Celery & Bell Pepper with Paprika Yogurt Dip
A bowl of smoky paprika yogurt surrounded by a full cutting board of crisp vegetables, and the whole thing clocks in at 103 calories. Zero grams of fat. 11 grams of protein from the yogurt alone.
The paprika does more work than you would expect from a single teaspoon. It turns plain nonfat yogurt into something warm and slightly earthy, closer to a roasted pepper spread than a diet dip. Celery brings the snap. Bell pepper brings the sweetness. Together they give you two completely different textures to drag through the same bowl.
Ingredients
- celery 2 stalks
- bell pepper 1
- yogurt, nonfat 3 fl oz
- paprika (ground spice) 1 tsp
Method
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Cut the celery and bell pepper into sticks.
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In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the paprika and season with salt and pepper.
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Serve the veggie sticks with the yogurt dip.
Smoked paprika changes the character entirely. Swap regular paprika for the smoked variety and the dip picks up a campfire edge that pairs especially well with the sweetness of bell pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill layered on top add brightness without adding calories.
Behind this recipe
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular nonfat yogurt?
Greek yogurt works and actually bumps the protein higher. A 90 ml serving of nonfat Greek yogurt delivers around 9-10 grams of protein compared to about 5 grams in regular nonfat yogurt. The dip will be thicker and tangier, which most people prefer for dipping. The calorie count barely moves.
Is this enough food to actually feel like a snack?
More than you would think. A whole bell pepper and two full celery stalks fill a plate. The volume is large relative to the 103 calories because raw vegetables are mostly water and fiber. The yogurt adds protein, which helps the snack hold you over longer than a carb-only option of the same size.
Why does this recipe have zero grams of fat?
Nonfat yogurt, celery, and bell pepper all contain negligible fat. Paprika at one teaspoon adds trace amounts that round to zero. If you want some fat in the snack, a drizzle of olive oil over the vegetables or a switch to 2% yogurt adds 4-5 grams of fat and about 40 extra calories.
