Cottage Cheese Tzatziki

This cottage cheese dip delivers the fresh, herby flavors of tzatziki with a creamy twist. It’s a delicious, refreshing option for snacks or meals.

Recipe and image compliments of Brit from Whisked Away Kitchen

Print Recipe

Cottage Cheese Tzatziki

Prep Time10

Chill30

Servings:

Ingredients

½ medium cucumber
1 cup Hiland Large Curd Cottage Cheese
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove minced
1½ tablespoons fresh dill chopped
1½ tablespoons fresh mint chopped
Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean dish towel and wring out any excess liquid.
In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Pulse until mostly smooth.
Transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a bowl and fold in the grated cucumber, fresh dill, and mint. Season with kosher salt to taste.

A close-up of tzatziki dip ingredients arranged on a beige background, including a tub of Hiland Large Curd Cottage Cheese, fresh dill, mint, grated cucumber, lemon, garlic, and measuring spoons with salt and oil.

A bowl of grated cucumber with a halved cucumber beside it, showing the scooped-out seeds. A small silver spoon rests on the vegetable.

A mixing bowl with cottage cheese and finely chopped herbs, including dill and mint, partially mixed into the base of the tzatziki dip.

This tangy dip pairs well with veggies, pita, or as a topping for grilled meats

Packed with creamy texture and bright flavors, this dip has a few simple ingredients and is so easy to make.

Why We Love This Recipe

This cottage cheese tzatziki is a refreshing twist on the classic dip, combining creamy Hiland cottage cheese with crisp cucumber, bright lemon, and a punch of fresh herbs. It’s light yet packed with flavor. It’s also super easy to make and a great way to add a healthy, homemade touch to your meal!

Ingredient Notes

Hiland Cottage Cheese: Using Hiland’s Large Curd Cottage Cheese adds a creamy, satisfying texture that makes this dip more indulgent than your average yogurt-based tzatziki.

Lemon Juice: A little acidity from lemon juice brightens the dip and balances the creaminess.

Olive Oil: Olive oil contributes a silky smoothness and body to the dip, making it richer and more luxurious.

Cucumber: Be sure to remove the seeds and squeeze out any excess water from the grated cucumber to keep the dip from becoming too watery.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and mint are key to capturing the bright, aromatic flavors that make tzatziki so refreshing.

Step by Step Instructions

Grate the cucumber: Slice the cucumber in half, scoop out the seeds, and grate it. Wring out any extra moisture with a clean dish towel. You don’t have to be incredibly thorough here, just a few squeezes to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
Make the cottage cheese base: Blend the cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor until smooth. This gives the dip its creamy base.
Add flavor: Stir in the grated cucumber, fresh dill, and mint, then season with kosher salt to taste. Simple, fresh, and ready to serve!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Adjust the texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the dip longer in the food processor, or if you want it chunkier, pulse just a few times.
Mix it up: Up the lemon or garlic flavors by adding lemon zest or roasted garlic for a bolder flavor. Or switch out the dill and mint for a bit of basil or parsley for a refreshing twist!
Make ahead: Letting the dip chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

This dip is great for making ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better after resting for a bit, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance.

A bowl of creamy cottage cheese tzatziki dip garnished with fresh dill, surrounded by crispy pita chips on a neutral-toned surface. The dip has a thick texture with visible herbs and cucumber pieces.

A bowl of creamy cottage cheese tzatziki dip garnished with fresh dill, surrounded by crispy pita chips on a textured beige surface. A container of Hiland Large Curd Cottage Cheese sits beside the bowl, emphasizing the key ingredient.

Light, creamy, and herby, this dip is a must-try for snack lovers and foodies!

Serving Ideas

This dip can be used in so many ways! Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:

Vegetable Dip: Pair it with a colorful assortment of crunchy veggies like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy snack.
Grilled Chicken or Lamb: This dip makes a great accompaniment for grilled meats. Serve it alongside skewers of chicken or lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Spread for Sandwiches or Wraps: Use it as a creamy spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Pita Chips: Scoop up this refreshing tzatziki with crispy pita chips for an easy appetizer or snack.
Salads: Top off a simple green salad or Greek salad with a dollop of tzatziki for extra creaminess and flavor.

For more delicious recipes, visit Hiland Dairy’s recipe page.