High-Protein Tzatziki with Cottage Cheese & Feta- Ayyem at the Table

High-Protein Tzatziki with Cottage Cheese & Feta at the Table

Drawing inspiration from the classic tzatziki, our High-Protein Tzatziki with Cottage Cheese & Feta is a luxurious blend of richness, creaminess, and refreshing flavor. Whether you’re dipping, spreading it on sandwiches and gyros, or dolloping it on grain bowls, it’s a versatile sauce that you’re sure to love!

Why You’ll Love High-Protein Tzatziki with Cottage Cheese & Feta

In our opinion, you can never go wrong with a good sauce! Whether you’re looking for an simple appetizer or a speedy condiment for all your go-to meals, you can always find a sauce that hits the spot. Luckily, one checks all the boxes. It’s:

Full of protein.
Made with less than 10 ingredients.
Speedy and simple to make, meaning you can have it on your table in minutes.
Great to prepare ahead of time.
Smooth and silky with just a touch of crunch.

What Does This Recipe Taste Like?

This silky sauce has a flavor similar to tzatziki. It’s smooth and rich thanks to the yogurt and cheese, which also give it a subtle hint of tanginess. Paired with herbs and spices, it has a refreshing combination of light and savory flavors that pair well with all your go-to savory recipes.

A High Protein Twist on Tzatziki

This sauce and traditional tzatziki are very similar — we used the classic as an inspiration for this version but added our own flair. Unlike tzatziki, this recipe is loaded with protein thanks to the use of both Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. As a result, it’s also thicker than tzatziki. Then, we incorporated a few extra seasonings to make the flavor truly unique.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this flavorful sauce is super simple with less than 10 ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand! Here’s everything you’ll need:

Feta Cheese – This helps to form the base of the dip. For the finest taste and texture, opt for a full-fat block.
Greek Yogurt – We prefer to use plain, full-fat varieties for an ultra-silky consistency. If preferred, low-fat options can be used. Just know that the texture of your sauce will vary slightly.
Cottage Cheese – This is our secret weapon to taking this cucumber sauce to the next level, adding an extra tangy taste and loads of protein while creating a thick texture. Again, full-fat varieties work finest.
Cucumber – Use a large English cucumber.
Herbs and Spices – Fresh dill, garlic, dried mint, salt, and pepper combine to create savory, refreshing flavors. It’s technically optional, but we also like to include za’atar as a garnish to make this recipe ten times better than anything you’ll find in the store.
Lemon Juice – A splash of citrus brightens up the sauce.

How to Make High-Protein Tzatziki with Cottage Cheese & Feta

Whipping up your own sauces at home is a breeze with this simple process! Just combine everything together, and – voila! – it’s ready to elevate your dishes. Here’s what you need to do:

Combine. Add the feta, yogurt, cottage cheese, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and mint to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and silky.
Add the Cucumber. Peel and grate the cucumber with the largest side of a box cutter. Then, add the gratings to a cheesecloth, and squeeze out any excess liquid. Stir the cucumber into the cucumber sauce, making sure it is well incorporated.
Adjust. Give your sauce a taste test, and adjust the seasonings as necessary to satisfy your taste buds. Garnish with za’atar, if desired, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it with nothing but a spoon. No judgment if you do! However, we also love these other ways to serve it:

As a dip with pita chips, crackers, and veggie sticks
Dolloped on salads and bowls like our Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad, Speedy Couscous Salad with Chicken, and our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
On sandwiches and wraps

How to Store

Elevate your meals effortlessly by preparing this simple sauce in bulk — it’s a fantastic condiment to have on hand to add flavor to all of your culinary creations! When transferred to an airtight container, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. We do not recommend freezing this recipe because the dairy and cucumber will not thaw well, so the dip doesn’t retain its original consistency.

Common Questions about Cottage Cheese Tzatziki

What are some creative ways to use this sauce?

This super versatile sauce can be used as a dip for veggies or pita chips, a spread on sandwiches and wraps, or a topping for salads and grain bowls. It’s also great dolloped on grilled meats or roasted vegetables to add a silky, tangy flavor boost.

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming watery?

The key is to properly prepare the cucumber. After grating, place the cucumber in a cheesecloth or clean towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it into the sauce. This step helps maintain the dip’s dreamy thick and silky consistency.

Is this sauce suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, this sauce is keto-friendly. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, making it a great addition to a ketogenic meal plan. Just be mindful of portion sizes to stay within your daily carb limits.

Can I use this sauce as a salad dressing?

Absolutely! Thin it out with a bit of lemon juice or water to reach your desired dressing consistency. It adds a silky, tangy flavor to salads, especially ones with Mediterranean ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and grilled chicken.

Can you make tzatziki with cottage cheese?

Yes! By blending it with the yogurt and feta, you can create a creamier sauce with a whole lot more protein.

More Dips, Sauces, and Spreads

Ready to elevate your culinary game? Explore a variety of our other go-to from-scratch dips, sauces, and spreads below to add a burst of flavor to all your go-to recipes!

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins

Inspired by classic tzatziki, this high-protein tzatziki with cottage cheese and feta is rich, silky, and full of refreshing flavor! Email

Ingredients

6 ounces feta cheese full-fat
1 ½ cups Greek yogurt full-fat*
6 ounces cottage cheese full-fat
1 clove garlic
Squeeze of lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh dill
2 teaspoons dried mint
½ cup English cucumber grated
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Optional: olive oil and za’atar seasoning for garnish

Instructions

In the bowl of a food processor, add the feta, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and dried mint. Pulse until smooth and silky.6 ounces feta cheese, 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt, 6 ounces cottage cheese, 1 clove garlic, Squeeze of lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 2 teaspoons dried mint
Using the largest side of a box cutter, peel and grate the cucumber. Place the shreds in a cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess liquid. Fold the cucumber into the cucumber sauce.½ cup English cucumber
Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with olive oil and za’atar, if desired.Salt to taste, Black pepper to taste, Optional: olive oil and za’atar seasoning for garnish
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.