan out what I'm going to do, cook, photograph then my husband will say I don't have to work today. Awesome yes, but totally ruins my planning. Lol now I had this delicious looking dip in front of me I'd be happy'm
Chris says
Oh Cindy, so glad to hear we share this beautiful trait!!! Hahaha
Erin says
I am forever on a quest to be better about being on time. When this dip is on the line though, I"d be EARLY to get a heapin' helping. I'm obsessed with the T. Joe's version, so I know I'd INHALE yours!
Chris says
Hahaha thanks Erin. Yea, you better be early or else I would just eat all the dip. That would make you sad and me fat. Both of which I would like to avoid.
Helen says
I had a good old laugh reading this, Chris. I'm totally type A too, but living in Greece for years has made me 'temper' it a little, let's say! And I definitely agree that healthy eats that don't seem that way are the best. I'm constantly on a search for them! Pinning this one!
Chris says
Maybe I need to spend some time in Greece! Ah, that would be really nice... but then again, there's so much to do, see, and eat in Greece. SO much to plan!!!! Ahhhh it's back!
David says
This dip has been one of my favorites for a long time! My wife and I used to have to divy it up just so we wouldn't eat the whole thing in one sitting. Thanks so much for sharing. And I totally get the Type A planning issues. I'm a major planner (don't even ask me about my editorial calendar for Spiced) and I always have a plan for the day. Good luck with the house sale...with all of those showings, one will come through soon and then you and Asheley can be our neighbors. Mainly, I just want to steal your spinach dip.
Chris says
Hahaha, you sound like us. We have trouble with portion control, haha. Oh man, I get anxiety when I start thinking about my calendar... so many recipe ideas, so little time!
Here's the problem with moving upstate... you'll steal all my spinach dip lol
Natalie says
I am so that person who shows up somewhere with no plans! We went to Seattle for our anniversary without any plans other than visiting Pikes Market. I just hate stressing about what to do before hand and have more fun wandering around and exploring : )
Congrats on selling your house! That's great that you have so many interested buyers already.
I love this dip from Trader Joe's! So excited I can make it at home now!
Chris says
I so wish I could just let my Type A go while on vacation and let us just wander... but I research everything so much ahead of time that I feel like I gotta see and do everything! Isn't Pike Market amazing?! I love Seattle. Such a fun city!!
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
I love traveling without a (tight) itinerary. Although my husband and I were already in Myrtle Beach, SC for a (lame) family reunion. We took off for two days to go see all the lighthouses on the Outer Banks. We happened to catch the ferries just in time, just by chance. Also, getting great hotels, B&B's, etc. It was the most fun. Although, there were no children then either. With kids, you (most) times have to have a schedule when traveling. 😉
Loving this recipe, by the way!
Chris says
Oh how I envy you! That must be so freeing to just go without plans... my OCD just won't allow it, haha. Luckily my wife plays along and doesn't complain... she's a keeper, haha.
Liz says
I love, love a good spinach dip and yours is gorgeous! And double bonus as it's healthy!!!
Chris says
Good thing it's healthy, or else I'd be a gazillion pounds by now, haha. We go through this dip like crazy at our house 🙂
Christine says
I love copycat recipes + this TJ dip is a staple on my grocery list, I literally buy it every week!! pictures are absolutely gorgeous Chris 🙂
Chris says
Thanks so much Christine! We buy it every time we are in TJ's also! Have you tried the bacon cheddar dip? It's equally addicting
Laura says
I have never eaten the dip from Trader Joe's before, but this looks amazing! You can never have too many good dip recipes. Good luck selling your house!
Chris says
Truer words have never been spoken!! You can NEVER have too many good dip recipes! I love dip, haha
Judit + Corina says
Trader Joe’s would sell this fabulous yoghurt dip in a heartbeat Chris! We had a few times from our local TJ's a spinach yoghurt dip and it was not bad but your version sound so light and delicious! Good luck with your house and just focus on the result, and that you are each day closer to SOLD 🙂
Cheers,
J+C
Chris says
Thanks so much Judit and Corina! Hope you are having a great week!
Kristi says
Hahaha! You had me at "Type A" personality. Can you see my hand waving wildly in the air. Helloooo! You know, every time I go to Trader Joes, I think "Augh!!!...why don't you come here more often - this place is FABulous!" But, somehow it always slips my mind. THAT needs to change. Unless I just follow you and copy all the recipes. 🙂 It absolutely looks divine!!!
Chris says
Fellow "Type A" people unite! Haha yes! Glad I'm not the only one 🙂 And yes, every time I go to TJ's I always discover new stuff to try! It's pretty great!
Ashley - Baker by Nature says
Chris, so happy I found your lovely blog tonight! This dip is one of my faves, and I seriously cannot wait to whip some up at home. Woot!!!
Chris says
Ditto! It's always nice to connect with fellow food bloggers! Subscribing to your blog now so we can keep it touch! Woot woot!
Beth says
I actually have never been to a Trader Joe's. :/ There isn't one in my entire state. Thankfully, you made this copycat recipe so I can make it for myself and not feel left out anymore!
Chris says
Trader Joe's, are you listening?! You need to get a store in Beth's home state immediately! It's unacceptable that she does not have access to your wonderful array of products! Haha, so sorry Beth! That's craziness! Well at least you can make this haha
Angie ( says
Healthy greens and yogurt..a wholesome combination of flavours. The dip looks utterly irresistible, Chris!
Have a wonderful day!
Angie
Chris says
Thanks so much Angie!
ela says
I agree, this looks freaking good. I would dip in it till there is no more! 🙂 ela
Chris says
Haha thanks Ela! And since it's pretty much guilt-free, you can keep on dipping till the dipping runs out!
Kelly says
Oh boy, this dip looks awesome Chris, a TJ's just opened up nearby not too long ago but I haven't had a chance to try their version yet but now I don't need to because this one sounds fantastic! I love all the spinach and kale in here and I know I wouldn't be able to resist until it's all gone 🙂
Chris says
Thanks so much Kelly! It is pretty addicting... but thankfully it's pretty good for you so we can eat the whole bunch and still feel not like a fatty haha
Ilona says
What a perfect dip! Mayonnaise and greek yogurt, this is great combination:)
Bianca says
Ahhh I am definitely a Type A personality, too, and was literally nodding my head while reading the beginning of this post. You should see my vacation planning worksheets hehehe. I love this copycat recipe! I almost bought a container at TJs this afternoon but glad I didn't because now I want to try making this myself!
Shibi says
The greek yogurt spinach dip sounds healthier and looks way better than the store bought high fat dips!!
Jocelyn says
This dip sounds glorious! And I totally agree that the best kind of health food is that kind that doesn't taste healthy!! 😉
Tina says
Oh my gosh, I'm like you 100%! My husband...not so much. A few years ago he insisted we not plan a long weekend in VT (not even book hotels!). Two words after that trip...NEVER AGAIN. He's since learned to let me enjoy me doing what I do best...plan, plan and plan some more. 😉
I don't try to plan every minute of the vacation though. That's something, right? 😉
This dip looks delicious and I'm alway looking for dip recipes to serve when I host dinner parties!
Sarah & Arkadi says
i hate it when things don't get accomplished the way i plan! okay, call me a control-freak! haha...i love your dip and it's presentation! have a good weekend!
Kelly says
The kale and spinach are raw? Just wanted to clarify, because it seems so soft in the TJ's dip. Does the moisture wilt it, perhaps?
Chris says
Precisely, Kelly! The moisture wilts it so it's super tender and soft 🙂
CAROLINE DAVID says
Great recipe. It actually took me more time to read all those comments than to make the recipe.
Thank you for sharing all this.
Regards
Chris says
Thanks so much Caroline!
Miett says
Thank you for this! I tried this dip at a friend’s place in San Francisco years ago and craved it when I got home to New Zealand. Found your recipe and it worked a treat! So good! Would be easier if I had Trader Joe’s nearby but worth the effort to make it.
Chris Cockren says
Glad it worked well for you! I'm spoiled... I have a TJ's 5 minutes down the road 🙂
Irla says
Hi Chris, I just bought TJ’s Spinach & Kale Greek yogurt dip & you’re right, I could have inhaled it in one sitting. 😂 I have a question for you. I’d like to add artichoke hearts to the dip & do you have any suggestions on how to make it work. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Chris Cockren says
I would just use canned ones and drain well and rinse before adding into the mix! Sounds delish!