My mother-in-law has made this for every holiday season potluck since 1982. Just 4 ingredients and the dish is washed clean before the main courses are even served.

This 4-ingredient spinach Clayton dip is the kind of retro potluck recipe that never goes out of style because it is easy, dependable, and somehow always the first thing to disappear. It has that classic holiday-party charm of a creamy spinach dip with almost no effort, which is exactly why it earns a spot on busy tables year after year when there are already plenty of other dishes to juggle.

Serve this dip with pita chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or a big tray of fresh-cut vegetables for an easy appetizer spread. It also fits right in alongside cheese boards, cocktail meatballs, and other holiday snacks, and if you are bringing it to a potluck, keeping an extra bag of chips nearby is always a smart move because this one goes fast.

4-Ingredient Spinach Clayton Dip

Servings: 8

Spinach Clayton dip in a white serving dish with a pita chip scooping a creamy bite

Ingredients

1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 packet vegetable soup mix

Directions

1. Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach, then place it in a medium mixing bowl.

Drained chopped spinach in a mixing bowl

2. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and vegetable soup mix to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Creamy spinach dip being stirred together in a bowl

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors can blend and the dip can thicken.

Covered bowl of spinach dip chilling on a refrigerator shelf

4. Transfer to a serving dish and serve chilled with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Finished spinach dip served with pita chips and vegetables

Variations & Tips

Make-ahead tip: This dip is even better when made the night before, which makes it perfect for holidays, work parties, and busy weekends when you want one less thing to do at the last minute.

Texture tip: Draining the spinach really well is the secret to keeping the dip thick and scoopable instead of watery. Press it in a fine-mesh strainer or squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel for the best result.

Serving idea: For a classic party look, spoon the dip into a small white bowl and surround it with pita chips and crisp vegetables on a platter so guests can help themselves easily.

Simple variation: If you like a little extra tang, stir in a few spoonfuls of softened cream cheese for a richer, slightly thicker dip that still keeps the same familiar flavor.