High Protein Cottage Cheese Giardiniera Dip

Tony and I have been making these Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches nonstop so we’re always stocking up on giardiniera. I was dreaming up more ways to use the spicy condiment and knew I wanted to create a yummy dip perfect for game day and your winter gatherings.

You all know how much I love making dips with cottage cheese, so let me introduce my high protein cottage cheese giardiniera dip! This creamy, spicy, incredibly easy recipe isn’t even JUST a dip. We started adding it to sandwiches, dipping nachos and quesadillas, and even spooning it onto our favorite proteins.

Grab extra jars of giardiniera for the Big Game to make this dip (and maybe the sandwiches, too?!) — everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Everything you’ll need to make this cottage cheese giardiniera dip

You read that right — this dip requires just 4 simple ingredients! The result is super creamy, slightly spicy, and so flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Cottage cheese: I like to use a low fat cottage cheese (my favorite is Good Culture!) but any brand will work. It’s a great way to use up a whole container.
• Garlic: a little garlic adds the perfect savory element.
• Lemon zest: brighten up the dip with fresh lemon zest.
• Giardiniera: feel free to use hot or mild giardiniera depending on your spice tolerance!
• For topping: I like to garnish the dip with extra giardiniera, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley or green onion.

Fall in love with giardiniera

If you’re new to this word (and this food), welcome to one of my new favorite condiments. It’s an Italian staple that’s famous in Chicago and is used on Italian beef sandwiches, and I use it in my favorite Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches!

It’s basically just a jar of pickled vegetables like peppers, cauliflower, and carrots that get jarred in vinegar and olive oil, and it adds such incredible flavor to recipes. It can range from mild to very spicy, so I recommend using mild in this recipe if you’re not used to the kick of heat!

Not a fan of cottage cheese?

I love the savory flavor that cottage cheese gives this dip, but I think a plain Greek yogurt would work well, too (and still pack a protein punch!) Just note that the dip may have more acidity/tartness and it may be a bit thinner.

Easy cottage cheese giardiniera dip in 2 steps

1. Blend the dip. Add the whole tub of cottage cheese and the garlic to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Blend in the giardiniera for about 30 seconds.
2. Garnish & serve. Add the dip to a shallow bowl, top with more giardiniera and the optional garnishes like parmesan and parsley, then serve! See below for my favorite ways to use it.

One dip, endless serving options

This easy giardniera dip is SO versatile. Here are my favorite ways to serve it and use it:

How to store cottage cheese giardiniera dip

Store any leftover giardiniera dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend storing it without the garnishes! Remember to mix it up a bit before enjoying it from the fridge.

More dip recipes you’ll love

Get all of my dip recipes here, and my appetizers here!

I hope you love this cottage cheese giardiniera dip! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!