High-Protein Taco Cottage Cheese Dip (Keto-Friendly)
Get ready for the “Ultimate Party Dip” that’s packed with flavor, protein, and is surprisingly healthy! This creamy, cheesy, and savory dip is perfect for gatherings, game nights, or just a satisfying snack, and it’s easily adaptable to your dietary goals.
Yields: Approximately 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, for flavors to meld)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/1 recommended)
- 25 ounces (about 3 cups) full-fat cottage cheese (recommended for creaminess and richness)
- 1 package (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning mix (ensure it’s low-sugar/keto-friendly if strictly tracking)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped (or diced Roma tomatoes)
- Optional: Jalapeño, diced, for a spicy kick
- Optional: Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving bowl
Instructions:
- Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain any excess grease thoroughly. Set the cooked turkey aside.
- Prepare Creamy Base: Add the cottage cheese, taco seasoning, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and water to a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no cottage cheese lumps remaining. This may take 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Combine All Ingredients: Transfer the smooth cottage cheese mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked ground turkey, chopped cilantro, and chopped cherry tomatoes. If using, add diced jalapeño now.
- Stir & Serve: Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve immediately for a quick dip.
- For best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to chill.
- Garnish & Enjoy! Before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, garnish with extra cilantro or sliced green onions.
Serving Suggestions:
- Low-Carb/Keto Options: Serve with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, radishes, pork rinds, or your favorite low-carb crackers.
- General Enjoyment: Also delicious with tortilla chips or pita bread for those not strictly counting carbs.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This dip is a winning combination of flavor and health benefits for you!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. The combination of cottage cheese, ground turkey, and cheddar cheese makes this an excellent source of protein, ensuring it’s satisfying and beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. The primary ingredients are protein and fat sources, with minimal carbohydrates from the vegetables. Using water instead of milk (which can have more lactose) further keeps carbs low.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is generally accepted on keto in moderation due to its protein and fat content.
- Ground Turkey: Naturally keto.
- Taco Seasoning: Crucially, choose a low-sugar/keto-friendly taco seasoning. Many commercial seasoning packets contain added sugars and starches. Look for brands that explicitly state “no added sugar” or “keto-friendly.”
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Keto-friendly.
- Vegetables: Cilantro and tomatoes (in moderation) are fine for keto
