What to Eat With Pita Chips? – 10 Side Dishes and Dips!

Pita chips are slices of pita bread which are baked until crispy. They are a crunchy snack option and can also be used as a topping. They are also healthier since they contain lesser fat. Moreover, they are versatile, as you can decide whether to make them thicker or thinner depending on your tastes! Are you already excited at the prospect of these tasty chips? Well, guess what, you can make these simple yet sophisticated chips even more tastier by pairing them with dips and other combos.

Any chip can taste better with a nice dip. Many people cannot eat their favourite fries without some ketchup. If you’ve heard about pita chips, then you must have wondered what dishes can be paired with pita chips. But before going into dips and side dishes, let us go through some basic information about pita chips.

1. Pita Bread

The Pita bread is essential for pita chips. It is the main ingredient needed in the preparation of pita chips. 

Firstly, cut the bread into thin triangles with a sharp knife. Fry it after seasoning. You can also bake it if you want. The resulting crispy triangles are pita chips.

The easy cooking process makes these a perfect appetizer for those busy days.

2. Pita Chips

Generally, when we say chips, fried potato chips come to mind. However, pita chips are different because they are considered healthier. However, this is not exactly true. 

Pita chips are made with pita bread, usually made of all-purpose flour, which is not the healthiest option.

However, it is possible to make a healthier version of pita chips. You can do this by opting to make pita chips at home. This way, you can use whole wheat flour for the preparation.

You can also bake the chips instead of frying them. Baking uses very little oil compared to frying, and thus, decreases the fat and caloric content in Pita chips.

Using olive oil to coat the chips before baking is also a fantastic option. Extra virgin olive oil, a rich source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, provides significant health benefits as compared to other oils.

Homemade pita chips are the clear winner when it comes to health. Their recipe is also relatively easy to follow. Once you’ve completed the cooking process, you can store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for at least a week.

Health Benefits of Homemade Pita Chips

“Homemade pita chips offer several nutritional benefits compared to store-bought options.

Firstly, when you make your own pita chips, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose whole-grain pita bread, which is higher in fiber and nutrients compared to refined white flour varieties often used in store-bought chips. 

Additionally, homemade pita chips typically contain less salt and unhealthy fats than their commercial counterparts, as you can control the amount of seasoning and oil used during baking.

By sparingly using healthier oils like olive oil, you can also reduce saturated fat intake. 

Moreover, homemade pita chips are fresher, retaining more of their nutritional value, including vitamins and minerals, as compared to store-bought chips which may have been sitting on shelves for extended periods.

Overall, homemade pita chips offer a healthier alternative that aligns with dietary preferences and supports better nutrition.“

Trista Best, Registered Dietitian, Balance One Supplements

3. What to Eat With Pita Chips?

As a savoury bite, pita chips become filling snacks when accompanied by delectable side dishes or dips. Here is a list of some great dip choices.

3.1. Salsa

With tomatoes as its main ingredient, salsa packs a tangy taste that goes perfectly with the subtle pita chips. Other salsa ingredients, such as chillies and spices, can be adjusted to moderate the spice level. 

Salsa’s tangy flavour adds a nice twist to pita chips. There are many other types of salsa, and you can easily find their recipes online.

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you will love this combination.

3.2. Pineapple Salsa

Spicy jalapenos and citrusy cilantro nicely balance the sweetness of pineapple in this tropical delicacy. Both sweet and savoury, pineapple salsa packs a flavoured punch into your mouth.

These intense flavours complement the simple and subtle taste of crunchy pita chips. 

3.3. Cucumber Raita

Cucumber raita is a crunchy, creamy dip made of yogurt, fresh herbs and spices, and cucumbers. The cooling flavours of this cold Indian yogurt-based dip pair nicely with homemade pita chips seasoned with hot spices. 

Cucumbers and yogurt make this dip a low-caloric, healthy affair. Moreover, the prep time is incredibly low, making this an easy recipe.

3.4. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is made of spinach, artichoke hearts, cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic. It is a cheesy, creamy piece of goodness made nutritious by vegetables. The crispiness of pita chips is balanced beautifully by this baked creamy dip. Here is a personal favourite recipe for you to follow.

3.5. Hummus

Cooked chickpeas and tahini are at the base of a classic hummus recipe. All the ingredients are mixed in a blender until it is a smooth paste. Along with olive oil, fresh garlic, and lemon juice, tie this smoothly blended mix together to give it some tangy flavours. 

The Mediterranean flavours of classic hummus and crispy golden brown pita chips make for an appetizing bite. As a fantastic source of plant protein, chickpeas make hummus a refreshingly nutritious snack.

Managing Carbs and Salt in Your Homemade Pita Chips

“The two things to watch out for with pita chips are carbohydrates and salt. An easy way to reduce the carbs in your pita chips and also slow the absorption of the carbohydrates that are present is to switch to a high-fiber flour like whole wheat flour.

“In addition to this, go light on the salt, or consider using a blend of herbs and spices rather than plain salt for flavoring.“

Catherine Rall, Certified Nutritionist, Happy V

3.6. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus 

Roasted red pepper hummus uses all the same ingredients as the recipes for classic hummus, except for one. As the name suggests, it is made with roasted red peppers. Adding our star ingredient —the roasted red peppers— to a traditional hummus dip makes it a hot, flavorful snack. 

If you like smoky flavours, pair your pita chips with this side dish. The mild pita chips balance the fiery taste of roasted red pepper hummus. 

3.7. Zhoug

Zhoug is a spicy dip that gets its spicy flavour from jalapenos. Herbs like cilantro and parsley give this sauce a heavenly fragrance. 

Add this Middle Eastern sauce as a thick dip to your pita chips. This will turn simple pita chips into unique yet delicious flavours. 

3.8. Whipped Feta Dip

Feta cheese is the leading lady of this beautiful affair you call a feta dip.

This dip is made by blending feta cheese, cream cheese, and lemon zest. You can add herbs and spices once it is a smooth cream. You can also add them while your main ingredients are being blended. 

Serve this with pita or other crispy chips that complement this creamy dip.

Firm Structure Withstands Hearty Dips

Manobal Jain, Founder, Trainerfu, says: “One quality that makes pita chips a versatile base for dips and side dishes is their sturdy and firm texture.

Unlike many other snacks that can become soggy or crumble easily when dipped into thick or chunky dips, pita chips have a firm structure that holds up well to various types of dips without breaking apart.

The firm texture of pita chips allows them to withstand the weight and consistency of dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or spinach-artichoke dip, without becoming overly soft or disintegrating.

This means that they can be used to scoop up generous amounts of dip without the risk of breaking or becoming messy.

Additionally, the sturdy texture of pita chips makes them an ideal base for building layers of flavors and textures in appetizers and side dishes.”

3.9. Greek Yogurt

This is a versatile side dish. You can add fruits like blueberries and strawberries for sweet flavours. 

When you want to serve Greek yogurt as a side dish to pita chips, sprinkle some herbs and spices like oregano and black chilli powder. The creamy texture of yogurt goes perfectly with your crispy homemade pita chips, making it a delicious appetizer.

3.10. Guacamole

The star of guacamole is avocado, which gives this dip a buttery taste. Veggies like tomatoes and onions are also some of the main ingredients. All these ingredients are beautifully tied together with lime juice. 

Herbs and spices like cayenne pepper, garlic, and cilantro make this an aromatic delicacy. With their crunchiness, pita chips charmingly contrast with guacamole’s thick, buttery texture. 

You can also sprinkle some red chilli flakes for a spicier dip.

Advantages of Homemade Pita Chips for Health and Performance

“As a certified trainer and IFP pickleball ambassador, I promote balanced diets for optimal sports performance, ensuring the inclusion of whole foods over processed equivalents.

From experience, I can tell you that homemade pita chips outshine their store-bought counterparts on several fronts. 

• Controlled Ingredients: Making pita chips at home gives you control over what goes into your food. You can select high-quality whole-grain bread and use healthier oils (like olive oil) instead of the harmful trans fats found in some store versions. 
• Less Sodium: Store-bought pita chips often have high sodium content to increase shelf life and palate appeal. Conversely, homemade pita chips allow for sodium regulation, reducing potential health risks like hypertension. 
• No Preservatives: Homemade pita chips are free from preservatives and artificial flavours that are commonly present in store-bought alternatives. 
• Customizable Nutrition: If you’re making them at home, you can fortify your pita chips with added seeds (such as flax or sesame) for an extra nutrition boost. “

Marc Massad, Certified Pickleball Trainer, Velocity Paddle

4. How Do You Use Pita Chips as a Complementary Dish?

Now that you know the various side dishes and dips you can add to pita chips, you should also know what meals you can add these yummy bites to.

4.1. Burger

The next time you get a burger at a restaurant, consider switching your classic side fries with pita chips. They are just as crispy but much healthier. You might not find this as delicious, but it is worth trying.

You can also add pita chips between your burgers for that extra crunch.

4.2. Salad

You can crush some pita chips when you are bored of the regular salad dressings. Add them to your salad when you serve it. These chips do not take away from your salad’s nutritiousness, but they add a crispy twist to the soft vegetables. 

Add one of the healthy dips you read about earlier in this article for an even healthier and delicious salad. Something like roasted red pepper hummus will make a bland salad flavorful.

4.3. Cheese Platter

When you want to wow people at your home parties, prepare a lovely cheese platter; choose a round board for a more classic look. Go for a rectangular board for a sleek, modern design. 

Add different types of cheese, and to add some variety, present them differently. Cut one piece of the cheese into cubes, another into slices, and leave some as is. 

Serve some fruits and veggies for some nutrition. Using colourful veggies like bright red tomatoes will make a more aesthetically pleasing presentation. Perhaps add some olives. Add some bread as well. 

Instead of regular crackers or some other snacks, whip up some of your homemade pita chips. After all, those are healthier. They also boast of this crispiness that aligns perfectly with the creamy texture of cheese. This switch will be a crowd-pleaser at your parties.

On the cheese board, serve the pita chips alongside creamy dips that you now know all about.

Nutritious Flavor Boost: Cinnamon & Natural Sweeteners in Pita Chips

“Adding cinnamon and other natural sweeteners to pita chips can enhance their taste without compromising nutrition for several reasons. Cinnamon is not only a flavorful spice but also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering health benefits. 

Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup add sweetness without the empty calories and blood sugar spikes associated with refined sugars. By using these alternatives, you’re introducing nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into the snack. 

The combination of cinnamon and natural sweeteners can complement the savory flavor of the pita chips, creating a satisfying and balanced taste profile. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful snack while still prioritizing your health and nutrition.“

Lisa Richards, Nutritionist, The Candida Diet

5. Bottomline

Pita chips are a flexible snack that can be eaten with many dips, whether cucumber raita or feta cheese dip. As mentioned in the beginning, they are versatile and are healthier.

The yummy pita triangles become even yummier when you serve pita chips with different side dishes. Pita chips can be added to many meals for a filling combination of unique meals.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by navaneethvk