Name: Healthy Dill Pickle Cottage Cheese Ranch Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese (substitute with Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt if preferred); 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning; 1-2 tbsp milk of choice (plus more to thin out if needed); 1 1/2 tbsp pickle juice; 5-6 pickle slices (hamburger slices recommended, such as Grillos brand); 1 tbsp fresh dill (in addition to the dill in the ranch seasoning)

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Introduction

This Healthy Dill Pickle Cottage Cheese Ranch is a fresh, tangy twist on the classic dressing you love. It’s creamy, light, and packed with vibrant flavors, perfect for salads, dips, or drizzling over roasted veggies.

A wedge of green cabbage with visible crisp, layered leaves is placed in the center of a white plate decorated with a dark green floral pattern. A woman's hand holds a spoon with a gold handle, dripping thick white dressing with black specks over the cabbage. Behind the plate, there is a jar filled with the same creamy dressing, and a small wooden board with several white crinkle-cut pickles sits nearby. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese (substitute with Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt)
2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning
1-2 tbsp milk of choice (plus more to thin out if needed)
1 1/2 tbsp pickle juice
5-6 pickle slices (hamburger slices work well, such as Grillos)
1 tbsp fresh dill (in addition to the dill in the ranch seasoning)

Instructions

Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth, aiming for a creamy, even texture. Using a blender rather than a food processor helps achieve a smoother consistency.
Step 3: Transfer the ranch to a jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Use within the expiration date of your cottage cheese or yogurt for the best freshness.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired dressing thickness—less for a dip, more for a pourable dressing.
Try substituting fresh dill with dried if you don’t have it on hand, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Add a clove of garlic or a pinch of onion powder to boost savory flavor.
Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage

Store the ranch dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will keep up to the expiration date of the cottage cheese or yogurt used. Before serving, stir well and add a splash of milk if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with a creamy white sauce that has small green herb flakes evenly mixed throughout, sitting on a wooden cutting board. To the right of the glass are a few pale green pickle slices placed in a white bowl with a textured inside, and some more pickle slices lying next to it on the board. To the left, there is a small white bowl holding dried green herbs, and fresh green dill sprigs resting directly on the board. A woman's hand is holding a spoon with a gold handle, scooping some of the sauce from the glass. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute homemade ranch seasoning with a quality store-bought mix if you prefer. Just be mindful of the salt content as store mixes can vary.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?

Absolutely. Using low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese or yogurt keeps the dressing light and healthy without sacrificing creaminess.