March Madness Dips and Tips

Want to throw a slam-dunk March Madness party this year? Foodie on Campus has a few tips to ensure that your guests all have a ball.

• Send out brackets as invitations and have your guests fill them out ahead of time. This will get every guest involved in the fun before your party even begins.
• Dress the part by wearing a referee jersey. This will ensure that your guests will always be able to find you, and it’s fun!
• Play ESPN “jock jams” to pump up your fans.
• In between games, start pickup games in your driveway or at the park to get everyone moving.
• Put mini basketball hoops over your trashcans. It’s festive and will make it more likely that your guests will help clean up.
• Feeding a party can be like feeding a basketball team, so make sure to have enough dishes to please the crowd. Here are a few dunk-worthy dips:

Zesty Vegetarian Taco Dip

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz. can of Amy’s organic chili
• 1 16 oz. container of Greek yogurt
• 1 16 oz. jar of natural salsa
• 3 avocados, mashed
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bunch chopped green onions
• 1 small head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute low-fat)
• 1 (6 ounce) can of sliced black olives, drained

Instructions

• Pour chili into a large, flat dish.
• Spread Greek yogurt over the chili.
• Mix the salsa and the avocados. Spread over the previous layer.
• Place a layer of tomato, green pepper, green onions, and lettuce over the avocado mixture.
• Top with cheddar cheese and garnish with olives.
• Enjoy with tortilla chips!

Greek Bean Dip

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz. can of white beans, drained
• ¾ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup feta cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

• Place all ingredients except the herbs into a food processor.
• Puree until smooth.
• Add herbs and pulse until mixed evenly.
• Serve with assorted vegetables such as baby carrots, sugar snap peas, pepper strips, broccoli, or cauliflower.

Danielle DiCristofano is a sophomore at the University of Dayton majoring in dietetics. She plans to become a registered dietitian and work for a health magazine.

Photo Credit: Nicole Hayashi, Dollar Photo Club