The Pioneer Woman's French Onion Dip Starts With This Ingredient

No good, savory appetizer goes untouched. But sadly, many "good" appetizers, such as store bought dips or dry dip mix packets, can be very high in sodium. Registered dietician Carolyn Williams, Ph.D, RD, explained to Eating Well that consuming too many salty foods can lead to more headaches, possible kidney stones, skin irritations like eczema, and in more advanced cases, stomach cancer.

While there are over nine different types of salt, at the end of the day salt is salt. According to the FDA, the average person should aim to consume less than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day. A high sodium diet can also cause a spike in blood pressure. So simply put, it's important to watch your salt intake. 

Creating a food plan that's an equilibrium of the right amount of sodium, cholesterol, and sugar is crucial. Thankfully, finding recipes that aren't high in those areas isn't all too tricky. The next time you're craving a salty snack, you can rely on this chip aisle and salt-lover favorite from The Pioneer Woman: low-sodium French onion dip.

Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, on Food Network, is known for whipping up fast, easy dishes that scream home comfort. Sometimes her recipes fall on the lighter or healthier side, too, like her five-minute low-sodium French onion dip, for example.

Compared to the quick and easy dry mix packets located in the chip aisle, The Pioneer Woman's dip has one major difference: fresh herbs and onion. Her recipe starts with dried chopped onion and finely chopped parsley (fresh or dried). Mix that with one cup of sour cream, a few pinches of onion and garlic powder, and you've got a nutritional snack game changer.

The best part? Drummond's low-sodium French onion dip isn't only healthier, but it's just as quick to make as its packet dip counterpart. Not to mention, we think fresh ingredients always taste better than powdered ones.

For an extra healthy boost, swap out chips for veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, celery, and carrots. Adding a dash of hot sauce or another herb can also liven up the dip if you think it needs more flavor.