This cottage cheese ranch dip is healthy, packed with protein, and is the perfect dip for all of your vegetables. I've been on a vegetable kick since I've been trying to slim down now that the warm weather is approaching. If you want to consume more raw vegetables, this healthier ranch dip is a must-try.
Ingredients You'll Need
Cottage cheese - I prefer 4% cottage cheese, which will give it a creamy texture. I do not recommend fat-free; it will taste gritty and not very smooth.
Herbs and spices - Granulated garlic, onion powder, one green onion, dried or fresh dill, and fresh flat-leaf parsley together create the signature flavor.
Lemon - Ranch dressing has a tangy flavor, often from vinegar, but we will use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a nice tart and bright touch.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ranch
- To prepare the dip, first place the cottage cheese in a strainer for 10 minutes to remove excess liquid. This step will help make the dip thick and creamy.
- Next, add the strained cottage cheese along with all the other ingredients into a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Finally, transfer the dip to a container with a lid for later enjoyment, or serve it in a dip bowl alongside vegetables for guests.
Enjoy with your favorite crunchy vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli florets, bell peppers, celery, and cucumbers. The options are endless! Serve this cottage cheese ranch dip at parties and gatherings, or prepare it in snack containers for a healthy lunch at work.
Make the Dip Ahead and Serve Later
Letting this dip sit is key to unlocking its full flavor potential. The longer the herbs and spices mingle with the cottage cheese, the richer and more complex the taste becomes.
Making this dip ahead of time is a game-changer for busy days or when you have guests. Simply transfer it to an airtight container after blending, and it will be ready to go whenever you need a quick and healthy snack. Just give it a quick stir before serving!
If you are looking for more healthy lunch recipes, try my Quinoa Taco Salad, Chopped Italian Salad in a Jar (Meal Prep), and my current obsession, Protein Macaroni Salad.
More Crave-Worthy Dips and Sauces
PrintCottage Cheese Ranch Dip
Whip up this creamy and healthy cottage cheese ranch dip in minutes! A protein-packed and delicious healthy snack or healthy dip that's a fantastic alternative to traditional ranch. Enjoy this healthy ranch with your favorite veggies!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including straining)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauces and Dips
- Method: Emulsification
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) container of 4% cottage cheese
1 green onion, roughly chopped (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon packed fresh dill, finely chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
sea salt as needed
Instructions
Strain the Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Allow it to drain for 10 minutes to remove any excess liquid. This step is key to achieving a thick and creamy dip.
Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the strained cottage cheese to a blender. Add the chopped green onion, onion powder, granulated garlic, coarse black pepper, dried dill (or fresh dill), and chopped fresh parsley.
Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. This will add a bright tang and help to further smooth out the dip.
Blend to Perfection: Blend all the ingredients together for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Chill or Serve: Transfer the creamy cottage cheese ranch dip to an airtight container with a lid for enjoying later. For immediate serving, pour the dip into a serving bowl and arrange your favorite raw vegetables (like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and broccoli) around it for a healthy and delicious snack.
Notes
Tips for the Best Dip:
- For an even smoother consistency, blend for a little longer.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt (if your cottage cheese was unsalted) or more herbs to your preference.
- Fresh herbs will provide a brighter flavor, but dried herbs are a convenient alternative.
- This dip will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe inspired by a concept from Taste of Home magazine, April/May 2024.
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