Creamy Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing

This cottage cheese ranch dressing is creamy, low in fat and made with fresh herbs for a delicious flavour twist. Simple to make and ready in only 5 minutes, perfect to serve with a variety of dishes. See my easy tips for adjusting the consistency. 

This cottage cheese ranch dressing is a healthier alternative to classic ranch. It is made with a combination of cottage cheese and natural yogurt (and only 1 tablespoon of mayo!) instead of traditional mayonnaise and sour cream, providing only 57 calories per (generous) serving. It's easy to make and ready in just 5 minutes!

Making ranch dressing with cottage cheese is an easy way to add more protein to your meal without compromising on flavour or texture. Whipped cottage cheese is superbly creamy and can even be used to make creamy sauces, such as 'marry me' chicken or chicken salad dressing. So if you puree your cottage cheese ranch mixture thoroughly your dressing will have a perfectly creamy texture.

My healthier ranch with cottage cheese is rich, tangy and just as delicious as the original. I used a generous amount of fresh herbs, which really lift this simple dressing, making it the perfect choice not just for salads, but also snacks, mains and other dishes (see serving suggestions below). You can also easily adjust the consistency of this sauce and enjoy it either as a dressing or dip (see my tips at the bottom of the post).

Cottage cheese ranch dressing ingredients and substitutions

• Cottage cheese: use your favourite variety, including reduced fat.
• Yogurt: I used natural yogurt, but Greek yogurt is also a good option. Alternatively use kefir/buttermilk but add a little less to start with so your dressing isn't too runny.
• Mayonnaise: I added a tablespoon for more depth of flavour. Use regular or reduced-fat.
• Lemon juice: adjust the amount to your taste.
• Garlic: I like to use fresh garlic, but you can add about ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, instead, if preferred.
• Fresh herbs: these include chives, dill and parsley. Adjust the proportions to your taste.
• Sea salt and black pepper: add to taste.

Step-by-step recipe instructions

1. Prepare cottage cheese: Combine the cottage cheese, yogurt, mayo and garlic and puree until velvety smooth and creamy.

2. Add herbs: Stir in the herbs and lemon juice then add salt and pepper to taste.

TIP: You can briefly blend the mixture to allow the herbs to release more flavour, but this is optional.

3. Chill and serve: You can either serve the dressing immediately or chill for 30 minutes then serve.

Serving suggestions 

This herby ranch with cottage cheese can be served as a delicious accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.

• As a dressing: with simple tossed salads, chicken dishes, such as chicken fingers, chicken nuggets or grilled chicken, as well as fish, including fish cakes or baked salmon. Try pouring it over potato salad or deviled eggs for added flavour. It's delicious with veggie patties including beet, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
• As a dip: served with raw vegetables including carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli or cauliflower. You can also add it to your chicken, salmon or tuna sandwich or use as a topping for a veggie burger.

How to adjust the consistency

This low fat cottage cheese ranch is versatile and you can easily adjust the consistency according to your taste.

• For a thicker consistency omit the yogurt and use more cottage cheese. This works well as a dip.
• For a more pourable consistency use buttermilk or kefir instead of the yogurt. You can also slightly increase the amount.

Variations

• Add ½ avocado for an added nutrition boost.
• Add a hard-boiled egg for extra protein: especially if serving the sauce as a dip.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh

For me fresh herbs really enhance the flavour and add a homemade feel to this healthy cottage cheese ranch dressing, but you can use dried herbs instead if you prefer (or can't get fresh). Use about 2 or 3 quarters less than fresh. You can also use ranch dip mix.

TIP: The advantage of using dried herbs is that your dressing is likely to stay fresh for longer (up to a week).

Top tips

• I used a combination of chives, parsley and dill but you can omit some of the herbs or tweak the amounts to suit your taste.
• For better texture use only the leaves of the herbs (avoid tough stalks).
• Use an immersion blender to puree the cottage cheese mixture until velvety smooth and creamy.
• Adjust the consistency if required. See tips above.
• Keep this creamy cottage cheese ranch dressing in a jar/bowl/bottle refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Not suitable for freezing. Freezing will affect the texture and your once creamy sauce might end up grainy.

Related creamy dressing recipes to try next

• Creamy Dill Mustard Sauce (Low Fat)
• Creamy Orange Salad Dressing
• Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing

See also these other easy, delicious dressings and dips!

Recipe

Keep in touch!

If you've made this healthy ranch dressing recipe I'd love to know how it turned out for you.  Did you make any swaps? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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