Snacking is all about satisfying cravings. For me, a good snack boasts variety in texture and flavor. This Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip delivers on all of the cravings. A creamy and cool, spicy, salty and sweet, fresh and zesty combo just right for summer snacking. Serve it with a mix of fresh fruit and veggies, salty chips or crunchy crackers for ultimate snackability.
An exit to eternal summer snacking
Instead of committing to big heavy meals, I prefer an exit to eternal summer snacking during the warmest months of the year. Laying the groundwork for a lazy day of lounging, with rounds of reading and plenty of snacking sessions while soaking up the sun. From poolside to parties, this Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip is a summer snack that graciously honors grazing.
I've been on a dip kick lately. Can you tell? Dips just make life so much sense when the weather is warm and cooking anything is overwhelming. They are just such a simple satisfier. My Honey Citrus Avocado Dip is another low lift, high reward summery snack. In fact this cottage cheese dip and the avocado dip would make for a pretty epic double dip duo. This Whipped Cottage Cheese Olive and Almond Dip is another shining example of my dip kick, although it may actually be an obsession at this point.
More summer snacks by Baking The Goods
Dips are definitive snacking
Chips and dips, in particular, are the quintessential snack food. An age old couple that knows no bounds. Dips definitely require a delivery vessel and chips are an obvious choice. However, many dips, this Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip in particular, play well with others.
Since this smooth and creamy dip hits on the sweet, salty and spicy buttons, it partners up with all kinds of dippable sides. It can even be used to top tacos or toast. But the contrast of the Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip served with refreshing sticks of cucumber, juicy watermelon, wedges, spicy radish rounds and salty tortilla chips is the ultimate summer playlist.
Real California Cottage Cheese & Yogurt are rich in nutrients
We've established that this Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip is a craveworthy recipe. But, it's also a healthy snack that's got some good benefits blended right in. Cottage cheese and yogurt combine to create the creamy base of this healthy dip. Those two Real California Milk ingredients are packed with protein that helps keep you strong. Calcium supports bone health and probiotics are great for gut health. This nutrient dense dip is a tasty way to get your daily dose of dairy with a flavor forward finish!
Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip ingredients
- Real California Cottage Cheese is the protein rich base in this ultra creamy Cottage Cheese Dip. When whipped in a food processor, cottage cheese transforms into a lush and smooth cream, begging to be topped.
- Real California Yogurt or Labene is blended in with the cottage cheese to ensure an even more luxuriously creamy texture. Smoothing out the edges and filling the gaps with tangy depth. Look for Real California Labne for an extra tangy flavor and even smoother finish.
- Lime juice punches up the freshness of the cottage cheese dip, adding a zesty zip.
- Cilantro brings an herby freshness to the Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip. Giving it an earthy undertone and softly verdant hue.
- Honey, just a kiss, softens the savory and spice levels with a hint of natural sweetness. Offering just the right compliment to the rest of the elements.
- Salt and Pepper do what they do best, shine a light on the other ingredients and brighten their flavors.
- Chili Oil is drizzled over the dip to heat things up with an opposing edge. All kinds of options work here, whether it's a classic Chinese Chili Oil or a Mexican Salsa Macha. Use what matches your mood, or you pantry. If you don't have chili oil, a little olive oil, honey and red pepper flakes will build a similar vibe.
- Sesame Seeds pepper the top of the dip with a lightly nutty and crunchy finish. Think of them like the sprinkles on top! Black sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning or even chopped nuts would be a lovely substitution too.
Look for the Real California Milk seal when buying dairy
Products labeled with the Real California Milk seal are like an insurance policy to assure you that you're getting delicious, wholesome dairy products. Everything from milk and yogurt, to butter, cheese and ice cream. Additionally, you'll be supporting family run farms who are committed to responsible dairy production.
Sustainability is the goal for Real California Milk
Nearly 40% of California dairy cows feast on byproducts sourced from food and fiber production. Things like almond hulls and grape pomace are often repurposed into a bovine buffet. Which, in turn, helps to keep these byproducts out of landfills and provides a more diverse diet for the dairy cows. In addition, California has implemented a statewide goal of 40% less cow methane emissions by 2030. The Golden State is leading the industry with projects designed to capture dairy methane and convert it to renewable energy electricity that powers homes, vehicles and equipment.
This Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip whizzes together in moments
Nobody wants to spend those long, hot summer days cooking up a storm in a sweltering kitchen. Quick, simple, flavor forward dishes are the best match for summer months. Especially when the recipes have as much character as this Chili Oil Cottage Cheese. It's easy to make and delicious to devour.
Step 1: Blend Together
Simply combine the cottage cheese, yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, honey, salt and pepper together in a food processor and blend together until smooth. It takes about 1 minute.
Step 2: Top & Serve
Transfer the dip into a serving dish, swoop it with spoon to create little valleys to catch the chili oil. Then, drizzle the chili oil over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add a few sprigs of cilantro for a decorative touch. And serve!
What to serve with Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip
You can take this cottage cheese dip in different directions depending on how you decide to serve it. It's a choose your own adventure with endless possibilities. But here are some of my favorite sides for dipping! Pairing this creamy dip with a few contrasting sides is the move here.
- Cucumber slices
- Melon chunks or wedges
- Radish rounds
- Jicima sticks
- Cherry tomatoes
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Toasted bread
- Pita chips or pita bread
- Potato chips, especially the ridged style to scoop up all of that goodness!
However you decide to serve the craveable, keep variety in mind. Something fresh, something salty and crunchy and something neutral provide the perfect palette for summer snacking. Plunging into snack season is easy when the recipe is as healthy, fresh and simple as this Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip.
This post was proudly made in partnership with Real California Milk. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting me and the brands that I love. Follow @realcalifmilk on Instagram to learn more about the California dairy industry, farm practices, and discover new recipes!
PrintRecipe
Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Description
This Chili Oil Cottage Cheese Dip delivers on all of the cravings. A creamy and cool, spicy and sweet, salty and zesty combo just right for summer snacking. Serve it a mix of fresh fruit and veggies, salty chips or crunchy crackers.
Ingredients
2 cups Real California Milk cottage cheese
½ cup Real California Milk Greek style yogurt or Labne
¼ cup cilantro
juice of 1 large lime
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1-2 tablespoons chili oil, to taste
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
Combine the cottage cheese, yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. About 1 minute.
Transfer the dip into a serving dish, swoop it with spoon to create little valleys to catch the chili oil. Then, drizzle the chili oil over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add a few sprigs of cilantro for a decorative touch.
Serve with your choice of side dippers immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Make the dip ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, topping with the chili oil and sesame seeds just before serving.
Store the dip in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Dip
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