Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Cottage Cheese Dip

This creamy cottage cheese dip with sun-dried tomatoes is a delicious and easy high-protein appetizer perfect for any gathering.

It’s a fantastic cottage cheese side dish that’s sure to impress, offering a blend of savory flavors and a wonderfully smooth texture. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet elegant snack.

Discover the details on how to whip up this delightful dip that combines the tang of sun-dried tomatoes with the mild creaminess of cottage cheese, making it a standout high-protein appetizer for any party.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Cottage Cheese Dip

---

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This creamy cottage cheese dip with sun-dried tomatoes is a delicious and easy high-protein appetizer perfect for any gathering. It’s a fantastic cottage cheese side dish that’s sure to impress, offering a blend of savory flavors and a wonderfully smooth texture. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet elegant snack.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

16 ounces full-fat cottage cheese

1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

---

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Chives: Start by draining your oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly. Lay them on a paper towel and pat them dry to remove excess oil, then finely chop them. Next, wash and finely chop your fresh chives.

2. 2. Mince the Garlic: Peel and mince one clove of fresh garlic.

3. 3. Combine Cottage Cheese and Olive Oil: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the full-fat cottage cheese. Drizzle in the olive oil.

4. 4. Add Flavorful Ingredients: To the bowl, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes now.

5. 5. Mix Until Well Combined: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together. Mix until everything is evenly distributed throughout the cottage cheese.

6. 6. Stir in Fresh Chives: Finally, gently stir in the finely chopped fresh chives. Reserve a tiny pinch for garnish if you like.

7. 7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Take a small taste of the dip. At this point, you can adjust the seasoning. You might want a little more pepper, or perhaps a tiny pinch of salt if your feta isn’t very salty.

8. 8. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give it a quick stir. Garnish with a few extra chopped chives if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: appetizer
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 400
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 7
• Unsaturated Fat: 8
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 5
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 12
• Cholesterol: 30

Keywords: cottage cheese dip, sun-dried tomato, high protein, appetizer, easy, healthy, snack, party food, vegetarian, quick

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet it delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, high-protein snack or appetizer that doesn’t compromise on taste. This dip is ideal for busy parents, health-conscious individuals, or anyone hosting a casual get-together. Serve it as an impressive starter for a dinner party, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a light lunch alongside some fresh vegetables. Its versatility means it fits seamlessly into almost any occasion, from a backyard barbecue to a cozy night in. The minimal prep and cook time also mean you can have a delicious, fresh dip ready in minutes, making it a go-to option when unexpected guests arrive.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes the entire cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh items that are easy to find at any grocery store. The key to a fantastic dip lies in the quality of your ingredients, so choose fresh produce and good quality dairy for the best results.

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 ounces full-fat cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the cottage cheese, full-fat varieties tend to yield a creamier, richer dip, but you can certainly use a lower-fat option if you prefer. Just be aware the texture might be slightly less decadent. When it comes to sun-dried tomatoes, the oil-packed kind are generally more pliable and flavorful than the dry-packed ones; if you only have dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes before chopping. For the feta cheese, a block of feta that you crumble yourself often has a better texture and flavor than pre-crumbled varieties, but either will work. Fresh chives add a lovely mild oniony flavor and a pop of color, but if you don’t have them, a tiny pinch of dried chives could work in a pinch, though the fresh really makes a difference.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This dip is designed for speed and convenience, making it perfect for those moments when you need something delicious in a hurry.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 15 minutes (optional, but recommended for best flavor)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

While the chilling time is optional, allowing the flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes truly enhances the dip’s taste. If you’re really pressed for time, you can serve it immediately, but a little patience pays off in the flavor department.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this savory sun-dried tomato cottage cheese dip is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy result every time.

1. Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Chives: Start by draining your oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly. Lay them on a paper towel and pat them dry to remove excess oil, then finely chop them. Next, wash and finely chop your fresh chives. Having these ready makes the assembly much faster.
2. Mince the Garlic: Peel and mince one clove of fresh garlic. If you don’t have fresh garlic, a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted, but fresh offers a more vibrant flavor.
3. Combine Cottage Cheese and Olive Oil: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the full-fat cottage cheese. Drizzle in the olive oil. This helps to create a smoother consistency and adds a subtle richness to the dip.
4. Add Flavorful Ingredients: To the bowl, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes now.
5. Mix Until Well Combined: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together. Mix until everything is evenly distributed throughout the cottage cheese. You want to see specks of red tomato, green chives, and white feta throughout the creamy base.
6. Stir in Fresh Chives: Finally, gently stir in the finely chopped fresh chives. Reserve a tiny pinch for garnish if you like. This ensures the chives retain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Take a small taste of the dip. At this point, you can adjust the seasoning. You might want a little more pepper, or perhaps a tiny pinch of salt if your feta isn’t very salty. Remember, sun-dried tomatoes and feta both contribute significant saltiness, so taste before adding more.
8. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give it a quick stir. Garnish with a few extra chopped chives if desired.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This sun-dried tomato cottage cheese dip is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions.

For a kid-friendly twist, you might reduce the amount of garlic and omit the red pepper flakes. You could also add a touch of finely grated carrot for a hint of sweetness and extra nutrition. Another idea is to serve it with mild, crunchy dippers like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips, which kids often enjoy.

• Herbs: Instead of chives, fresh basil or parsley would be delicious. A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning could also work if fresh herbs aren’t available.
• Cheese: While feta adds a wonderful tang, a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese could offer a different salty, umami depth.
• Spices: For a smokier flavor, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika could be a great addition.
• Extra Veggies: Finely diced roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained well) or even a spoonful of finely chopped spinach (squeezed dry) could be folded in for extra flavor and nutrients.

This dip is fantastic for party or buffet serving. Place it in a decorative bowl surrounded by an array of dippers. Think pita chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzel thins, or a colorful vegetable platter with carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber. For a more substantial offering, you could spread it on mini bagels or crostini as an appetizer. It also makes a fantastic spread for sandwiches or wraps, adding a burst of flavor and protein.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will ensure your dip turns out perfectly every time.

• Not Draining Sun-Dried Tomatoes Properly: If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, failing to drain and pat them dry can make your dip oily and greasy. Always take the extra minute to ensure they are well-drained.
• Over-Salting the Dip: Both feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes are quite salty. It’s easy to over-salt if you add extra salt before tasting. Always mix all ingredients first, then taste, and only add more salt if absolutely necessary.
• Using Too Much Garlic: While garlic is delicious, too much raw minced garlic can overpower the delicate flavors of the cottage cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Stick to one clove, or even half a clove if you’re sensitive to strong garlic flavor.
• Not Chopping Ingredients Finely Enough: For a smooth, well-integrated dip, ensure your sun-dried tomatoes, chives, and garlic are finely chopped or minced. Large chunks can disrupt the texture and make it harder to scoop.
• Serving Immediately Without Chilling: While you *can* serve it right away, the flavors truly deepen and meld after a short chill in the refrigerator. If you skip this step, the dip might taste a bit less cohesive. Aim for at least 15 minutes if possible.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This sun-dried tomato cottage cheese dip is excellent for making ahead and stores beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep or party planning.

To store the dip, transfer

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.