This Cottage Cheese Green Goddess Dressing is creamy, fresh, and full of bright herb flavor. Cottage cheese makes the base thick and smooth, while cilantro, scallions, garlic, and fresh lemon add that classic green goddess taste. You can blend it up in just a few minutes, so it’s an easy homemade dressing to keep on hand.

Cottage cheese adds extra protein, so you don’t need mayonnaise or heavy cream. Try it as a salad dressing, drizzle it over grain bowls or roasted veggies, or keep it thick and use it as a dip. Add jalapeño if you like a bit of spice.

Be sure to also try my Green Goddess Smoothie and this Avocado Green Goddess Dressing. 

Why Use Cottage Cheese in Dressing?

Cottage cheese may not be your first choice for salad dressing, but when blended, it turns smooth and creamy. Its mild taste lets fresh herbs, citrus, and garlic shine through.

It adds protein and gives the dressing a nice thickness. If you want it more pourable, just blend in a bit of water until it’s how you like it.

Ingredients Needed

• • Cottage cheese: Creates a creamy base and adds protein
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps give the dressing a smooth texture.
  • Scallions: Provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the fresh herbs.
  • Cilantro: Gives the dressing its bright green color and plenty of fresh herb flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds a savory bite that balances the creamy cottage cheese.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness while balancing the dressing’s richness.

• Salt and Ground Black Pepper

• Optional jalapeño: For a little heat if you like spicy

How to Make Cottage Cheese Green Goddess Dressing

Add the cottage cheese, olive oil, scallions, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and jalapeño, if using, to a blender or food processor.

Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the dressing is creamy and mostly smooth. It should look bright green with little bits of herbs mixed in.

Check the consistency. If you want a thinner dressing, add a little water and blend again. Keep adding water slowly until it’s just right for you.

Taste the dressing and add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if you need to.

Pour the dressing into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Helpful Tips

• Blend a little longer than you think you need. This helps the cottage cheese get really smooth and creamy.
• Add water slowly. It’s easy to thin the dressing, but hard to make it thick again, so start with just a splash.
• Use fresh lemon juice. It gives the dressing a brighter flavor than bottled juice.
• Adjust the herbs to your taste. Cilantro gives this version its main flavor, but you can use other herbs if you like.
• Taste the dressing after blending. Cottage cheese can be more or less salty depending on the brand, so check before adding extra salt.
• Keep the dressing thick if you want to use it as a dip. Just skip adding extra water and serve it with raw veggies.
• Chill the dressing before serving if you can. Letting it sit in the fridge helps the garlic and herbs develop more flavor, but you can use it right away if needed.

Substitutions and Variations

Cilantro: Replace some or all of the cilantro with fresh parsley, chives, basil, or a combination of herbs.

Scallions: Chives make a good substitute and provide a slightly milder onion flavor.

Lemon: Fresh lime juice is a great alternative, especially if you’re using cilantro and jalapeño.

Cottage cheese: Different fat percentages will work, although the richness and consistency of the finished dressing may vary.

Make it extra herby: Combine cilantro with parsley and chives for a more traditional mixed-herb green goddess flavor.

Ways to Use High Protein Green Goddess Dressing

This dressing isn’t just for salads. Its creamy texture and fresh flavor work well in lots of different meals.

Try drizzling it over grain bowls, roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or roasted veggies. You can also spread it on sandwiches and wraps, or serve a thick version with sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and other raw veggies.

It’s also great for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week and use it to add flavor to your lunches and dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cottage cheese dressing taste like cottage cheese?

Not really. Once you blend cottage cheese with fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, the flavor is mild. It mainly just makes the dressing creamy.

Do I need a high-powered blender?

No, you don’t need a high-powered blender. A regular blender or food processor works fine. You might just need to blend a bit longer to get it really smooth.

Why is my dressing too thick?

Cottage cheese makes the dressing pretty thick. Just add water slowly and blend until it’s as thin as you like.

Can I make this into a dip instead?

Yes, you can. Just skip the extra water and keep the dressing thick. It’s great as a dip for veggies, crackers, or pita.

Can I use different herbs in green goddess dressing?

Absolutely. Green goddess dressing is easy to customize. You can use parsley, chives, basil, cilantro, or any mix you like.​

More Easy Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes: 

• Lemon Tahini Dressing
• Yogurt Ranch
• Miso Tahini Dressing
• Date Syrup Vinaigrette
• Avocado Salad Dressing

Cottage Cheese Green Goddess Dressing

This Cottage Cheese Green Goddess Dressing blends cottage cheese with fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and olive oil for a creamy, protein-packed dressing that's ready in minutes.

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 scallions sliced
• ½ cup cilantro chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of ground black pepper
• Optional: ½ jalapeno diced

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute on high speed. Dressing should be bright green with small flecks of the herbs remaining. If you prefer a thinner dressing you can add a small amount of water while blending.

Video

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Note: can use other herbs like parsley and chives if preferred.