Take your salad game up several levels with this higher-protein Ranch Dressing, combining creamy ingredients like cottage cheese and buttermilk with fresh herbs and classic seasonings. Blending cottage cheese ensures a smooth texture while adding a protein boost, making this dressing a great option for salads, vegetable dips, and sandwich spreads. The recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and improves in flavor after a few hours in the fridge, as the herbs and spices meld into the rich, tangy base.
High-Protein Ranch Dressing
It is time to start making your own dressings again, and I’m here to make them just a little bit healthier and with more of a nutritional kick.
I’ve been on a year+ long quest to transition into a healthier me, which included dropping a significant amount of weight through the help of a GLP-1. This isn’t about to turn into a website all about that, though – we’re still cooking, eating, and feeding the family in largely the same way that we were, I’m personally just more focused on protein first, and eating less overall. That becomes pretty easy with the aid of that medication, if we’re being real, but making intentional choices about what food I am consuming is a big piece of the puzzle and really helps make you more successful overall.
This dressing is homemade ranch, but with some extra love from one of my favorite protein sources, blended up cottage cheese. Fresh herbs, sour cream, a little mayo, some seasonings, and that good old cottage cheese are blended together for an incredible homemade dressing that no one will even KNOW is pumped up with extra protein.
I like eating this with some lightly breaded chicken nuggets in the air fryer (from Costco, totally cheating there) for a quick and easy lunch. This would also be perfect in a chicken ranch wrap, or to dunk anything that you’d normally use ranch on into. It is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese adds a healthy dose of protein, perfect for a balanced meal.
- Fresh and Flavorful: A mix of fresh dill, chives, and parsley brightens the creamy dressing.
- Versatile: Use as a salad dressing, vegetable dip, or sandwich spread.
- Quick to Make: Blends together in minutes with a blender for ease.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the herbs and seasonings to match your tastes.
Try this with our Breaded Smoked and Fried Buffalo Wings!
Protein Ranch shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
- Mayo
- Buttermilk
- Sour Cream
- Cottage Cheese
- Lemon Juice
- White Wine Vinegar
- Smoky SPG
- Onion Powder
- Fresh Chopped Dill
- Fresh Chopped Parsley
- Fresh Chopped Chives
Perfect dip for our Easy Homemade Chicken Tenders!
How to make Homemade Ranch with more protein
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Blend the Base: Combine sour cream, mayo, cottage cheese, and buttermilk in a blender. Pulse until smooth.
- Incorporate the Flavors: Stir in chopped chives, dill, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dressing for 3-4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Taste Test: Adjust the salt and seasoning to your liking before serving.
- Serve: Use as a dressing, dip, or spread, and enjoy!
Use in my Buffalo Chicken Dip!
FAQ
How should I store this dressing?
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving as separation may occur.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, this dressing improves with time. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to fully develop.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost, or use low-fat versions of the base ingredients for a lighter option. You can also change up the herbs based on availability or preference.
Enjoy in our Easy Chicken Ranch Wrap!
Serve This With…
- Fresh vegetable platters like carrots, celery, and bell peppers
- Crispy Chicken Nuggets or Air Fryer Wings
- A crisp garden salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes
- Whole-grain crackers for dipping
This high-protein ranch dressing offers creamy texture and vibrant flavor in every bite. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a staple for meals or snacks, delivering protein without compromising on taste.
More homemade recipes to love!
Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
High Protein Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Smoky SPG
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
Instructions
- Combine the mayo, buttermilk, sour cream, cottage cheese, lemon juice, white vinegar, SPG, and onion powder into a small bullet blender. Pulse until the mixture is complete smooth.
- Add the chopped herbs and stir to combine.
- Let the mixture sit to marry flavors for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Immediately before serving, taste and adjust salt as needed.