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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian

    Air Fryer Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip

    Published: Aug 24, 2022 · Modified: Nov 26, 2022 by Nicole Addison · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip is the perfect healthy spinach dip! It's packed with protein, full of flavour and takes only 10 minutes to make! It's the perfect addition to a balanced snack to please even the toughest critic!

    The best high protein dip

    If you know me you know I love a good snack. I also love a good spinach dip. The problem is despite how good it tastes traditional spinach dip can be so heavy I always feel gross after eating it. That's why I decided to make my own version. This cottage cheese spinach dip is the perfect snack for three reasons:

    • Protein: By swapping the traditional cream cheese base with lower fat cottage cheese you get the perfect high protein dip!
    • Veggies: This gluten free spinach dip uses a whole block of frozen spinach! So if you aren't a huge veggie lower, this is the perfect way to sneak in some added vegetables and nutrients into your diet.
    • Flavour: No matter how nutritious a snack is if it doesn't taste good I won't eat it. That's why this dip is PACKED with flavourful herbs and spices. It's honestly so good you won't even know its healthy.

    The best part? It's a spinach dip I can eat every single day.

    What Ingredients do I need for spinach cottage cheese dip?

    This spinach dip is SO easy and requires only a few ingredients (plus it's a gluten free spinach dip!). If you count the spices as one ingredient it's basically a 3 ingredient spinach dip, so it's a recipe you are going to want to make DAILY.

    Cottage cheese: Choose a lower fat cottage cheese (I like using 0 or 2%) for the perfect protein packed base. Cottage cheese is having a moment on social media right now (and for good reason). It's the perfect lower cost, nutritious swap for cream cheese or mayonnaise to add to dips and dressings to add a little extra nutrition while keeping the same creaminess we all know and love.

    Frozen spinach: You can't have spinach dip without spinach! For this cottage cheese dip I use frozen spinach. This is mainly for convenience but also to save money. I buy the frozen, chopped spinach blocks and use one block for each dip serving I make. You can definitely use fresh spinach as well, you will just need about 3 cups of spinach, chopped VERY finely.

    Olive Oil: A little olive oil to help blend the cottage cheese to make it nice and smooth! Any neutral tasting oil will work here (avocado oil works great as well)!

    Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and dried red pepper flakes are all you need to get the most flavourful cottage cheese spinach dip!

    Red bell pepper: Optional! I like to add in some chopped red bell pepper, for more colour and more nutrients!

    Cheese: The best part about spinach dip is the ooey-gooey cheese in my opinion. It's optional but highly recommended to top your spinach dip with some shredded cheese before baking ( parmesan or cheddar both work)!

    Air fryer- This isn’t an ingredient but for this air fryer spinach dip you will need an air fryer! I personally love this one! However any air fryer will work!

    How to make cottage cheese spinach dip

    THREE steps. That's all it takes to get this high protein dip.

    Step one: Blend your cottage cheese with the spices and olive oil. I don't recommend skipping this step as your cottage cheese won't have the same creamy, smooth texture! I use either my high-powered blender, food processor or magic bullet ( it really just depends on what's on the counter).

    Step two: Mix in your spinach and red bell pepper using a spoon. If you are using frozen spinach, defrost your spinach first either by leaving it at room temperature or microwaving it for about 2 minutes. Once it is defrosted squeeze out the excess water using either a cheese cloth, paper towel or small strainer.

    Step three: Add your spinach dip to a greased oven safe dish and top with shredded cheese. Air fry for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

    ** the dish will be HOT when you remove it from the air fryer so be sure to use oven mitts.

    Serving suggestions: for a balanced snack pair this cottage cheese dip with pita, crackers or your favourite chopped veggies!

    Can I make this gluten free spinach dip in the oven?

    As with all of my air fryer recipes you can make this cottage cheese spinach dip in the oven! Although I always recommend using an air fryer if you have one (to save time and get that crispy cheesy top) an oven will work just fine.

    I recommend baking your spinach dip in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and broiling for about 2 minutes prior to removing (this helps ensure the cheese is nice and bubbly)!

    Other great high protein dip options:

    If you love this cottage cheese dip as much as I do you need to try some of my other favourite high protein dips:

    • cheesecake fruit dip
    • herb and garlic cottage cheese dip
    • chickpea veggie fritters with a creamy dill dressing

    PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this spinach cottage cheese dip don't forget to tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment below!

    cottage cheese dip
    cottage cheese dip
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    5 from 4 votes

    Air Fryer Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip

    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Snack
    Keyword: air fry
    Servings: 2 cups

    Ingredients

    • 150 grams frozen chopped spinach
    • 1 cup cottage cheese
    • ½ tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • salt and black pepper to taste
    • ¼ cup red bell pepper chopped, optional
    • 2 tablespoon cheese of choice shredded

    Instructions

    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
    • Defrost your spinach. If I know I am going to be making this recipe I leave my frozen spinach on the counter or int he fridge overnight. You can also place your frozen spinach package in a bowl of warm water or microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Once your spinach is defrosted, using a cheese cloth, paper towel or a small strainer to squeeze out any excess water.
    • Add your cottage cheese, olive oil and spices to a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
    • Pour your blended cottage cheese mixture into a greased oven safe dish, add your spinach and chopped red bell pepper and mix until evenly distributed. Top with shredded cheese.
    • Air fry for 5 minutes or until to cheese begins to brown. Dish will be HOT when you remove it.
    • Serve with pita, chips, crackers or veggies for a balanced snack!

    Notes

    This dip is best eaten immediately however it will store in an airtight container for up to two days. Just reheat in the microwave or air fryer!

    More Vegetarian

    • Healthy White Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
    • Oreo Protein Shake
    • Moroccan Shakshuka
    • Vegetarian Fried Rice (Without Soy Sauce)

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Emma

      December 09, 2022 at 12:06 am

      5 stars
      This dip is SO good! I love that it’s a healthier option as well. The cottage cheese and spinach goes great together. #nourishedholiday

      Reply
    2. taya driediger

      December 31, 2022 at 2:51 am

      5 stars
      heaven in my mouth!

      Reply
    3. Hailey

      December 31, 2022 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      This dip is great as a healthy snack or paired with a charcuterie board. I absolutely love it with pretzels!
      #nourishedholiday

      Reply
    4. Tiana Allen

      January 13, 2023 at 6:36 am

      5 stars
      Can’t remember if I commented before so I will again, love this dip and have used it as a base to play with different ingredients. Tonight’s version had artichoke hearts instead of the bell pepper. I’ve also made a roasted garlic and chive version. Love using cottage cheese as the more nutritional base!

      Reply
      • Nicole Addison

        January 13, 2023 at 6:24 pm

        WOW! The artichoke and the garlic + chive versions both sound incredible! I will have to try those out myself- thank you for sharing Tiana!

        Nicole

        Reply

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    I’m Nicole, a Registered Dietitian, recipe developer and content creator on a mission to help individuals rediscover the joys of cooking with easy, accessible, healthy recipes. After years of struggling to find balance I have finally found that there is a way nourish your body while also fueling your soul.

    On my page you'll find yummy recipes, wellness tips, and even some of my favourite travel and lifestyle recommendations!

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