If you know you know that veggies are way easier for toddlers (and us parents) to eat when they have a dip paired with, that's why I started making this easy high protein ranch dip! Literally takes 2 minutes to blend together and you'll have a fun, satisfying dip for the whole week.
Made with blended cottage cheese and dried herbs this dip is creamy, flavorful, and an easy way to add some protein into snacks or meals. Perfect for dipping veggies, crackers, or even some cheddar bunnies!
Whether you’re serving snack plates, packing daycare lunches, or just need something quick for yourself, this ranch dip will quickly become a fridge staple.
Why You and Your Toddler Will Love This Protein Ranch Dip
- creamy & familiar – has the classic ranch flavor kids love, but made lighter
- protein-packed – cottage cheese makes it a nourishing snack that actually keeps bellies full (while yes toddlers don't need a crazy amount of protein, a little bit can add up!)
- perfect for dipping – serve with veggies, pretzels, crackers, or pita for easy exposure to new foods
- kid- and parent-friendly – doubles as a toddler snack and a lunchbox staple
- 5 minutes, zero fuss – just blend, stir, and you’re done
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this high protein ranch dip:
- cottage cheese – high in protein and calcium, creates the creamy base
- milk (optional) – thins the dip if you prefer a smoother texture
- dried dill – classic ranch flavor
- dried parsley – adds freshness
- garlic powder – savory flavor toddlers recognize
- onion powder – balances flavor and adds depth
- dried chives – mild onion flavor
- lemon juice (optional) – adds tang and brightness
- salt & pepper – enhances flavor, adjust lightly for kids
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Protein Ranch Dip
- Step 1: Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or high-speed blender or with an immersion blender, until creamy and smooth.
- Step 2: Stir in (or pulse in) dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if you prefer a thinner dip.
- Step 4: Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld (optional, but recommended) and serve with veggies or your favorite crackers!
Hint
Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth before adding herbs and seasonings, that step makes the difference between a grainy dip and one that tastes just like creamy ranch.
Substitutions
This protein ranch dip is already gluten-free, egg-free, and nut-free, but you can totally make it dairy-free by swapping for a dairy-free alternative yogurt!
- cottage cheese → swap with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor (slightly less creamy)
- milk → use water, unsweetened non-dairy milk, or skip if you like a thicker dip
- herbs → use an Italian seasoning blend in place of individual herbs
- lemon juice → sub with apple cider vinegar for tang or omit completely
- dairy-free → use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt instead of cottage cheese
Variations
You can totally change this up by adding shredded veggies inside or different seasonings for added flavor.
- creamier dip – add 1–2 tablespoon Greek yogurt for extra tang and smoothness
- veggie boost – stir in finely shredded carrots, zucchini, or cucumber after blending for extra texture and a sneaky veggie boost
- savory twist – add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dash of smoked paprika
- lunchbox spread – use as a sandwich or wrap spread instead of mayo
See this other yummy avocado ranch dip to try out too!
How To Serve Ranch Dip To Toddlers
- veggie dipper – pair with cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, snap peas, or carrot sticks (lightly steamed if needed)
- spread – use as a creamy spread on sandwiches, wraps, or mini pita pockets
- protein boost – serve as a dip for chicken, turkey meatballs, or nuggets
- snack plate staple – add to toddler snack plates with crackers, fruit, and cheese
- lunchbox dip – pack in a small container with pretzels or veggie straws for daycare/school
Equipment
All you'll need to make this easy high protein ranch dip is a blender or immersion blender and measuring utensils!
Storing Your Protein Ranch Dip
Store your ranch dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, be sure to stir well before serving.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
Toddlers only need about 13–19 grams of protein per day depending on age, and most get enough without you even realizing it! But if you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, this cottage cheese protein ranch dip is a simple way to boost protein while making veggies, crackers, or even meatballs more fun and dip-able.
FAQ
Yes! Babies 6+ months can try this dip, especially as a spread on soft bread or for dipping steamed veggies. Just omit the salt.
Yes, swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt alternative.
Toddlers ages 1–3 years old need about 13 grams of protein per day and 4–5 years old need around 19 grams per day. Most little ones can easily meet this through a variety of foods like dairy, beans, meat, eggs, nut/seed butters, and whole grains! A high-protein snack like this cottage cheese ranch dip can help support growth and keep little bellies satisfied between meals or when they're not huge fans of other protein sources.
Totally! Swap with a thick Greek-style yogurt or even just a plain yogurt for a thinner consistency.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Easy High Protein Ranch Dip
Equipment
- immersion blender or blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese blended smooth
- 1-2 tablespoon milk optional, to thin if needed
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried chives optional
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar optional
- pinch of salt & pepper optional, to taste
Instructions
- Blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Thin with milk if needed.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
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