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This delicious Taco Dip is a crowd-pleasing cold appetizer that I love to whip up when company comes over. What sets it apart is that it’s made without cream cheese, and instead, I use cottage cheese as the base. The combination of cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and veggies creates a flavorful and creamy dip that will surprise your guests in the best way possible.
The Surprising Ingredient: Cottage Cheese
I know, using cottage cheese in a taco dip might sound strange at first, but trust me, it works! Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and serves as a blank canvas for all the delicious flavors you’ll add to it. Unlike cream cheese, it doesn’t harden when refrigerated, so it stays soft and perfect for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
I recommend serving this Taco Dip year-round, but it’s especially great for football tailgates, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or summer gatherings. Pair it with some Tostitos scoops, and you’re good to go! For an extra touch, serve it with my Classic Margaritas or an Avocado Margarita. Your guests will be delighted!
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: Choose a high-quality full-fat brand for the best taste and texture.
- Shredded cheese: I prefer a blend of Mexican cheeses, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Lettuce: Opt for iceberg lettuce for its crunchiness and ability to hold up well.
- Scallion: This onion variety adds a lot of flavor without overpowering the dip.
- Taco seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet or make your own homemade seasoning.
Instructions
- In a small to medium bowl, mix the cottage cheese and taco seasoning until well combined. Spread an even layer of this mixture on the bottom of a shallow serving dish.
- Layer the shredded iceberg lettuce on top of the cottage cheese mixture.
- Add the diced tomatoes as the next layer.
- Finish off your taco dip by sprinkling shredded cheeses and chopped green onions on top.
Note: For the complete recipe with detailed instructions and ingredient measurements, you can find it here.
Why No Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a staple in many dips, but when it comes to cold dips, especially when cream cheese is not mixed with other ingredients, it can pose some challenges. Cream cheese hardens when cold, which means you’ll need to let it soften at room temperature before serving. With this taco dip, you can serve it right out of the fridge without any issues. Cottage cheese provides a chunky consistency that holds up well and adds a satisfying texture to the dip.
Taco Dip Variations/Substitutions
This versatile dip allows for various additions and substitutions to suit your preferences. Here are some tasty suggestions:
- Black olives: Traditional and flavorful, you can add black or green olives to the top of your taco dip.
- Peppers: Finely chopped bell peppers, chili peppers, poblanos, or jalapenos (for some heat) would all make excellent additions.
- Refried beans: Spread them on the bottom of the dish before adding the cottage cheese mixture for a classic touch.
- Guacamole: Avocados or store-bought guacamole add a vibrant color and flavor to the dip.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or chives can be used to enhance the taste.
- Salsa: If you prefer salsa instead of fresh tomatoes, go ahead and replace them with salsa.
- Cheese: If you can’t find a Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, Monterey jack, or colby jack cheese will work just as well.
Don’t forget to check out my other popular cold dips, like my Sour Cream and Cream Cheese Dip!
Serving Suggestions
I highly recommend serving this taco dip with Tostitos scoops for easy dipping. However, any tortilla chips will do the trick. For added visual appeal, try blue corn tortilla chips. You can also enjoy this dip with pita bread or corn chips like Fritos. It pairs perfectly with nachos or taquitos too!
Frequently Asked Questions
More Cold Dips You Will Love!
- Spicy Cold Feta Dip
- Healthy Cold Crab Salad
- Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese
- Burrata Plate
- Cold Roasted Eggplant Garlic Dip
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Recipe
For the full recipe, including ingredient measurements and detailed instructions, click here.