This creamy Whipped Goat Cheese and Herb Dip has been sponsored by California Giant Berry Farms. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Indulge in Summer Bliss: The Ultimate Whipped Goat Cheese and Herb Dip with California Giant Berries

As the warmth of summer embraces us, it’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones and savor fresh, delightful flavors. We’ve partnered with California Giant Berry Farms to bring you an exquisite culinary creation that embodies the essence of the season: a luscious Whipped Goat Cheese and Herb Dip. This recipe is not just a dish; it’s an invitation to celebrate summer with vibrant tastes and light, refreshing textures, perfect for any gathering. Imagine the tangy notes of goat cheese beautifully complemented by sweet, juicy strawberries – a truly unforgettable combination that will elevate your summer entertaining.

Our star contribution to your summer menu is this incredibly creamy Whipped Goat Cheese and Herb Dip. It’s a symphony of flavors, where the distinct tang of goat cheese marries perfectly with the sweet, aromatic notes of fresh basil and thyme. A delightful crunch is introduced by toasted walnuts, while a subtle hint of freshly cracked black pepper adds an intriguing depth. This savory dip reaches its pinnacle of perfection when served alongside a colorful platter of plump, sweet California Giant strawberries and an assortment of wholesome crackers, creating a balanced and utterly satisfying experience for every palate.

Beyond the deliciousness, California Giant Berry Farms is spreading even more summer joy! They’ve collaborated with several esteemed produce companies to launch an exciting Skinny Dips Sweepstakes. This is your chance to win incredible prizes, including multiple VISA gift cards and a grand prize getaway for two to a luxurious Sandals Beach Resort. Keep reading to discover all the details about these amazing prizes and learn how you can enter for your opportunity to win. Delicious recipes and fantastic giveaways? That sounds like the ultimate summer celebration to us!

The Creamy Dream: Whipped Goat Cheese and Herb Dip Explained

Goat cheese has long been a culinary favorite, celebrated for its unique flavor profile and wonderfully creamy texture. It offers an indulgent taste experience but often comes with fewer calories than many traditional cow’s milk cheeses, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking lighter options without compromising on flavor. The subtle yet distinctive tang of goat cheese makes it incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide array of ingredients. I particularly adore how its savory notes provide a delightful contrast when combined with fresh, vibrant herbs and naturally sweet elements, like the succulent summer strawberries from California Giant Berry Farms.

Achieving Unbeatable Smoothness: The Role of Cream Cheese and Neufchâtel

To perfect the consistency of this dip, giving it an ultra-smooth, almost cloud-like texture while gently softening the intense flavor of the goat cheese, we incorporate a touch of cream cheese into the mixture. This addition ensures a velvety mouthfeel that is simply irresistible. When it comes to managing fat content, this recipe offers flexibility: it’s equally delicious whether you opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or the regular variety, allowing you to tailor the dip to your dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

For those aiming for an even lighter rendition, neufchâtel cheese is an excellent alternative. Readily available alongside block-style cream cheese in most grocery stores, neufchâtel boasts a remarkably similar flavor and consistency to cream cheese but typically contains about one-third fewer fat and calories. This makes it an ideal ingredient for our “skinny dip” theme, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy a rich, satisfying appetizer. If you’re curious to learn more about the nuanced differences between neufchâtel and standard cream cheese, I recommend exploring this insightful piece from The Kitchn.

A Symphony of Fresh Herbs and Crunchy Walnuts

The fresh herbs are truly the soul of this dip. Sweet basil brings a bright, aromatic quality, while fresh thyme adds an earthy, slightly peppery depth that complements the goat cheese beautifully. Using fresh herbs is key, as they release their essential oils and vibrant flavors more intensely than dried alternatives, elevating the entire dish. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a hint of rosemary for a personalized touch.

Adding to the complexity and appeal, walnuts play a crucial role in providing a delightful textural contrast. Their natural richness in antioxidants makes them a healthy addition, but it’s their satisfying crunch against the creamy, smooth base of the dip that truly makes them indispensable. For an even deeper flavor, consider lightly toasting the walnuts before chopping and incorporating them into the dip – this simple step can unlock their full aromatic potential.

The Perfect Pairing: California Giant Berry Farms Strawberries

This savory dip finds its ultimate companion in a platter of fresh, sweet strawberries, particularly those from California Giant Berry Farms. I love to serve the dip with an assortment of sweet whole wheat crackers, but the real magic happens when you pair it with these gorgeous berries. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the strawberries cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious and incredibly refreshing bite. It’s a pairing that truly defines effortless summer entertaining.

My ultimate test for a truly exceptional strawberry is its juiciness, and the California Giant berries passed with flying colors. We couldn’t resist sampling them the moment the shipment arrived, and let’s just say, the sheer delectability and abundance of juice required a quick change of shirt! That’s how wonderfully succulent and flavorful these strawberries were – a testament to California Giant’s commitment to quality. Their extra-large, non-GMO, and all-natural strawberries are consistently perfect, making them ideal not just for snacking but especially for dipping into this creamy creation.

Versatile Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

While fresh California Giant strawberries are an absolute must-have for dipping, the versatility of this whipped goat cheese and herb dip extends far beyond. Elevate your appetizer spread by offering a variety of dippers. Think crisp vegetable crudités like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, vibrant bell pepper strips, or even blanched asparagus spears. Toasted baguette slices or crostini add another textural dimension, providing a sturdy vessel for the creamy dip. For a fruit-forward spread, consider adding apple slices or other seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries. This dip is also fantastic spread on sandwiches, mixed into pasta salads, or dolloped onto grilled chicken or fish for an instant flavor boost. The possibilities are truly endless!

Don’t Miss Out! The California Giant Berry Farms Skinny Dips Sweepstakes

Get ready for an incredible opportunity to win! As we mentioned earlier, California Giant Berry Farms is hosting their exciting Skinny Dips Sweepstakes with some truly fantastic prizes. One lucky grand prize winner will receive an unforgettable trip for two to a Sandals Beach Resort of their choosing, a dream vacation valued at up to $4,000. Imagine soaking up the sun and enjoying luxurious amenities in paradise!

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. In addition to this incredible grand prize vacation, California Giant Berry Farms is generously giving away a total of two, $500 VISA gift cards and four, $250 VISA gift cards. These gift cards can be used for anything you desire, adding a little extra joy to your summer. Furthermore, as a special thank you to our loyal Striped Spatula readers, anyone who enters the sweepstakes through our specific link will be automatically entered into an exclusive drawing to win an additional $500 VISA gift card! As an added bonus for entering, you’ll also gain instant access to download a complimentary e-book packed with even more delicious and healthy skinny dip recipes, perfect for your summer entertaining. This is truly a giveaway with something for everyone!

You can easily enter the sweepstakes by clicking HERE, or by simply clicking the promotion graphic below. Make sure to get your entries in before the deadline on July 7, 2017. Don’t miss this amazing chance to win a fantastic getaway or generous gift cards, all while discovering new delicious recipes!

*Striped Spatula is not responsible for the terms or fulfillment of the giveaways.