If you love tzatziki but wish it had a little more body and a boost of protein, you’re going to love this.
This Cottage Cheese Tzatziki Sauce is thick, creamy, and loaded with fresh cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill. It’s like the Greek classic, but with a satisfying richness that comes from cottage cheese instead of just yogurt.
Perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over grilled favorites.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one takes me straight back to a small seaside taverna in Greece where tzatziki was always served with warm pita. I wanted that same fresh, garlicky flavor but with extra creaminess and a big protein hit—cottage cheese made it happen.
- Fresh, cool, and herby flavor with a creamy twist
- High in protein without tasting “healthy”
- Stays thick and doesn’t get watery
- Works as a sauce, spread, or dip
- Ready in under 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Macros (per serving):
Calories: 65
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 2g
Fat: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese is rich in casein protein, which gives it a naturally thick body. When blended, it becomes smooth and creamy, holding in moisture better than yogurt alone—meaning your tzatziki won’t get watery. The salt draws water out of cucumber, so draining it before mixing keeps the sauce’s texture just right.
Common Mistakes
- Not draining cucumber: Makes the sauce watery.
- Using low-quality cottage cheese: Affects both texture and flavor.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Dried dill won’t give the same brightness.
What to Serve With
- Warm pita bread
- Grilled chicken or lamb
- Fresh veggie platters
- Grain bowls
- As a spread for wraps and sandwiches
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 medium cucumber (about 150g), peeled, seeded, and grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pro Tips
- Drain cucumber well—squeeze it in a clean towel to remove excess water.
- Blend cottage cheese first for ultimate creaminess before adding other ingredients.
- Adjust garlic to taste—raw garlic can be strong.
- Chill at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Tools Required
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowls for prep
- Grater
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap dill for fresh mint for a different twist.
- Use half yogurt, half cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a hint of spice.
Make Ahead Tips
- Make up to 3 days ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Stir before serving as it may thicken slightly.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the cucumber
Peel, seed, and grate 1 medium cucumber (150g). Place in a clean towel and squeeze out excess water.
Step 2: Add cottage cheese to blender
Place 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese into the blender or food processor.
Step 3: Add garlic and lemon juice
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice to the blender.
Step 4: Add olive oil and seasonings
Pour in 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Step 5: Blend until smooth
Blend for 1–2 minutes until the cottage cheese mixture is silky and creamy.
Step 6: Stir in cucumber and dill
Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in grated cucumber and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil, and top with a small sprig of dill. Serve chilled.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving—cucumber may release a little water.
- Not recommended for freezing.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but it may be slightly less creamy.
Do I have to peel the cucumber?
Peeling keeps the sauce smooth, but you can keep the skin for more texture.
Can I make it without a blender?
Yes—use an immersion blender or mash the cottage cheese with a fork for a chunkier version.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Tzatziki Sauce is creamy, refreshing, and seriously versatile. It’s the perfect high-protein dip or drizzle to make your meals feel fresh and special. If you make it, drop a comment and tell me your favorite way to enjoy it.