This Low Fat Cottage Cheese Spinach Dip is a game-changer for anyone who loves creamy, flavorful dips but wants to keep things on the lighter side. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, loaded with nutritious spinach, and bursting with flavor from savory seasonings – this dip comes together in just minutes and will disappear just as quickly at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: All the creamy texture and bold flavor of traditional spinach dip, but with a fraction of the fat and calories. It’s the perfect healthy swap that doesn’t taste like you’re compromising.
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt base, this dip delivers a significant protein boost compared to traditional versions. Each serving gives you satisfying nutrition along with great taste.
- Super Quick Prep: Just 5 minutes of active prep time, and your blender does most of the work! The hardest part is waiting for it to chill before diving in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even die-hard fans of traditional spinach dip will be impressed with this healthier version. The creamy texture and robust flavor profile make it irresistible for dipping veggies, crackers, or chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Low-fat cottage cheese: The star ingredient that creates the creamy base while keeping fat content low and adding significant protein. The blending step transforms its texture completely.
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and enhances the creamy texture while contributing additional protein without extra fat.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Provides the classic spinach flavor, beautiful green color, and nutritional benefits. Always squeeze it very dry to prevent a watery dip.
- Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix: The flavor powerhouse that gives this dip its distinctive savory taste profile. This seasoning blend adds depth without requiring multiple spice additions.
- Water chestnuts: Contribute a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. Their mild flavor allows them to add texture without competing with other ingredients.
- Green onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color that elevates the overall taste experience.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dip with aromatic garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dip.
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your spinach dip:
- Mediterranean Twist: Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and a teaspoon of dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño (seeds removed if you prefer less heat) for those who like it spicy.
- Artichoke Addition: Fold in a 14-ounce can of drained, chopped artichoke hearts to create a spinach-artichoke hybrid that’s absolutely divine.
- Fresh Herb Upgrade: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, basil, or parsley to brighten the flavor profile even more.
How to Make Low Fat Cottage Cheese Spinach Dip
Step 1: Create the Creamy Base
In a high-speed blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt. Blend thoroughly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and no chalkiness from the cottage cheese remains – this usually takes about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Remove the blender blade (if your model allows) and add the thoroughly dried spinach, Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix, chopped water chestnuts, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper directly to the blender. This method makes it easier to get every bit of the creamy base mixture.
Step 3: Mix and Transfer
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold all ingredients together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, making sure to scrape out all the goodness from your blender.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and develop. This resting time makes a world of difference in the final taste. After chilling, taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Thorough Blending: Don’t rush the blending process. Those full 5 minutes transform the cottage cheese from grainy to silky smooth.
- Dry That Spinach: After cooking your frozen spinach, let it cool completely, then squeeze out every last drop of moisture. A clean kitchen towel works wonders for this task – the drier your spinach, the better your dip consistency.
- Taste After Chilling: The flavor develops significantly during refrigeration, so wait until after chilling to make final seasoning adjustments.
- Sweet Balance: If you find the Greek yogurt too tangy, don’t forget that optional teaspoon of honey – it works wonders to balance the flavor without making the dip noticeably sweet.
How to Serve
This versatile dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers:
Fresh Vegetables
Create a colorful crudité platter with bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, and broccoli florets for a healthy option that looks stunning.
Crackers and Breads
Whole grain crackers, pita triangles, or baguette slices offer hearty vehicles for this flavorful dip. For a lower-carb option, try seed crackers or almond flour crackers.
Party Presentation
For gatherings, hollow out a sourdough bread bowl and fill it with the dip for an impressive presentation. Arrange dippers around the bowl for a show-stopping appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually continue to meld and improve after the first day, making this perfect for meal prep.
Freezing
While technically possible to freeze this dip, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container with minimal air space for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
This dip is traditionally served cold, but if you’d like a warm spinach dip, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you’ll need about 1½ pounds of fresh spinach to equal 10 ounces of frozen. Blanch it briefly in boiling water, then cool, chop, and squeeze dry. The frozen variety is often more convenient and economical, but fresh works wonderfully too.
My dip seems too thick. How can I adjust the consistency?
If your dip is thicker than you’d prefer, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Add the liquid gradually to avoid making it too thin.
Can I make this without a high-speed blender?
Absolutely. A food processor works excellently as an alternative and may actually be easier for removing the mixture. If you don’t have either appliance, you can press the cottage cheese through a fine mesh sieve before mixing with the other ingredients, though the texture won’t be quite as smooth.
How long before serving should I make this dip?
While the recipe calls for a minimum 2-hour chill time, this dip actually tastes even better when made a day ahead. The flavors continue to develop overnight, creating an even more delicious result. It’s perfect for preparing in advance of a gathering!
Final Thoughts
This Low Fat Cottage Cheese Spinach Dip proves that “healthier” doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or creaminess. The protein-packed base creates a substantial dip that satisfies, while the blend of veggies and seasonings delivers that classic spinach dip taste everyone loves. Whether you’re bringing it to a party, serving it at a family gathering, or just keeping it in the fridge for a nutritious snack option, this recipe deserves a regular spot in your rotation. Give it a try – I’m confident it will become your new go-to dip recipe!
PrintLow Fat Cottage Cheese Spinach Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 11 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and flavorful low-fat cottage cheese spinach dip, perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer. This dip combines low-fat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, spinach, and a mix of seasonings for a guilt-free, delicious treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
-
- 16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt (112g)
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, cooked, cooled, and squeezed dry
Flavoring
-
- 1 package Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix
- 8 oz water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional
- 1–2 tsp of honey, to balance tartness
Instructions
- Blend the base. In a high-speed blender, add the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and no chalkiness from the cottage cheese remains, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients. Remove the blender blade and add the spinach, vegetable mix, water chestnuts, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper directly to the blender. Stir with a rubber spatula to combine and transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
- Chill the dip. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for 2 hours before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional garlic powder to taste as needed.
- Add a touch of sweetness (optional). If the dip tastes too tart due to the Greek yogurt, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to balance the flavors.
Notes
- If you don’t have a blender with a removable blade, use a food processor instead, as the mixture may be hard to remove from a traditional blender.
- Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary with substitutions.
- Serving size is approximately 1/4 cup, or 78 grams.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (78g)
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