There’s something irresistibly satisfying about this Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe — its rich, silky texture combined with the crisp bite of water chestnuts is an absolute crowd-pleaser every time I make it. It’s that perfect blend of fresh and creamy that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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’ve been making this dip for years, and what always wows guests is how deceptively simple yet flavorful it is. It’s not your ordinary spinach dip — the water chestnuts add this wonderful crunch and freshness that takes it to the next level. Trust me, whether you’re serving it for a party or a casual night in, this recipe delivers.

Fresh Ingredients: Using baby spinach keeps the flavor light and vibrant, unlike dips made with frozen spinach that can feel mushy.
Crunch Factor: Water chestnuts give a delightful crispness that balances perfectly with the creamy base.
Simple Prep: You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps — just a skillet and a bowl, making it easy for any level cook.
Versatile Serving: This dip pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dippers — from chips to fresh veggies to even a bread bowl for a fun touch.

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

Each ingredient in this Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe plays its part in creating a balanced and delicious dip. Here’s a quick rundown of why each one is essential and some tips to get the best results when shopping for them.

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: Use good quality extra virgin for a subtle fruity flavor during sautéing.
Carrot (shredded): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and bright orange color.
Yellow onions: Provide a mild, sweet base that gently caramelizes when sautéed.
Garlic (minced): Essential for depth and that savory aroma you can’t resist.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the dip.
Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
Fresh baby spinach: The star green, wilted just right to keep its fresh taste and nutrients.
Green onions (chopped): Bring a little sharpness and crunch that complements the softer textures.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that makes this dip so luscious.
Mayonnaise: Boosts richness and helps bind everything together smoothly.
Water chestnuts (drained and chopped): The crunchy surprise that livens up each bite.
Worcestershire sauce: Provides a subtle umami depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the dip, keeping it fresh and balanced.
Onion powder, paprika, garlic powder: These seasonings layer gentle warmth and subtle smokiness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the seasonings or add extras to suit the occasion or my mood, and every time, it feels like a fresh new experience.

Variation: I sometimes stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or swap half the sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up without sacrificing creaminess — both ways work beautifully.

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

Step 1: Sauté the veggies to build flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the shredded carrots and diced yellow onions. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they soften and just begin to caramelize—this deepens their natural sweetness and adds a beautiful foundation.

Step 2: Add aromatics and seasonings

Next, stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Keep cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—watch closely here as garlic burns fast and can get bitter. Remove this mixture to a large bowl so we can move on.

Step 3: Wilt the spinach just right

Return your skillet to medium heat and add half of the baby spinach. Sauté it, stirring often, until it begins to wilt, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rest of the spinach and continue cooking until all the leaves have collapsed — it’ll look like a mountain of greens shrinking down to almost nothing! Drain well in a colander, then press out moisture with paper towels; this step is key to preventing a watery dip.

Step 4: Combine the magic ingredients

Chop the wilted spinach finely and add it to the bowl with the sautéed veggies. Toss in the chopped green onions, sour cream, mayonnaise, and those crunchy water chestnuts. Then pour in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and sprinkle your onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir it all together gently but thoroughly—this is where everything comes together.

Step 5: Chill and serve

Cover your dip and slide it into the fridge for at least 2 hours so the flavors can meld. Honestly, I think it gets even better if you leave it overnight — that extra resting time lets the spices soak right in.

Top Tip

After making this dip countless times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make a world of difference and help you avoid common pitfalls. These tips will have your dip tasting restaurant-quality every time.

Drain the spinach thoroughly: Press as much moisture as possible from the cooked spinach with paper towels; excess water can turn your dip runny and dull the flavors.
Don’t overcook the garlic: Add it late in the sauté and watch carefully. Burnt garlic can add a harsh bitterness that distracts from the creamy balance.
Chop spinach finely: This helps distribute it evenly throughout the dip so every bite gets that fresh green essence.
Let it chill overnight: Just trust me on this one — it takes the dip from good to unforgettable.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra paprika or some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color when serving. Sometimes, a few sliced green onions scattered on the surface add a fresh, oniony zip, which I think really lifts the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dip is fantastic alongside crunchy crackers, pita chips, or a big, crusty baguette sliced thinly. For something lighter, freshly chopped carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips are perfect for dipping and add a nice veggie variety that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentations is serving this dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s super inviting and cuts down on cleanup. For parties, I arrange an assortment of colorful veggie sticks and chips artfully around the bread bowl — it always draws compliments and makes it easy for guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. Give the dip a good stir before serving again to reincorporate any slightly separated ingredients.

Freezing

While this dip tastes best fresh or chilled, I’ve frozen it a couple of times in a sealed container. When thawed slowly in the fridge, the texture is still pretty good, though it can be slightly less creamy. It’s a handy option if you want to prep ahead for a big event.

Reheating

Leftovers taste great cold, but if you prefer warm, gently heat the dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring regularly. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge without stirring—it helps keep the texture smooth and prevents hot spots.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegan version, swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mayo. Make sure to use a Worcestershire sauce that’s vegan or omit it to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can, but I recommend thawing and squeezing out all moisture very well to avoid a watery dip. Fresh baby spinach really shines for its bright flavor and texture, which is why I prefer it for this recipe.

What are the best dippers to serve with this spinach dip?

I love serving this dip with an assortment of options: crunchy crackers, pita chips, baguette slices, or fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The variety lets everyone pick their favorite!

How long can I store the dip in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this dip will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Always give it a good stir before serving leftovers to bring back creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach Dip with Water Chestnuts Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because of how reliably delicious and easy it is. It’s one of those recipes I feel confident sharing with anyone, whether a casual friend or a big group. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and leaves everyone happy and satisfied.