Easy Knorr Spinach Dip: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

The last time I hosted, I set out a bowl of Knorr Spinach Dip “just in case” and it disappeared before I could even grab a cracker. That is the magic of this classic party food, it feels nostalgic, but still totally craveable.

This version keeps everything you love, creamy, savory, crunchy, but adds my favorite tiny upgrade, a little fresh lemon zest plus a pinch of garlic powder to wake up the whole dip without making it watery. It is easy, reliable, and made for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Our secret flavor boost: A hint of lemon zest brightens the rich sour cream and mayonnaise base, and a pinch of garlic powder adds deeper savory flavor without the sharp bite of raw garlic.
• Effortless entertaining: It is a true mix, chill, serve appetizer, perfect when you are juggling other dishes.
• Crowd-pleasing classic: The Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix delivers that familiar, party-ready taste that works with crackers, pita chips, and fresh vegetables.
• Make-ahead perfection: I discovered the zest trick when I started making this the night before, the flavors taste more “alive” after chilling.

Ingredients and Substitutions

These ingredients build the signature creamy base, plus spinach for that savory backbone and water chestnuts and green onions for the crunchy, fresh finish.

Ingredients

• 16 oz sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 package Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix
• 10 oz frozen spinach or 16 ounces fresh spinach
• 8 oz can water chestnuts drained and chopped
• 3 green onions chopped

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix: This is the heart of Knorr Spinach Dip, it is what gives that instantly recognizable, savory seasoning. If you want a different but still classic vibe, Knorr Leek soup mix is an easy swap for a new flavor profile.

Spinach: Frozen spinach is convenient, but squeezing water out aggressively is non-negotiable if you want a thick, creamy dip. Fresh spinach works too, just cook it until wilted, then squeeze out moisture the same way so it does not dilute the base.

Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: Full-fat versions give the smoothest, most stable texture, I especially notice it helps the dip hold its shape after chilling. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the sour cream, it will taste a bit tangier and slightly less rich.

Water Chestnuts: They bring that signature crunchy contrast that makes this dip addictive instead of one-note. If you dislike them, you can omit them, or use thick-sliced and chopped radishes for a similar crisp bite.

Our Special Twist Ingredients: Fresh lemon zest makes the dip taste brighter without adding liquid, and garlic powder rounds out the savory notes of the Knorr mix. Use fresh zest for the cleanest pop, and a good quality garlic powder so it tastes warm and aromatic, not dusty.

How to Make Knorr Spinach Dip

Make the Creamy Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix until the mixture looks smooth and evenly seasoned, with no dry pockets. Add a hint of fresh lemon zest and a pinch of garlic powder, then mix again until the base smells bright and savory.

Prep and Add the Spinach

1. Cook frozen spinach according to package directions, then squeeze out excess water until it feels very dry, you should be shocked by how much liquid comes out. Add the drained spinach into the mixing bowl with the creamy base.

Add Crunch and Freshness

1. Drain and dice the water chestnuts, then slice the green onions, and stir both into the mayo mixture. Keep the water chestnuts finely chopped so you get consistent crunch in every scoop.

Chill for Best Flavor

1. Mix everything really well until the dip looks cohesive and creamy, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. This chilling time helps the dip firm up and lets the flavors meld into that classic party-dip taste.

Perfecting Your Spinach Dip: Tips & Troubleshooting

Cooking Fresh Spinach for Dip

If you are using 16 ounces fresh spinach, I recommend steaming it or quickly sautéing it just until fully wilted.

Let it cool enough to handle, then squeeze out as much water as you possibly can, the goal is spinach that feels almost dry to the touch so the dip stays creamy, not loose.

Preventing a Watery Dip

Thorough spinach drainage is the number one fix, if your dip looks runny, it is almost always leftover moisture from the spinach. I like to press it in a clean towel or several layers of paper towels, and keep squeezing until no more liquid drips out.

Chilling matters too, dips with sour cream and mayonnaise tighten as they refrigerate. If you can, chill overnight for the thickest texture and the most developed flavor.

Making Ahead for Events

For parties, I aim to make this 12 to 24 hours ahead, it tastes more blended and less “separate” the next day.

Store it in an airtight container, or in a bowl with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to limit air exposure. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Finding Knorr Mixes

Look for Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix in the soup aisle or seasoning aisle of most major US grocery stores, it is often near the dry soup mixes.

If you cannot find it locally, online retailers are usually reliable, and the Knorr Leek soup mix is often stocked in the same section.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Lean into the twist: Add that lemon zest and garlic powder right into the base, it makes the dip taste tangy, refreshing, and more dynamic without changing the classic vibe.
• Drain, drain, drain: Make sure spinach is completely thawed and thoroughly drained, squeezing water is the single most important step for a thick dip.
• Finely chop for consistency: Dice water chestnuts small so you get crunchy texture throughout, not big watery chunks.
• Chill for flavor: Refrigerate at least 2 hours, and overnight is even better for a cohesive, creamy set.
• Use full-fat mayo: Full-fat mayonnaise makes a noticeable difference in texture and richness, especially after chilling.
• Serve it cold: This dip is best straight from the refrigerator, it tastes cleaner and holds its shape better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping spinach drying: Not draining spinach sufficiently is the fastest route to watery dip.
• Undercooking fresh spinach: If fresh spinach is not fully wilted before squeezing, you can end up with a fibrous texture.
• Not chilling long enough: If you serve it too soon, the flavor is flatter and the dip can look runny.
• Leaving water chestnuts too large: Big pieces can feel jarring, finely chopped gives better balance.
• Over-mixing after chilling: If there is slight separation, stir gently just to bring it back together, vigorous mixing can loosen the texture.

Serving & Storage

Creative Serving Ideas

Classic bread bowl: Hollow out a round loaf like sourdough, rye, or pumpernickel, then cube the interior for dipping. For winter holidays, pumpernickel bread bowls are especially good with the savory, tangy dip.

Versatile dippers: Put out crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, plus fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes.

If you love a crunchy spread, build a veggie board and pair it with something crisp on the side, I also like the idea of creating delicious and crunchy salads for a full snacky table.

Beyond the bowl: Try a spoonful on grilled burgers or sandwiches, or add a dollop to baked potatoes for an easy upgrade. If you are leaning into a green-focused menu, you might also like other green, healthy preparations like our detox island green smoothie.

Storage and Make-Ahead Brilliance

Refrigeration: Store Knorr Spinach Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator and plan to enjoy it within 3 to 4 days. Since this is a dairy-based dip, follow guidelines for safe cold holding temperatures for dips and vegetables when serving it at gatherings.

Make-ahead: This dip improves with time, I genuinely prefer it after 12 to 24 hours in the fridge. For extra freshness, press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container.

Food safety note: When you are prepping veggies and working with sour cream and mayonnaise, keep everything cold and clean, and use a fresh spoon for serving. For a deeper refresher, I like referencing food safety guidelines for food service operators because they lay out simple, practical standards that apply at home too.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dip, sour cream and mayonnaise tend to separate after thawing, which makes the dip watery or grainy.

Conclusion

This Knorr Spinach Dip keeps the beloved classic formula, then makes it better with a small hit of lemon zest and garlic powder for extra brightness and depth.

Make it ahead, chill it well, and play with how you serve it, it is the kind of appetizer that quietly becomes the most requested dish. If you are on a spinach kick, try spinach and ricotta cannelloni for a cozy dinner next.

FAQ