Packed with fresh garlic and herbs, this easy cottage cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for occasion. Serve this creamy high protein dip with veggies and crackers for a healthy summer snack!
If you love ranch but want a healthier and higher protein option, this is the dip for you.
I know cottage cheese can be a polarizing food- you either love it or hate it. Believe me, I get it. For years I tried to love it, but I just couldn't get past the lumpy texture. But I knew how great (and affordable!) of a protein source it was, so I kept trying. I swear I tried every way to eat cottage cheese with no luck.
Until I discovered smooth cottage cheese (otherwise known as blended cottage cheese). Blended cottage cheese has all the nutritious high protein benefits of cottage cheese without the lumps! It's the perfect healthier alternative for sour cream or mayonnaise in dips or dishes.
Don't believe me? Try it for yourself......
Why This Dietitian Loves This Recipe
Here's why even the cottage cheese haters will love this dip:
- It takes 5 minutes to make. Snack prep doesn't get faster than this!
- High in protein, low in fat. For those who struggle with meeting their protein goals, try a high protein dip. Cottage cheese is also available in a variety of fat %, meaning you can pick the option best for your needs (whether that be low or full fat!).
- Perfect for balanced snacks. Dips are a GREAT way to make nutritious foods like veggies more enjoyable. This is important to me as a dietitian, because healthy eating NEEDS to be enjoyable in order to be sustainable! Pair this cottage cheese dip with your favourite chopped veggies and crackers for a simple balanced snack.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh basil
- Dried oregano
- Dried dill
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
In a food processor or high powered blender combine all ingredients.
Blend until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste
Serve with veggies and crackers of choice.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make vegan: As cottage cheese is the main ingredient, this recipe cannot easily be adapted to be vegan. You can try a vegan yogurt, however I have not personally tried it.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Missing an ingredient? Try this:
- Herbs: The herbs can be customized based on what you like and have. Dried or fresh herbs can also be interchanged. Use 1 teaspoon dried basil for 3-4 leaves of fresh basil, 1 teaspoon dried dill for 1 tablespoon fresh dill, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano for 1 tablespoon fresh oregano.
Pairing suggestions:
- Cut-up veggies (cucumbers, carrots, peppers, celery)
- Crackers
- Pretzels and chips
- Pita
- Spread on a sandwich or wrap
Equipment
- Food processor
- Veggie tray (for serving)
Storage
This cottage cheese dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If the dip begins to separate after a prolonged period in the fridge, just give it a good stir prior to serving.
Top Tip
For best results, I highly recommend using a food processor. I find it creates the creamiest whipped texture and does a great job incorporating all of the spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! I always recommend using fresh lemon juice if you are able to in sauces and dips. This is because for uncooked recipes, we want the freshest flavour possible!
You can use plain Greek yogurt if you are looking for another high protein base. However, I will note that Greek yogurt does tend to be a little more sour and tangy than cottage cheese. If you decide to use Greek yogurt, I would use 1 cup of Greek yogurt and add in 1-2 tablespoon of mayonnaise to balance it out.
No, I do not recommend using yellow mustard in this recipe. The dijon mustard adds a nice depth to the flavour profile and will help round out the spices and lemon juice!
Blended cottage cheese is perfect for my friends with texture issues, but it isn't essential to the flavour. However, I personally really like the texture it gives to this dip so I highly recommend blending it if you can.
This recipe makes around 1 cup, which can work for around 4-6 people.
The one show in this post is actually very old! We've had it since I was a child and can't seem to remember where it is from.
However.... I have found a few that are fairly similar you can look at:
- Covered veggie tray with dip holder
- Round locking veggie tray
- Round covered veggie tray
- Covered veggie tray with handle (but no dip holder)
More Healthy Dip Recipes
Want more healthy dips like this one? I have one for every occasion:
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this cottage cheese dip, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Garlic Herb Cottage Cheese Dip
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or high-powered blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 3-4 large basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ medium lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon grainy dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor or high powered blender combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Adjust spices as desired.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Serve dip with cut up fresh vegetables or your favourite crackers or use it as a high protein spread on wraps or sandwiches!
Liz says
Perfect, delicious dip for veggies as an afternoon snack, and uses up leftover cottage cheese I always have lying around.
Susanna Dundore says
I can't wait to try this recipe, and I'm very inspired by your veggie/dip platter. I'm imagining how helpful that would be to support higher intakes of produce if we could pull that out to snack on during the day/while prepping dinner! I only have bottled lemon juice. Do you think I should use that, fresh lime, or wait til I can buy a fresh lemon?
Nicole Addison says
Hi Susanna, I do always recommend fresh citrus if it is available however if you are in a pinch bottled lemon juice will work just fine!
Jackie says
I'm not a fan of cottage cheese, but this recipe changed my mind! Everyone's been on the cottage cheese kick and with these herbs mixed in I understand the obsession now. Also blending it is a game changer to get over the texture of cottage cheese! I also like to drop a little bit of Trader Joe's vegan creamy dill dressing in it.
Betsy says
I know it's been a while since you posted this recipe but it's new to me - and so good!! Seriously the best dip. I had it with veggies, sweet potato tortilla chips and protein chips (quest). I'll be making this a lot, thank you!!