Name: Skinny Dill and Lemon Zest Popcorn
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 quarts popped popcorn; 2 Tablespoons lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill; 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

When I am looking for a healthy snack, my first stop is popcorn. Despite popcorn tasting wonderful on its own, I like to add different flavors to make it a little tastier. Today, I made skinny dill and lemon zest popcorn, and it was FABULOUS!

Granted, I have an herb garden in my kitchen, so I am able to experiment with different flavors. Sometimes, my mad science doesn’t work out well, but dill and lemon, with the crunch of air-popped popcorn, was a win!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE POPCORN?

Although microwave popcorn is convenient and literally takes no effort, microwave popcorn is as unhealthy as movie theater popcorn. Truly, people love microwave and movie theater popcorn, because, let’s be honest, it tastes good. But, the reason it tastes so good is because of the oils, additives, and preservatives.

Since becoming plant-based, I think movie theater popcorn tastes and smells disgusting. I think, though, that is because I have found the secret. Popcorn, surprisingly, has a fabulous taste without any of the addictive crap manufacturers add to make you want it.

Popping popcorn in oil, on the other hand, adds empty calories to a perfect low-calorie snack. Then, most people add butter and add seasoning. Once everything is added, the low-calorie snack just became a bag of Doritos.

Instead, consider air popping your popcorn! Air-popping, for example, is oil-free, has fewer calories per serving, and additional health benefits. Did you know popcorn is high in fiber, antioxidants, and is a whole-grain food?

Of course, I have an air popper, but recently I bought a new one that puts my dinosaur air popper to shame. Not only was it cheap, but it works great, and it’s kinda cute. haha.

In fact, all an air popper requires is popcorn kernels and a microwave, and it’s done. Despite the popular belief that popcorn needs oil or butter to make herbs and seasonings stick, that is a myth.

In order to make herbs and seasoning stick, I use an oil-sprayer mister filled with water instead of oil. Therefore, I spray a light mist of water and then the herbs and seasoning stick to the skinny dill and lemon zest popcorn.

OTHER AIR-POPPED VARIETIES FOR A PLANT-BASED SNACKER

Garlic and nutritional yeast
Air mist balsamic vinegar
Add hot sauce
Cumin and cilantro
Parsley and lemon zest
Chili powder and lime zest
Trader Joes Everything Seasoning
Basil and lemon zest
Basil and lime zest
Curry powder
Serve with pickled jalapenos on top
Sprinkle with Skinny Cashew Vegan Parmesan “Cheese”

Truly, snacking can be skinny and elegant, even with skinny dill and lemon zest popcorn. Instead of buying popcorn at the movies, take a bag of this in your purse! SHHHHH!

8 servings