Description
Packed with tangy Italian giardiniera, this high protein cottage cheese dip delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in minutes. Creamy, zesty, and perfect for chips or veggie dippers, you’ll crave this quick protein-rich snack that brings serious taste to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams / 12 ounces) cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cup (120 grams / 4 ounces) giardiniera (mild or hot), drained and finely chopped
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, based on giardiniera saltiness)
Optional Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra creaminess)
Garnish:
- Extra chopped giardiniera
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cottage cheese base by transforming it into a silky, uniform mixture using a food processor or blender, pulsing for approximately one minute until achieving a smooth consistency.
- Enhance the flavor profile by introducing lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a potential touch of salt, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious integration of seasonings.
- Carefully incorporate the chopped giardiniera into the creamy mixture, gently folding by hand to preserve the distinctive texture and prevent over-processing, ensuring distinct vegetable pieces remain visible.
- Transfer the vibrant dip into a serving vessel, artfully garnishing with additional giardiniera and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate visual appeal and provide a burst of aromatic complexity.
- Serve immediately alongside an array of accompaniments such as crisp crackers, crunchy pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks, allowing guests to indulge in this protein-rich, zesty appetizer.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by selecting mild or hot giardiniera according to personal heat tolerance and flavor preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu or cashew cream to maintain protein content and creamy texture.
- Enhance protein content by incorporating additional Greek yogurt or blending in a scoop of unflavored protein powder for fitness enthusiasts.
- Prep giardiniera finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks disrupting the smooth dip consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg