A creamy, protein-packed dip that combines the tangy flavors of ranch seasoning with nutrient-rich spinach. This dip is perfect for pairing with fresh vegetables, crackers, or chips, making it an ideal appetizer for parties, potlucks, or a healthy snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein – Cottage cheese and sour cream provide a protein boost while keeping it creamy and delicious.
- Nutritious & Flavorful – Loaded with spinach and carrots for added vitamins and minerals.
- Quick & Easy – A simple blend-and-mix recipe that requires minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it at parties, game nights, or as a healthy snack.
- Customizable – Adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
Directions
- In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, garlic clove, dry ranch seasoning, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Transfer the blended mixture to a large bowl. Gently fold in the drained spinach and chopped carrot until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled with your choice of fresh vegetables, crackers, or chips. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 80 kcal per serving
Variations
- Greek Yogurt Swap – Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein and a tangy flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Stir in some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar for a richer taste.
- Vegan-Friendly – Use dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based sour cream and tofu-based cottage cheese.
- Extra Herbs – Mix in fresh chives, parsley, or dill for an herbaceous touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based dips tend to separate when thawed.
- Reheating: This dip is best served cold, but if you prefer a warm version, microwave in 15-second intervals until slightly warm.
FAQs
How do I make this dip smoother?
Blend the cottage cheese mixture thoroughly in a food processor to achieve a creamy texture.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Sauté 1 cup of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and chop before mixing it in.
What can I serve with this dip?
It pairs well with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, crackers, tortilla chips, or pita bread.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld even more.
Is this dip suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making it great for meal-prepped snacks.
Can I make this dip without a food processor?
Yes! Use a blender, or mash the cottage cheese manually for a chunkier texture.
How can I reduce the sodium in this dip?
Use a low-sodium cottage cheese and opt for homemade ranch seasoning instead of store-bought.
Can I add protein powder to this dip?
It's not recommended, as protein powder may alter the texture and taste.
Is this dip keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.
Can I add other vegetables to this dip?
Definitely! Try adding finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes for more texture.
Conclusion
This Spinach Ranch Dip is a delicious, nutritious, and protein-packed snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, meal-prepping, or just craving a healthy dip, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy it with your favorite dippers and let the flavors shine!
Spinach Ranch Dip
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, protein-packed dip that blends the tangy flavors of ranch seasoning with nutrient-rich spinach. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a healthy snack, this dip pairs well with fresh vegetables, crackers, or chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl and fold in the drained spinach and chopped carrot.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Serve chilled with fresh vegetables, crackers, or chips. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein.
- Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Stir in Parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy upgrade.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Best served cold, but can be slightly warmed in the microwave if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
