Skinny Taco Dip (with Cottage Cheese)

The secret ingredient for this Skinny Taco Dip is pureed 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 created this skinny taco dip recipe in 2016 for my friend, Melanie, at Reasons to Skip the Housework. Since then, I’ve made minor changes to the recipe and updated the images. I’m happy to share it with you here!

Light, healthy, and tasty:

If you enjoy taco dip but are looking for a lighter option, this skinny version is for you! It tastes just like the traditional taco dip made with cream cheese and sour cream, but it contains significantly fewer calories and less fat. My secret weapon is pureed cottage cheese! It substitutes for the sour cream and cream cheese combination I typically use in my regular dip. The end result is a lighter, healthier choice.

Do you know that 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese has 80 calories and 2g of fat? For the same serving size, low-fat sour cream contains 160 calories and 10g of fat. Additionally, reduced-fat cream cheese has 280 calories and 24g of fat. While the number of calories and fat may vary slightly from brand to brand, the truth is, as you can see, using cottage cheese significantly lowers both the calorie and fat count. Believe me, you will notice nothing other than the deliciousness of this dish! 

Easy to make:

To make the cottage cheese base, blend the cottage cheese with lime juice and taco seasoning until the mixture is fluffy and silky smooth. The fresh lime juice adds a slight tang, similar to what you get from sour cream and cream cheese.

Then it’s just about layering, but you need to drain the salsa first to keep the dip from being runny. Once that’s done, spread it over the cottage cheese, add shredded lettuce, then shredded cheese. You can also garnish with scallions and/or grape tomatoes, if desired.

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

Recipe Highlights:

• Puree the cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and lime juice in a blender or food processor until smooth and fluffy.
• Strain the salsa through a fine mesh sieve.
• Spread the cottage cheese mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of salsa, then lettuce, and finally cheese. Garnish with scallions and/or tomatoes if desired.
• Detailed instructions are in the recipe card section below.

Variations:

This is a fantastic, light, and healthy dip. It’s perfect for entertaining because it serves as a vegetarian appetizer. However, it also pairs well with add-ons. Here are some suggestions:

• Jalapeno peppers—add chopped jalapenos to provide a spicy kick.
• Refried beans—provide added protein and fiber. Remember, ones cooked in lard or butter have a higher fat content than ones cooked in oil.
• Ground beef, chicken, or turkey—skillet browned and seasoned, then layer over the cottage cheese for extra texture, flavor, and protein.
• Chopped tomatoes, olives, or avocado—provide additional freshness and flavor.

Storage:

Store the taco dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

Recommended supplies:

These are products I use, or are 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.
• A 1.5-quart baking dish or a similar-sized dish.
• This 8-cup capacity food processor is great for pureeing the cottage cheese. It is moderately priced and has very good ratings.

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Skinny Taco Dip (with Cottage Cheese)

Author: In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Layering Cuisine:Mexican Courses:Appetizer

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

The secret ingredient for this Skinny Taco Dip is pureed 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

• 3 1/2 cups (28 ounces) low-fat plain cottage cheese
• 1 (1-ounce pkg.) Old El Paso taco seasoning mix, 25% less sodium*
• 1 scant tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 (24-ounce) jar salsa, spicy level of your choice
• 2 1/2 cups shredded or chopped lettuce
• 1 rounded cup Mexican blend shredded cheese, or your choice
• chopped scallion and/or grape tomatoes for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. This recipe has been updated slightly since its original publication in 2016 resulting in an easier and tastier dip.
2. Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor bowl. Add taco seasoning and lime juice. Puree until creamy.
3. Put the salsa in a fine mesh sieve and gently press out the liquid with a spatula or large spoon. Set aside.
4. Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly into a 1.5-quart casserole dish. Add a layer of drained salsa. Cover with lettuce. Top with cheese. Optional: Add a scallion and cut tomatoes for garnish.
5. It can be served immediately, but is best chilled. Serve with nachos, crackers, or baked pita bread.

Notes:

• * If you choose a different taco seasoning, you might need to adjust the amount since flavors and saltiness vary. The one used in this recipe adds a spicy kick. Opt for a mild taco seasoning if you prefer less heat.
• Chilling the dip before serving is not necessary but is recommended. It allows the flavors to meld.
• If liquid pools when storing leftovers, it can easily be sponged off with a folded paper towel.

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

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