This dip is everything: creamy, tangy, herby, salty, and packed with bold ranch and pickle flavor. Blending the cottage cheese gives it a smooth, whipped texture that feels like a treat but takes just minutes to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this dip on a hot summer day when all I had in the fridge was a tub of cottage cheese and a jar of pickles. One quick blend later, I was hooked. This dip has made it to every game day and party since. It’s super fast, and it tastes like a guilty pleasure—but it’s packed with protein.
- Super creamy, but no mayo or sour cream needed
- Pickle lovers dream—crunchy, tangy, herby
- One bowl or blender, done in minutes
- High protein and low carb
- Perfect for dipping or spreading
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full fat, blended until smooth)
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles (small dice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (dry packet or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice (from the jar)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Small serving bowl
Pro Tips
- Blend cottage cheese on its own before adding anything—this gives the best texture
- For extra tang, use garlic dill pickles or spicy pickles
- Let it chill for 20 minutes for flavors to blend
- Save a few pickles and herbs to sprinkle on top
- Use a small food processor if you’re making a half batch
Substitutions & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, thicker dip
- Add finely chopped jalapeños for heat
- Swap onion for green onions
- Use 1 tsp dried dill if fresh isn’t available
- Add shredded cheddar to turn it into a cheesy ranch dip
Make Ahead Tips
Make it a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. The flavor gets even better after a few hours.
Dill-Pickle Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Blend Cottage Cheese
Add 1 ½ cups cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth—about 20 to 30 seconds.
Step 2: Transfer to Mixing Bowl
Pour the blended cottage cheese into a medium glass mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add Chopped Dill Pickles
Add ½ cup finely chopped dill pickles to the blended cottage cheese.
Step 4: Add Fresh Dill
Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill for that signature herby flavor.
Step 5: Add Ranch Seasoning
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to give the dip its punchy ranch taste.
Step 6: Add Pickle Juice, Garlic, and Onion
Pour in 1 tablespoon pickle juice to add tang and thin the dip just slightly. Then add 1 small minced garlic clove and 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion. Stir gently to combine everything into a creamy, flavorful mix.
Step 7: Mix Everything Together & Serve
Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir everything until it’s well combined.
Spoon the finished dip into a round bowl and top with a few extra pickles and a little dill.
Leftovers & Storage
Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before using again. Great cold, no need to reheat.
Macros (per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 5g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Blending cottage cheese smooths out curds into a rich, creamy base
- Pickle juice adds acid that lifts and brightens the other flavors
- Ranch seasoning uses MSG, garlic, and onion powders for fast, balanced flavor
Common Mistakes
- Not blending first—texture will stay chunky if you skip this
- Using low-fat cottage cheese can cause a watery dip
- Too much pickle juice will make it runny—stick to 1 tablespoon
What to Serve With
- Carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips
- Pretzels, potato chips, or pita chips
- Spread on turkey wraps or lettuce wraps
- Use it as a base layer in sandwiches or sliders
FAQ
Can I skip blending?
You can, but the texture will be chunky. Blending makes it smooth and creamy.
Can I use store-bought ranch dip instead of seasoning?
Not recommended—store-bought dip has mayo or sour cream and will mess with the texture.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This dip brings big flavor with barely any effort. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with pickle and ranch goodness. Blending the cottage cheese takes it to the next level. Try it once—and you’ll be making it every week. Let me know how you served it or if you added your own twist!