There's something so comforting about a dip that’s both creamy and crunchy, brightened with fresh spinach and the unexpected little pop of water chestnuts. This Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe offers just that—a deliciously textured, refreshing snack that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family any time.

A white bowl filled with creamy spinach dip showing visible dark green spinach leaves mixed with a thick, pale yellow creamy sauce. A woman's hand is holding a textured rectangular golden cracker dipped in the spinach mixture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with more golden rectangular crackers arranged around it. The overall look is fresh and inviting with the creamy texture contrasting the crunchy crackers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly find myself coming back to this Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe whenever I want a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It’s got layers of texture, from velvety sour cream to the crunch of fresh water chestnuts, and the fresh spinach adds a nice vibrant flavor that’s anything but boring.

Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh baby spinach instead of frozen brings a bright, clean flavor to the dip that's unbeatable.
Texture Delight: Water chestnuts add a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.
Simple to Make: You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment, just a skillet and a mixing bowl to whip this up.
Versatile Serving Options: From classic crackers to crunchy fresh veggies or even a bread bowl, you can get creative on presentation.

A white bowl filled with a creamy mix that has green leafy pieces and small light chunks, giving it a mixed texture. The mixture looks thick and spreadable. Around the bowl are yellow square crackers with a bumpy texture. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred brown woven item and a blue and red striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe plays a special role—from bringing flavor depth to balancing texture. Here’s a quick rundown on why each element works so well together and tips on what to look for.

Flat lay of a small puddle of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a medium fresh whole carrot beside a small heap of bright orange shredded carrot, a small white bowl filled with diced translucent yellow onions, a few peeled garlic cloves next to a tiny pile of minced garlic, a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a lush bunch of vibrant fresh baby spinach leaves, a small cluster of chopped green onions, a simple white ceramic bowl brimming with smooth sour cream, a small white bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding chopped crisp water chestnuts, a fresh lemon wedge, and several whole uncracked brown eggs arranged with perfect symmetry, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: The base for sautéing, it adds richness and a subtle fruitiness without overpowering.
Carrot: Fresh shredded carrot adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Yellow onions: Bring mild sharpness and savory undertones that balance the creaminess.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch of flavor—don’t skip it!
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the veggies.
Black pepper: For a gentle heat that rounds out the savory notes.
Fresh baby spinach: Gives the dip a fresh, earthy taste and lovely green color; using fresh prevents sogginess common with frozen.
Green onions: Add subtle sharpness and an extra layer of texture.
Sour cream: Provides the creamy tang that’s signature to this dip.
Mayonnaise: Balances the sour cream with richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
Water chestnuts: Adds that satisfying crunch and a slight sweetness that keeps each bite interesting.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret flavor booster, adding umami depth you might not expect.
Lemon juice: Brightens the whole mixture and prevents it from tasting flat.
Onion powder, paprika, garlic powder: Layers of seasoning that give this dip a subtle smoky and savory profile.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to think of this dip as a versatile canvas—you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or dietary preferences. Personally, I sometimes swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still keeps it creamy.

Variation: I once added a bit of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the dip for a cheesier twist — it was a hit with the cheese lovers at my last party.
Dietary Modifications: Use vegan mayo and a dairy-free sour cream alternative to make this dip vegan-friendly, without losing that creamy texture.
Seasonal Change: In winter, I like to toss in some finely chopped roasted red peppers for color and a smoky touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once nice and hot, toss in the shredded carrot and diced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions soften and carrots begin to release their sweetness. Then add the garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, letting all those savory aromatics meld together. This step really builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Wilt the Spinach

Return your skillet to medium heat and add half the baby spinach. Stir occasionally for 3-4 minutes until it starts to wilt, then add the rest and keep sautéing until all the spinach is fully wilted—another 3 to 4 minutes. The spinach shrinks quite a bit, so don’t be alarmed by the volume change. Once done, drain the spinach in a colander and press out as much moisture as you can with paper towels to keep the dip from getting watery.

Step 3: Combine & Chill

Chop the spinach finely and mix it with the sautéed veggies in a large bowl. Add the green onions, sour cream, mayonnaise, water chestnuts, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir everything until fully combined and smooth. Cover the bowl and let it chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld — full disclosure, it's even better if you refrigerate it overnight! This downtime makes a massive difference in taste.

Top Tip

Through making this dip several times for family gatherings and casual get-togethers, I’ve learned a few tricks to really nail it every time — these tips will save you some headaches in the kitchen.

Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Pressing out excess moisture after wilting is a total game-changer—without it, your dip becomes runny and less enjoyable.
Chill Time Matters: Don't skip the chilling step. I made the dip once without it and the flavors just didn’t blend properly.
Freshness Over Frozen: Using fresh baby spinach, as opposed to frozen, keeps the texture lively and the dip less watery.
Crunchy Contrast: Don’t forget the water chestnuts. Their crunch balances the creamy texture perfectly — a common oversight is using less than recommended.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra paprika on top before serving for a pop of color. Sometimes, a few finely chopped green onions as garnish adds freshness and visual appeal. A small drizzle of olive oil can give a subtle sheen that makes it look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. My favorites include classic crackers, pita chips, baguette slices warmed lightly in the oven, and fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for some crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

A fun presentation trick I love is serving this creamy spinach dip in a hollowed-out round loaf of crusty bread—like a little edible bowl! It makes the dip feel extra festive and reduces cleanup. I've also tried layering the dip in individual small ramekins topped with chopped water chestnuts for a pretty party display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve served the dip, any leftovers should go straight into an airtight container and kept in the fridge. I usually try to eat it within 3 days as fresh flavors are best, but it holds up nicely if kept cold and sealed tight.

Freezing

I don't usually freeze this creamy spinach dip because the texture can change—the mayo and sour cream may separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, freeze in small portions and stir well when thawed, but fresh is definitely better for texture here.

Reheating

This dip tastes best cold, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you want to serve it warm, I recommend gently warming it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly just until warmed through. Avoid microwave heating as it can cause separation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While you can use frozen spinach, fresh baby spinach is recommended for this Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe because frozen spinach tends to release a lot of water, which can make the dip watery and affect its texture. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and press out all excess moisture before mixing.

How long can I store the dip in the refrigerator?

Store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, but it’s best eaten fresh within this timeframe to enjoy optimal texture and taste.

Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like vegan sour cream and vegan mayo. The flavor and texture remain creamy and delicious, making it a great option for dietary preferences.

What are great dippers to serve with this dip?

Classic options like crackers, pita chips, and baguette slices work beautifully. For a fresh touch, crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers are perfect. For a fun twist, serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl with assorted dippers around it.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe is a fixture in my kitchen for good reason—it’s simple, satisfying, and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re prepping for a casual snack or a festive gathering, this dip delivers fresh flavors and textures that get compliments every time. Give it a whirl; I’m betting you’ll love having this creamy, crunchy treat on hand just like I do.