Pin Recipe I discovered this dip completely by accident one afternoon when I was standing in front of my open fridge wondering what to do with a nearly-full container of cottage cheese and an avocado that was perfectly ripe. Instead of tossing together something forgettable, I thought, why not lean into it? The result was so creamy and unexpectedly good that my partner kept going back for more, spreading it on crackers long after the initial tasting. Since then, it's become my go-to when people are coming over and I want something that looks effortless but tastes genuinely special.
I'll never forget the first time I served this to my friend who's usually skeptical about anything cottage cheese-adjacent. She took one bite and her whole face changed—she went from polite to genuinely delighted. That moment made me realize this wasn't just a recipe I liked, it was something worth sharing and refining.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted: The star here, and ripeness is everything—it should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy. If you squeeze a little lemon juice on the pit side as soon as you cut it open, it'll stay green longer.
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat): This is where the protein comes from, and full-fat tastes so much better than the low-fat version; don't skip this detail even though low-fat seems healthier.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Acid is your friend here—it brightens everything and prevents the avocado from browning too quickly.
- 1 small garlic clove, minced: Just one, because it's easy to overpower this delicate balance, but you'll notice it's there in the best way.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped: A whisper of onion flavor and a pop of color that makes it feel intentional.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Taste as you go with these; salt levels vary depending on your cottage cheese brand.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For when you want to wake it up and remind people this has a little attitude.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional): A luxury touch that makes it feel more polished and adds a richness that keeps people coming back.
Instructions
- Combine your base:
- Put the avocado, cottage cheese, lemon juice, and garlic into your food processor or blender. This is where it starts to feel less like separate ingredients and more like something becoming whole.
- Blend until creamy:
- Turn it on and let it run until you can't see any chunks and it's smooth as silk, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed so nothing hides at the bottom. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but light enough that it's easy to scoop.
- Add the flavoring layers:
- Pulse in the chives, pepper, and salt, being careful not to overmix—you want those chives to stay visible and slightly textured, not beaten into invisibility. One quick burst is usually enough.
- Taste and adjust:
- This is non-negotiable; take a moment to taste it and see if it needs more salt, more lemon, or a bit of heat. Your palate knows better than any recipe ever could.
- Add your optional touches:
- If you're going for spice, blend in the red pepper flakes until it's evenly distributed. If you want richness, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until it's just incorporated, creating little swirls throughout.
- Transfer and serve:
- Scoop it into a serving bowl and top with a few more chives or a gentle drizzle of olive oil if you want it to look like someone put thought into presentation. Serve it fresh while it still has that ideal texture, with vegetables, crackers, or whatever you're in the mood for.
Pin Recipe There's something about serving homemade dips that changes the whole energy of a gathering—it says you cared enough to make something from scratch, even if it only took you ten minutes. That shift from store-bought to homemade matters more than people usually admit.
Why This Combination Works
The magic of pairing cottage cheese with avocado is that they're actually made for each other in the kitchen. Avocado brings that luxurious, silky richness while cottage cheese provides body, tang, and protein that keeps the dip from feeling like empty calories. When you blend them together, the cottage cheese essentially disappears into the avocado, creating a texture that feels more decadent than either ingredient could achieve alone.
Storage and Make-Ahead Thinking
I keep this in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, and here's my trick: I press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip itself before I seal the container. This tiny extra step prevents that brown oxidation that happens when avocado sits exposed to air, and your dip stays looking fresh and appetizing. If you're making it more than a few hours ahead, add the lemon juice right when you're ready to serve rather than earlier, since it can get a slightly different flavor as it sits.
Ways to Make It Work for Your Table
I've learned that this dip is flexible enough to adapt to almost any situation without losing its essential character. You can make it spicier for a crowd that likes heat, richer with that drizzle of olive oil for a more indulgent moment, or keep it clean and simple when you want the pure flavor of good ingredients to shine. If you're going vegan, a good plant-based cottage cheese substitute works beautifully—it won't taste identical, but it captures the same spirit.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of some of the cottage cheese if you want fewer calories but still need structure.
- Serve it alongside crisp vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or snap peas that provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess.
- It doubles as a fantastic spread for sandwiches, especially on whole grain bread with some good deli turkey or roasted vegetables.
Pin Recipe This dip has become my answer to the question 'what should I bring?' because it's the kind of thing people remember. There's something genuinely thoughtful about showing up with something homemade and wholesome.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dip vegan?
Yes, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like vegan cream cheese or tofu for a vegan-friendly version.
- → How long does the blend stay fresh?
Store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.
- → What can I serve this with?
This smooth blend pairs well with fresh vegetables, whole grain crackers, or as a sandwich spread.
- → Can I add spice to the dip?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes during blending adds a pleasant heat to the creamy mix.
- → Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, this blend contains no gluten, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.