Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing Recipe

This ranch dressing with cottage cheese is thick, herby, and brings a hit of protein to the party without sacrificing that classic ranch flavor. Garlic, dill, chives, and a splash of tangy vinegar bring all the zippy notes ranch lovers obsess over. Serve it with baby carrots, cucumber, or bell pepper strips – this is that rare dip in a million that makes you want to eat all the vegetables.

A glass jar filled with creamy, speckled cottage cheese ranch dressing, with a pink spoon inside. The jar rests on a wooden surface, accompanied by a pink cloth.

Protein: 4 grams for 2 tablespoons

The protein power in this dip all comes from cottage cheese, quietly doing the heavy lifting behind that silky, satisfying texture. I was expecting something solid – but it turned out low-key amazing, and I couldn’t take three steps away from the jar without turning back for “one last” taste. It’s become my go-to for snack plates, lazy lunches, and any moment I need something that feels like a treat and keeps me full.

Contents hide

1 Why you will love this recipe

2 Key ingredients and substitutions

3 How to make ranch dressing with cottage cheese

4 Recipe notes and tips

5 Storage instructions

6 Variations

7 What to serve with cottage cheese ranch dressing

8 Frequently asked questions

9 More dips, dressings & drizzles

10 Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing Recipe

Why you will love this recipe

Protein-packed: It’s ranch that actually fills you up.
Low effort: Throw it in a blender and you’re done.
Fridge-friendly: Stays fresh for days, perfect for grab-and-go snacking.
All the ranch, none of the junk: Same flavor, smarter ingredients.
Vegetable whisperer: Somehow makes raw carrots feel exciting.

Key ingredients and substitutions

Four bowls with ingredients: apple cider vinegar, cottage cheese, milk, and a savory mix that hints at ranch dressing with dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, black pepper, and garlic rest on a wooden surface.

Cottage cheese: The creamy base of this high protein dip. Use full-fat for a richer texture, or low-fat for fewer calories.
Garlic: Adds depth and a little kick. One clove is plenty, but you can go bolder if you’re into that.
Dried herbs: Dried parsley, chives, and dill give it that classic ranch dressing flavor. Fresh herbs work too – just triple the amount.
Onion powder: Brings the savory, umami undertone that makes this taste like the real deal.
Black pepper: Adds a little bite. Freshly ground is best.
Salt: Season to taste – how much you need depends on your cottage cheese.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens it up and adds tang. White vinegar or lemon juice both work as swaps.
Filtered milk: Loosens the texture slightly for a creamier dip. Use any milk you like – dairy or non-dairy.

How to make ranch dressing with cottage cheese

Grab your gear: Use a high-speed blender, immersion blender, or food processor – whatever gives you the smoothest finish.
Layer it up: Add the cottage cheese, vinegar, garlic, dried herbs, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and milk to your container or blender jar.
Blend until silky: Whizz it all up until you’ve got a smooth, creamy texture with no curds in sight.

A food processor with milk, cottage cheese, chopped garlic, fresh herbs, and seasoning, ready to be blended into a creamy mixture.

Close-up of a food processor bowl containing a creamy, white mixture with specks of green herbs, likely a ranch dip or dressing made with cottage cheese, around a central blade mechanism.

Taste test: Dip a spoon (or a carrot stick) and adjust the seasoning if needed – add more salt, herbs, or a tiny splash of milk to thin it.
Serve it fresh: You can enjoy it straight away as a creamy ranch dip or use it as a healthy swap for classic ranch dressing.

A refreshing mixed green salad with spinach, beet strips, and leafy greens is elegantly drizzled with creamy cottage cheese ranch dressing in a white bowl.

Recipe notes and tips

Blend long enough: Keep going until it’s truly smooth – under-mixed cottage cheese can leave it grainy.
Scrape the sides: Halfway through blending, stop and scrape down the sides so no herbs get stuck in the corners.
Chill before serving: It tastes great straight away, but the flavors really settle in after an hour in the fridge.
Use filtered milk: It keeps the flavor clean and helps control the texture better than some plant-based milks.
Watch your garlic: Raw garlic gets stronger over time – use a small clove if you’re storing it for a few days.

Storage instructions

Fridge: Store your leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Texture check: It thickens slightly over time, just stir in a little milk or water before serving if needed.
Flavor boost: The herbs deepen after a day or two, making it an even more flavorful ranch cottage cheese dip.
Sniff test: Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before diving into older batches, and watch that expiration date on your cottage cheese.

Variations

Fresh dill upgrade: Swap dried dill for fresh dill if you’ve got it – it gives the dip a burst of flavor that really pops.
Greek yogurt blend: Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for extra tang and a thicker texture.
Pickle juice kick: A splash of pickle juice adds a sharp, salty twist that ranch lovers will appreciate.
Olive oil swirl: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for a creamy dip that feels a bit more indulgent.
Spice it up: Mix in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat with your creamy cottage cheese.
Sour cream swap: Replace a bit of the cottage cheese with sour cream for a more traditional ranch cottage cheese dip flavor.
Ranch packet shortcut: In a rush? Use a ranch seasoning packet instead of your own ranch seasoning mix.

What to serve with cottage cheese ranch dressing

Fresh veggies: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers make this a healthy ranch dip dream.
Crunchy snacks: Potato chips, pita bread, pretzels, or crackers are all great dip vehicles.
Wraps and sandwiches: Use it as a creamy base for wraps or spread it inside a sandwich instead of regular ranch dip.
Grilled meats: Serve alongside Air Fryer Chicken Legs, Air Fryer Steak Bites, or Fresh Shrimp Summer Rolls for a high protein dip that doubles as a dipping sauce.
Snack boards: Add it to an easy appetizer platter with nuts, olives, cheese, and your favorite veggies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this dip without a blender or food processor?

It won’t be as smooth, but you can mash everything together with a fork or whisk for a more rustic, whipped cottage cheese dip vibe.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yep! Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove. It won’t have quite the same punch, but it still brings that savory ranch flavor.

Is there a good substitute for cottage cheese?

Plain Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the thick texture and much of the protein.

Does the cottage cheese need to be room temp before blending?

Nope, cold is fine. Your blender won’t mind, and the dip chills faster anyway.

A jar of creamy cottage cheese ranch dressing with herbs and a spoon rests on a wooden surface, complemented by a soft pink cloth.

More dips, dressings & drizzles

Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.