Pin It I discovered this dip almost by accident one afternoon when I had half an avocado languishing in my fruit bowl and a tub of cottage cheese that needed rescuing. The combination sounds unconventional until you actually taste it—suddenly you're wondering why more people don't put these two together. That first spoonful changed how I think about dips entirely, transforming what could have been a waste into something I now make constantly.
I remember bringing this to a potluck where someone had made five different hummus variations, and this quiet little dip got polished off first. People kept asking what was in it, half-expecting some complicated recipe, and their faces when I said avocado and cottage cheese were priceless. That moment sealed it for me—sometimes the simplest combinations are the ones worth remembering.
Ingredients
- Ripe avocado (1 large): Choose one that gives slightly to gentle pressure; if it's rock hard, it'll be grainy, and if it's mushy, the flavor turns bitter and the color fades fast.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup, full-fat): Full-fat is non-negotiable here because it has the body and richness that low-fat versions can't deliver; it's what makes this dip actually creamy instead of thin.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): This does triple duty: brightening the flavors, preventing the avocado from browning too quickly, and adding a subtle tang that makes people come back for more.
- Garlic clove (1 small, minced): One clove is enough to whisper garlic into the background; any more and you've got a garlic dip that happens to contain avocado.
- Fresh chives (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): These stay fresh-tasting in a way dried herbs never do, adding a gentle onion note that wakes everything up.
- Ground black pepper and sea salt (1/4 teaspoon each): Taste as you go because everyone's salt tolerance is different, and the lemon juice already brings acidity that affects how salty it needs to taste.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A tiny pinch goes a long way; add it if you want heat that lingers without overwhelming.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon, optional): A final drizzle makes it even richer and helps seal out air if you're storing it.
Instructions
- Gather and prep everything first:
- Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit by pressing your knife into it and twisting gently, then scoop the pale green flesh into your processor. Measure the cottage cheese, juice the lemon, and mince the garlic so you're not hunting for things once you start blending.
- Build the base until smooth:
- Add avocado, cottage cheese, lemon juice, and minced garlic to your food processor or blender, then blend on medium speed until the texture is completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides every few seconds. The cottage cheese will break down and incorporate into the avocado, creating that luscious base.
- Add the flavor layers:
- Toss in the chives, black pepper, and salt, then pulse just a few times to combine—you want tiny specks of chive throughout, not a puree. Taste a small spoonful straight from the processor or on a cracker to judge if you need more salt or lemon.
- Fine-tune to your preference:
- If you want heat, blend in the red pepper flakes; if you want richness, drizzle in the olive oil and blend one more time until it's glossy. This is your moment to adjust everything until it tastes exactly like what you want to eat.
- Finish and serve:
- Spoon the dip into a serving bowl, garnish with a few more chives or a final olive oil swirl if you like, and surround it with fresh vegetables, crackers, or whatever you're dipping. Serve it right away while it's still at its creamiest.
Pin It The real magic moment came when my usually picky nephew asked for seconds without prompting, then wanted to know if I could make it again next week. That's when I realized this dip transcends the usual snack category—it becomes a reason to gather, a conversation starter, a small proof that the best food doesn't need to be complicated.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dip is best eaten the moment it's made, but life isn't always ideal, and sometimes you need to plan ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip before refrigerating because that contact prevents the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown; it'll keep for up to two days this way, though the flavor and texture are brightest on day one. If you're making it hours ahead, you can also stir in an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for both flavor and preservation.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve this alongside crisp vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas for a cool, crunchy contrast. Whole grain crackers, toasted pita chips, or sliced sourdough bread all work beautifully for scooping, and it also makes an unexpectedly good sandwich spread or dollop on grain bowls. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes the perfect companion beverage.
Why This Dip Works So Well
The secret is that avocado and cottage cheese were always meant to be together—avocado brings silky texture and subtle richness, while cottage cheese contributes protein and a slightly tangy creaminess that helps emulsify everything into a dip that feels luxurious without being heavy. The combination is also naturally gluten-free and low-carb, which means you're not sacrificing anything nutritionally while eating something that tastes indulgent. Most importantly, it's foolproof enough that even if you've never made a dip before, you'll nail it on your first try.
- You can make this vegan by swapping the cottage cheese for a silken tofu or dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
- Leftover dip works as a spread on sandwiches, a topping for roasted vegetables, or a bed for poached eggs.
- Don't overthink the seasonings; taste as you go and trust your own palate more than the recipe.
Pin It Make this dip whenever you want to feel like you've put in more effort than you actually have, because ten minutes of blending delivers something that tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon. It's the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a staple, the one people ask you to bring to every gathering, and the one you make for yourself on lazy evenings with whatever vegetables are in your crisper.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a smooth texture?
Use a food processor or blender to thoroughly combine avocado and cottage cheese until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- → Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, taste and add more lemon juice or salt according to your preference before serving.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve this spread with fresh vegetables, whole grain crackers, or use it as a sandwich topping.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes during blending to introduce a mild heat without overpowering the creamy flavor.
- → Is it suitable for vegan diets?
Substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative to create a vegan-friendly version.