Skinny Taco Dip (with Secret Ingredient)

The secret ingredient for this Skinny Taco Dip is puréed cottage cheese, which is low in fat and calories. With creaminess and layers of salsa, lettuce, and shredded cheese, it’s deliciously light and healthy!

I originally created this skinny taco dip recipe for my friend, Melanie, at Reasons to Skip the Housework. I’m finally bringing it back home to share with you!

If you like taco dip but want to eat lighter, this skinny version is for you! It tastes just like the full-fledged taco dip with cream cheese and sour cream but with a lot fewer calories and fat. My secret weapon is puréed cottage cheese! It replaces the sour cream and cream cheese combo I usually use in my regular dip. The result is a lighter, healthier option.

Do you know that 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese has 80 calories and 2g of fat? For the same size serving, low-fat sour cream contains 160 calories and 10g of fat. And reduced fat cream cheese has 280 calories and 24g of fat. Now, the number of calories and fat may differ slightly from brand to brand, but the truth of the matter is, as you can see, using cottage cheese significantly reduces the calorie and fat count. And believe me, you will not notice anything other than the deliciousness of this dish!  

To prep the cottage cheese, I place it in a fine mesh sieve and press out the liquid. The solid gets puréed in a blender or food processor. I add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add just a hint of tang that you would get from using sour cream and cream cheese. That’s it! She is good to go! Add a little taco seasoning along with layers of salsa, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheese, and you have got yourself a great dip.

You can embellish this dip by adding avocado, jalapeño, olives, or beans (avoid refried to keep it light). But this basic recipe is a pretty darn good place to start. Enjoy with nachos, crackers, or baked pita!

Recommended supplies:

These are products I use, or on my wishlist, or are highly rated. (Amazon affiliate links)

• Use a fine mesh sieve to strain cottage cheese and salsa liquid.
• A silicone spatula is used to press liquid out of cottage cheese and salsa and for spreading.
• I use this brand of taco seasoning, but any will do.
• 9-inch casserole dish for taco dip.
• This 8-cup capacity food processor is great for puréing the cottage cheese. It is moderately priced and has very good ratings.

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Skinny Taco Dip (with Secret Ingredient)

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Layering Cuisine:Mexican Courses:Appetizer Recipe Keys: Low Carb L Low Fat Dairy

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:8 Wontons

Description

The secret ingredient for this Skinny Taco Dip is puréed cottage cheese, which is low in fat and calories. With creaminess and layers of salsa, lettuce, and shredded cheese, it’s deliciously light and healthy!

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz.) container low low-fat plain cottage cheese
• 1 (1 oz. pkg.) taco seasoning, minus 1/4 pack or 1 tbsp.
• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 (24 oz.) jar salsa, well-drained
• 2 1/2 cups shredded or chopped lettuce
• 1 rounded cup shredded cheese of your choosing 
• chopped scallion for garnish, optional
• a few sliced grape tomatoes for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Pour cottage cheese into a fine mesh sieve. Using a large spoon or spatula, press cottage cheese against the sieve wall to extract liquid. Move the cheese around and press until most of the liquid seems to have worked out.
2. Spoon the solids into the blender or food processor bowl. Add taco seasoning and lime juice. Purée until creamy.
3. Spread the cottage cheese mixture into a 9″ x 9″ square container. Add a layer of drained salsa. Cover with lettuce. Top with cheese. Optional: Add a scallion and cut tomatoes for garnish.
4. It can be served immediately but is best chilled. Serve with nachos, crackers, or baked pita bread.

Note:

• Chilling the dip before serving is not necessary but is recommended. It allows the flavors to meld.

Keywords:Taco Dip, Light and Healthy, Low Fat, Cottage Cheese, Secret Ingredient, Skinny

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