High Protein Cottage Cheese Giardiniera Dip Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Giardiniera Dip is a flavorful and creamy treat perfect for snacks or appetizers. Combining tangy giardiniera with whipped cottage cheese creates a versatile dip that pairs beautifully with crackers, veggies, or even grilled meats.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) container low-fat cottage cheese (I used Good Culture)
• 1 garlic clove, sliced or roughly chopped
• 1 small lemon, zested
• ¾ cup Chicago-Style mild (or hot!) giardiniera, drained but DO NOT RINSE
• Extra ¼ cup giardiniera (DO NOT DRAIN THE OIL), for topping
• Optional: Fresh grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a food processor or a high-powered blender, combine the cottage cheese, garlic, and lemon zest. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, using a blender tamper or spatula to scrape down the sides as needed to keep everything moving.
2. Step 2: Add the drained giardiniera (do not rinse) to the mixture and blend again for about 30 seconds until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dip to a shallow bowl. Top with the additional ¼ cup of giardiniera along with its oil.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onion and, if desired, fresh grated parmesan cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Serve with crackers, fresh cut vegetables, pita chips, on sandwiches, or as a flavorful accompaniment to quesadillas, roasted chicken, or steak.

Tips & Variations

• Use hot giardiniera if you prefer a spicy kick in the dip.
• For a creamier texture, let the dip chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Try swapping fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. The dip may thicken when chilled; allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes or gently stir in a splash of lemon juice or water to loosen the consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cottage cheese instead of low-fat?

Yes, regular cottage cheese works fine and will make the dip a bit creamier and richer in flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have giardiniera?

If you don’t have giardiniera, try chopped pickled vegetables like pepperoncini, pickled peppers, or a mix of olives and pickles for a similar tangy and spicy flavor.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Giardiniera Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 187 reviews

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Giardiniera Dip is a creamy, tangy, and savory spread that combines the smoothness of whipped low-fat cottage cheese with the zesty, pickled flavors of Chicago-style giardiniera. Perfect as a healthy and flavorful dip for crackers, vegetables, or sandwiches, it’s easy to prepare and packed with protein. The addition of fresh lemon zest and garlic enhances the freshness, while optional parmesan and parsley add an extra layer of taste and texture.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups of dip (serves 6-8) 1x
• Category: Dip
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Whipped Cottage Cheese

• 1 (16 ounce) container low-fat cottage cheese (e.g. Good Culture)
• 1 garlic clove, sliced or roughly chopped
• 1 small lemon, zested
• ¾ cup Chicago-Style mild (or hot) giardiniera, drained but DO NOT RINSE

For Topping

• Extra ¼ cup giardiniera with oil (DO NOT DRAIN THE OIL)
• Optional: Fresh grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onion

Instructions

1. Blend Cottage Cheese Mixture: In the bowl of a food processor or a high-powered blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, sliced garlic, and lemon zest. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, using a blender tamper or spatula to scrape down the sides to ensure an even, smooth consistency.
2. Add Giardiniera and Blend: Add the ¾ cup drained giardiniera to the blended cottage cheese mixture and blend again for about 30 seconds until fully incorporated but still maintaining a slightly chunky texture from the peppers and vegetables.
3. Transfer and Top: Spoon the dip into a shallow serving bowl. Top with an additional ¼ cup of giardiniera including its flavorful oil. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions and optionally some grated parmesan cheese on top to add freshness and a savory touch.
4. Serve: Serve this versatile dip with your favorite crackers such as Simple Mills or Triscuits, fresh cut vegetables, pita chips, or as a spread on toasted sourdough bread. It also pairs beautifully as a dip for quesadillas or alongside roasted or grilled chicken and steak for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Do not rinse the giardiniera after draining to retain the flavorful oil and brine.
• The dip can be made mild or spicy depending on whether you use mild or hot giardiniera.
• Use a food processor or high-powered blender to achieve a smooth, whipped texture.
• For added richness, sprinkle fresh grated parmesan cheese on top.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: high protein dip, cottage cheese dip, giardiniera dip, healthy dip, low fat dip, party appetizer, easy dip recipe