Cottage Cheese Dip with Walnuts is a creamy, tangy dip loaded with fresh herbs and crunchy walnuts. Inspired by Persian flavors, this easy protein-rich dip comes together in minutes and tastes delicious with toasted lavash, crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Cheese Dip With Walnuts (Persian Style)
This is my twist on a Persian cheese and walnut appetizer, Nan-o Panir-o-Gerdu. Instead of using traditional Persian cheese (panir) or white cheese, I opted for cottage cheese as a popular high-protein alternative. I also amped up the cheesy flavor with feta cheese, while cream cheese creates a rich and creamy base.
Persian cuisine is well known for its generous use of fresh herbs, so this dip includes plenty of them too. The herbs give it a distinct Persian-inspired flavor, while the walnuts add crunch, richness, and nourishment.
It's easy to make using readily available ingredients. You can customize it to your taste or adapt it based on the herbs you have on hand. It's incredibly delicious and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways-see the serving suggestions below the recipe card.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Cheese: I use a combination of cheeses for the best texture, nutrition, and flavor. Cottage cheese forms the base and adds plenty of protein. I used low-fat cottage cheese, but full-fat or nonfat will also work. To boost the cheesy flavor, I added feta cheese, although Parmesan or goat cheese are great alternatives. Cream cheese enhances the creamy texture of the dip. You can also substitute it with sour cream, crème fraîche, or full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Herbs: Here I use a combination of basil, dill, green onions, and parsley. Mint is optional. Each herb contributes its own flavor, creating a complex blend that pairs beautifully with the walnuts.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a subtle savory flavor that ties everything together. It gives the dip a hint of the flavor found in onion and herb cream cheese spreads.
- Olive Oil: I prefer a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but regular olive oil works well too.
- Seasonings: Depending on the saltiness of the cheeses you use, you may need very little or no additional salt. Freshly ground black pepper adds great flavor. For garnish, Aleppo pepper flakes add gentle heat and a pop of color.
- Citrus: Fresh lemon or lime juice adds brightness and tang. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as a little goes a long way.
- Garnish: Customize the dip to suit your taste. Try topping it with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped pickles, red pepper flakes, chili oil, hot honey, or a combination of chili oil and honey.
Step-by-Step Process
A quick visual guide - the full printable recipe is below.
- Blend: Process the cheeses, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper until creamy.
- Pulse: Add the walnuts and herbs and pulse to your preferred texture.
- Serve: Garnish with olive oil and walnuts, then serve.
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Cottage Cheese Dip With Walnuts
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cottage cheese low-fat, full-fat, or nonfat
- 2 ounces feta cheese Parmesan cheese, or low-fat feta
- 2 ounces cream cheese low-fat, or feta cheese
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic use 1 clove for a milder flavor
- Salt to taste (adjust depending on the saltiness of the cheeses)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice, adjusted to taste
- 1 cup walnuts roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional Garnishes red pepper flakes, chili oil, hot honey, chopped pickles, finely chopped sun dried tomatoes
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Add the chopped walnuts, basil, dill, green onions, parsley, and mint. Pulse a few times until the desired texture is reached. For a chunkier dip with more crunch, pulse lightly. For a finer texture, pulse a bit more. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with additional walnuts. Add any desired garnishes and serve with toasted lavash, crackers, or vegetables.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This dip is not suitable for freezing.
- Serving Tip: If you prefer not to serve the dip cold, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving and allow it to come to room temperature.
Nutrition
More Dips and Spreads
- Persian Shallot Dip (Mast-o Musir)
- Spinach Yogurt Dip (Borani)
- Pomegranate Salsa Dip With Cream Cheese and Walnuts
How to Serve
- Serve as a dip with pita chips, pretzels, crackers, lavash, toasted bread or as part of a mezze platter.
- Pair it with fresh vegetable sticks (cucumber, carrots, celery).
- Spread it on avocado toast.
- Use it to make a high-protein sandwich with my high-protein bread.
- Stir a spoonful into egg salad or chicken salad for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Use it as a spread for lavash or lettuce wraps.
Dietitian's Note
This is a nutritious dip that is protein-rich, vegetarian, low carb, gluten-free, egg-free, and soy-free. To reduce the sodium content, use less salt and add a little extra lemon juice for flavor.
Cottage cheese is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for high-protein and low-carb dips. Feta and Parmesan cheeses add bold flavor while typically requiring smaller amounts than many other cheeses.
The fresh herbs contribute beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants. Meanwhile, the walnuts and olive oil provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats, making this dip both flavorful and nourishing.
Anonymous says
My guests loved this.
Roxana Begum says
Thanks for the lovely feedback