I don’t like movies.
I know, I know… you’re looking at your screen like I said I kill puppies.
They are just SO predictable/disappointing/over-acted/etc. I do make exception for movies based on true stories. Zero Dark 30, for example, was incredible. I also liked Les Miserables… even thought it was a musical and it was long. It could have something to do with the bottle of wine we snuck into the theater…
Either way, I DO love the awards shows. I like to judge check out the dresses, and love the performances between awards. How awesome is Adele?!
When Special K contacted me about trying their new Sweet & Salty Popcorn Chips and sharing them with friends at an Oscar party, I jumped at the chance. I love a party! 
The awesome party package they sent included the chips, nail polish, a game to guess the winners, and…. a red carpet!!! ***I received this product and party kit at no cost from Special K; however, all opinions are my OWN!***
I invited over some of my favorite movie buffs and prepared a spread of meatballs, Creamy Pesto Dip, Brown Beer Hummus, veggie sticks, cheeses, and Red Wine Chocolate Cookies. And the chips, of course.
The chips were totally addicting. How can it get better than sweet & salty? We inhaled 2 boxes. Which really isn’t bad considering a serving is 28 chips. Only 120 calories AND I can pronounce every ingredient on the (short) list.
Our favorite performances were – of course – Adele and Les Mis. I can’t believe they got the whole cast on stage! I also laughed like a 10-year-old boy at the “We Saw Your Boobs” song. #sorryimnotsorry.
Did I mention it was a pajama party?
Back to the spread. The dips were fantastic with the chips. I shared the Beer Hummus on Monday, but today I have the Creamy Pesto Dip for you. This recipe was inspired by this recipe created by my girl Kierston. She is a Canadian figure competitor and I have LOVED following her journey!
I lightened it up a bit to meet my dietary needs by eliminating the pine nuts and parm and using nutritional yeast. Because nutritional yeast has a cheesy-nutty taste to it, it made a fabulous pesto and packed in the B-12 and protein.
Citrus and spice are a couple of my favorite ways to add depth and a bright punch to recipes. I added lemon juice and red pepper flakes to accomplish that here. After combining the first ingredients in the food processor, I transferred the mix to a bowl to stir in the Greek yogurt (more protein – woot!). I couldn’t believe how light and flavorful the result was!
Vegan or dairy-free? Make your protein-packed pesto creamy by adding tofu to the blender!
Creamy, fluffy and packed with protein. And it got the thumbs up from Carol.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Creamy Pesto Dip
- 1 C fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 C nutritional yeast
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 C Greek yogurt
Place basil, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and peppers in food processor. Process until combined.
With processor running, slowly add in oil.
Transfer to a bowl. Stir in Greek yogurt.
Enjoy!
Makes ~1 C.
***
I wish I had an excuse to throw a party every weekend! It’s fun… and a great motivator to clean the house.
What is your favorite party dip?
Do you like movies? What was your favorite this season?
66 comments
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Lisa
February 28, 2013 at 12:13 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m kind of embarrassed to say I didn’t see one movie that was nominated. Oopsss. I’m not a huge movie person, but I feel a little out of it since I didn’t see any of them.
That pesto dip sounds awesome! Normally pesto has pine nuts correct? I forget, but if so, I’m glad you made this version because I despise pine nuts more than anything!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right 0 pine nuts are traditional, but this is nut-free. Another option is wanuts – they are awesome in pesto! So is kale… hmmm… I need to go to the store…
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta
February 28, 2013 at 12:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for making a vegan option!
I love Adele,though the emotion she portrays in so many of her songs breaks my heart. (Love Kierston too. She’s wonderFUl!)
I actually like movies, but I guess not enough to actually go. I did see Argo (it was really good, I’m glad it won).
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sure! I still have vegan tendencies.
I realllly want to see Argo!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
February 28, 2013 at 12:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I LOVE that it was a pajama party!! Sounds like you had a great time. I like watching the award shows just to see the red carpet and the pretty dresses. What can I say. Your pesto dip looks delicious. And I agree with Lisa – I’m glad that your dip doesn’t have pine nuts because I’m allergic!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:48 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Aren’t you going to Blend? I propose a PJ party there!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
February 28, 2013 at 1:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LMFAO! I read the title of this post, Creamy Pesto Dip and then I saw the picture of Adele, well from now on I will always associate her with creamy pesto dip! lol!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:49 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha… I was going to me a tastelss joke, but for one I’ll be mature.
Sue
February 28, 2013 at 2:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That pesto looks awesome! Now I now how to use up that pack of silken tofu.
I love movies, but I’m a little bit behind on the Oscar winning ones. Need to get the DVDs. I loved Django Unchained, though. And Mr. Waltz, of course.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mr. Waltz? I didn’t hear much about it… much check it out. Thanks!
Sue
March 1, 2013 at 2:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I ment Christoph Waltz, who won an award for best supporting actor.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! Ohhhh… see how little I know about movies?
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
February 28, 2013 at 5:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Swapping greek yogurt for sour cream in dips is awesome, and I do it all the time!
I’m not a huge move fan either. I usually get distracted about 5 or 10 minutes in–I’d usually rather being doing something else. It’s got to a be a REALLY good film to get my attention.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me too! I never liked sour cream, so I actually did it befor ebeing healthy was cool. LOL!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
February 28, 2013 at 6:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I rarely ever see any of the movies that get nominated for Oscars. I’m in it for the gowns – that’s it. Or if I went to an Oscar Party and had creamy pesto dip. Mmmm!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m typically only in it for the food. No matter what the “it” is.
Miz
February 28, 2013 at 7:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
A PJ SOIREE??
Im so there next year.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Bring it!!
Lindsay
February 28, 2013 at 7:23 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m to.antsy to sit in a theater these days. But pj party and homemade goodies would definitely keep my buttt in place to enjoy one!!!
Ali
February 28, 2013 at 7:30 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m like you and aren’t a huge fan of movies either! I feel like they’re usually super predictable and there’s just something better I could be doing with the time
Nadiya
February 28, 2013 at 7:39 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Aww pajama parties are so much fun! I miss living in a student house because we used to have those all the time! Oh yeah, I have trouble watching TV (some movies are ok) because it puts me to sleep. Now books are a different matter
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 1:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These days anything puts me to sleep. LOL! Really, I must do more non-blog reading.
Lee
February 28, 2013 at 7:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love going to the movies but Jason doesn’t. He likes movies but wants to watch them at home, which I don’t like as much because I get distracted.
They sent you nail polish? That’s random! I’ve had those chips before though and they are good.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I know! Gold and red.
Danielle
February 28, 2013 at 7:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Looks like it was a fun night! I have to agree with you though, I’m not the biggest movie fan. I just don’t like sitting still for that long!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me too! Maybe they could build a treadmill theater??
Parita @ myinnershakti
February 28, 2013 at 8:06 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Believe it or not, I haven’t seen any of the Oscar nominated films this year. Oops! I’m going to remedy that by watching Argo and Silver Linings Playbook this weekend…I hope!
And this pesto yogurt dip sounds amazing. Good thinking on combining the two!
Aparna B.
February 28, 2013 at 8:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I saw your Instagram pic of the red carpet and had a giggle.
Oh well.
I am an awards show junkie. I am not ashamed. I only saw 3 of the best pic nominees, but hey, that’s pretty good! I’m also a movie addict. I am not ashamed.
I loved Silver Linings and Argo! And I can’t deny a Tarantino movie now with Christoph Waltz. Django “the D is silent” Unchained was really good although hearing the N word 109 times just made me mad. I get they said that word a lot, but I still hate it and it’s such a sad word to me
Back to the point of this comment: This dip sounds dopeshow. I need to make sure I bookmark it so I can make it for my next par-tay!!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think I avoided Django for that reason. It makes me cringe!
Dopeshow = awesome word.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
February 28, 2013 at 8:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m not much for Oscars, but I’m all about a good pajama party!
Heather (Where's the Beach)
February 28, 2013 at 8:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m with you – I don’t care for movies much either. The last time I was in the theater it was for Black Swan. I love PJ parties though. I’ve done that a few times for a girls’ night in. So much fun!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
that was the last one I was before Les Mis. I left the theater and didn’t really know what to say for a couple hours after… what an odd movie.
Jed Gray (sportsglutton)
February 28, 2013 at 8:39 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I thoroughly enjoy movies and watch particular ones over and over. However, I refuse to pay the ticket price at the theater and therefore haven’t watched anything film so far this year.
Sounds like a pretty decent party for a non-movie lover.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I will go occassionally… but I sneak in my own treats!
Kierston
February 28, 2013 at 9:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awww thanks Laura!!! You made me smile…actually, you made me #FUFACE
Great twist on the recipe! Sounds and looks delish!
I’m always up for a PJ party. Have you heard of the new word of the day? Pyjama Rich. Look it up lol
Have a great day!
xo
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That dip made me smile… it was FU’in good!
Pyjama Rich is my new goal in life.
Grace @ PracticingGrace
February 28, 2013 at 9:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The healthified creamy dip is greattttt. Love me some pj parties…food and wine are a bigger plus
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
February 28, 2013 at 9:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
PJs, yes!! Love the looks and sound of this yummy dip. I don’t really have a favorite party dip- I very rarely go for them, and hardly ever make them. But this is one I could get excited about.
janet @ the taste space
February 28, 2013 at 9:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Pyjama parties are my favourite!! I don’t watch much TV and even less movies. Although with Netflix, we are watching the Oscar nominees from 2 years ago. Ha!
I have, though, listened to the Mis soundtrack. 
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t even remember the noms from 2 years ago! You’ll have to let me know if I missed anyhting good.
Alex @ therunwithin
February 28, 2013 at 10:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
those flavors sound amazing. nothing beats a pj party. I mean who actually wants to dress up at night? certainly not me
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Who wants to dress up ever? Pants are so overrated.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
February 28, 2013 at 11:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
THIS is my favorite party dip now. I’ve been waiting for this recipe all week!! I literally think I could eat this on everything savory that ever existed. Have you tried it on top of your fish? I bet it would be amazing! I have a deal for you- I’ll make cookie dough balls, you make dip and we will get together and eat a lot.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s such a good idea! I want it with salmon now!
Yes. Balls, dip, protein powder… it will be a night to remember.
Kristina
February 28, 2013 at 11:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
what a fun party – I want a red carpet!!
sweet and salty is one of my favorite combinations, I may have to find these…
now that we have theaters with “living room” style seating, Jason and I do go to the movies more… for years I rarely went to see a movie because I really hate traditional theaters – sitting so close to people, hearing people eat, GAAH
the last great movie we saw was one we “rented” on Amazon at home – Hesher. I recommend it, very good movie! Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s best role.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Do you guys have the restaurant theaters too? We have one here called Cine Bistro… I hear the food is actually good!
Kristina
March 1, 2013 at 4:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YES and we LOVE them!! I feel like I can go to movies again, and if we can sneak away during the week to a matinee? we are sometimes in a near empty theater which is even more awesome. the food is decent at the one we go to often, and at our favorite theater downtown, the food is fantastic! cocktails and beer while watching a movie? just another plus.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 4:39 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always have wine in my purse. It’s the only reason I ever carry a purse, actually…
Kristina
March 1, 2013 at 5:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
HAA – I knew I loved you.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
February 28, 2013 at 11:54 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sounds delicious! And those sweet + salty chips are their own form of addictive crack-o-liciousness. Yes, it really IS a good thing the serving size is so ‘forgiving’…
I love movies, but I can only sit still if I’m in a movie theater. Otherwise I have to stop and start and take breaks to keep myself focused.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Know what they’re good with? Hazul-nutty butter.
Allie
February 28, 2013 at 12:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Glad to not be the only not-that-big-of-a-movie-person person–although I did make an exception for the new Die Hard last weekend. I mean, helicopter explosions, how can you say no to that? Anyhoo, kinda jealous that Special K sent you their chips, I love those things! I also love pesto and beer. Plus pajamas? Sounds like my kind of party.
Heather @ Better With Veggies
February 28, 2013 at 2:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I LOVE movies, but I am bored to tears at awards shows. I don’t think i’ve ever watched the entire thing of any one and I really try to avoid them.
Now the dip with tofu would be great, as long as you don’t make me watch the show!
RavieNomNoms
February 28, 2013 at 3:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Adele is AMAZING! Love her to bits, seriously.
This pesto dip looks great, gotta try this!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning
February 28, 2013 at 4:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that it was a pajama party! Definitely my kind of party – I am SO not a girly girl or one to get dressed up (it’s kind of pathetic, actually). And, I think I need to come to one of your parties- what an excellent hostess you are!
I didn’t watch the Oscars at all. I have a really bad attitude about awards shows. I think they are such a ridiculous waste of money to put on!
That being said… I ADORE watching Joan Rivers critique the fashion the next day on E!
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
If I could wear gym shorts 24×7, i would be the happeist girl ever.
Choc Chip Uru
February 28, 2013 at 11:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Omg I LOVE a night with the movie theatre
But your Oscar party would be more inviting!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ll bring the dip if you bring the dessert!
Alaine
March 1, 2013 at 1:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This dip looks incredible! I need to make it soon.
Laura
March 1, 2013 at 2:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Please let me know what you think!
Rynessa@eatrightnewsletter.com
March 1, 2013 at 2:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I second Alaine. I will be trying out that dip.
Laura
March 3, 2013 at 11:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! Let me know what you think.
Holly
March 2, 2013 at 12:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This dip looks awesome. I’m totally making it once basil comes into season.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
March 2, 2013 at 6:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dude! I was just telling Meghan (Clean Eats Fast Feets) that I should invite company over more often because my house goes from “wtf” to vampire sparkly in no time flat…well, as long as you don’t open the hall closet or look under my bed!
Love the spread AND the fact that it was pajama themed…any excuse not to wear pants is good in my book! I’ve been living in the same yoga pants now for over 36 hours! Lol And you know I’m all about this dip! THANK you for making it low fat…not that I’m necessarily opposed to fat, but without the nuts and cheese, I could say eat the entire batch and not feel too bad about it! What can I say, I’m a dipaholic!
Favorite movie this season: Warm Bodies was awesome! Laughed my ass off! And don’t hate me, but I liked the last Twilight movie too!
Laura
March 3, 2013 at 11:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right?! I am going to be searching for stuff for weeks after I shoved it all in cabinets and drawers. Oops. Maybe I should clean “for real.” Nah…
I’m not scared of fat… but I am a volume eater and a grazer. If I make it low fat, then I can have ALL the foods. Bwhahaha!
Veggie Heather made me watch Twilight. I’m still mad at her for that…
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family
March 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a fun party. I love that you all did it in your pj’s…going for comfort for the festivities.