Pickled Green Beans with Smoked Salmon Dip

I came up with this appetizer for my son, who's big on delicious but healthy food. The lighter beans-and-dip combo has won over even finicky eaters. —Dinah Halterman, Harmony, NC

Directions Place beans in a 13x9-in dish. Add dill seed and garlic. In a large saucepan, combine water, vinegar and salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt is dissolved. Pour hot brine...

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons dill seed
• 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 4 cups water
• 1-1/4 cups white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• DIP:
• 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese or non-dairy imitation cream cheese
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced chives
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1-1/2 cups flaked smoked salmon fillets
• Fresh dill sprig, optional
• Assorted crackers