This cottage cheese ranch dip blends cottage cheese with yogurt, dill and chives. A light touch of Original Dust adds a smoky note; taste before adding more because cottage cheese already contains salt.
Make it with Original Desert Dust. Start with the amount listed, then taste before adding more.
Ingredients
1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese, preferably 4% milkfat
1/4 cup (60 g) plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 level teaspoon (1.25 ml) Original Desert Dust, plus up to 1/4 teaspoon more to taste
1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) cold water, only if needed
For serving, optional: washed carrot sticks, cucumber sticks or crackers
Directions
Blend the dairy. Put cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in a small food processor or blender. Blend 30–60 seconds, scrape the sides, then blend again until as smooth as your machine allows.
Season lightly. Add lemon juice, garlic powder and the first 1/4 teaspoon Original Dust. Blend briefly. Add water a teaspoon at a time only if the dip is too thick to move around the blades.
Stir in herbs. Transfer to a bowl. Fold in chives and dill with a spoon so the herbs stay distinct and the dip does not turn green. Cover the bowl.
Chill and taste. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Taste with the vegetable or cracker you will serve alongside; add the optional Dust in small pinches only if needed. Different cottage cheese brands vary in salt.
Serve cold. Spoon into a small serving bowl with optional vegetables or crackers alongside. Keep the main batch chilled and replenish small portions as needed, using a clean utensil.
Yield: About 1 1/2 cups; 6 servings. Prep timing: 10 mins + 20 mins chilling.
The Dust In This Recipe
The Original Desert Dust
$12.99
Make it with Original Desert Dust. Start with the amount listed, then taste before adding more.
✦The Date Is the DifferenceOrganic Coachella Valley dates bring sweetness, body and depth.
✦Smoky & EarthyA balanced all-purpose blend made for everyday cooking.
A strong blender usually gives a smoother finish than a small processor, but some fine curds may remain. Scrape the sides and blend again before adding extra water; too much water makes a runny dip.
CAN I USE LOW-FAT COTTAGE CHEESE?
Yes, though the result can be less creamy or slightly tangier. Start with the same quantity and adjust consistency only after blending. Choose a plain cottage cheese without added fruit or flavoring.
CAN I USE DRIED HERBS?
Replace the fresh dill with about 1/2 teaspoon dried dill and the fresh chives with 1 teaspoon dried chives. Chill at least 30 minutes so they hydrate, then taste before adjusting.
IS THIS THE SAME AS RANCH DRESSING?
It is a thick ranch-style dip with a smoky Original Dust accent. To use it as dressing, thin only the portion needed with cold water a teaspoon at a time until it pours.
WHY IS THERE NO EXTRA SALT?
Cottage cheese, yogurt and Dust contribute seasoning. Taste the chilled dip before adding anything else, especially when serving salty crackers. The optional extra Dust is not always necessary.
HOW LONG DOES IT KEEP?
Refrigerate covered at 40°F (4°C) or colder for up to three days, or the earliest use-by date of the dairy, whichever comes first. Use a clean spoon and refrigerate within two hours of serving, or one hour above 90°F (32°C).
CAN I FREEZE THE DIP?
Freezing is not recommended for texture: the dairy can separate and become grainy. Make a smaller amount instead. This recipe contains milk, and Original Dust contains mustard; check every package for other allergens.
Chili lime pepitas get their crunch from a gentle roast and a brief return to the oven after seasoning. Let the seeds cool completely before judging the texture.
