Protein Pesto Dip; The Sauce That Saves The Day 

Here’s a little life truth: you eat what’s easy. So, when it comes to home cooking and setting yourself up for success that actually tastes good, make the good stuff easy and available! Don’t know where to start? I got you with this creamy, dreamy, high-protein pesto dip. 

She’s herby, zippy, surprisingly filling, and ready to swoop in and rescue whatever sad protein or tired veggie situation you’ve got going on. Because let’s be honest – how something tastes usually determines whether or not we’ll eat it. Make her once, and suddenly every meal feels a bit fancier and more intentional – even if you’re eating it cold and quickly before you run out the door. 

What You’ll Need and Why

• Cottage Cheese – Surprise! This is our creamy, protein-rich base (~25g protein per cup). No mayo, no mystery. 
• Fresh Basil – The flavor hero. Also packed with antioxidants.
• Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and helps balance the richness.
• EVOO – Healthy fats that support hormone health and keep things silky.
• Pine Nuts – Adds that buttery, nutty finish (and a little more healthy fat).
• Fresh Garlic – Flavor bomb and immune booster.
• Sea Salt – Because seasoning is self-respect.

Enjoy this effortless and efficient sauce slathered on grilled steak, shrimp, tofu, chicken or tender meatballs. Or perhaps you add a cup to your standing mixer and make it a mayo-free Pesto Chicken Salad moment. Then, just to keep things interesting, why not tomorrow enjoy twirled and swirled it into a bowl of lentils, quinoa or roasted vegetables. Use it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, toast or burgers – or dip straight into it with literally whatever you want and whatever sounds good. 

And because I’m all about systems that support you long-term: dips like this truly are the missing link between meal prep and eating well without overthinking it. They make basic food exciting and they keep your protein interesting. In particular, this dip pulls double duty: it’s a high-protein spread, sauce, dip, and secret weapon you can slather on meats, swirl into bowls, spoon onto toast, or eat straight with a spoon if you’re in that kind of mood (no judgment).

Creamy Pesto Dip

By: Molly Hentz

• May 16, 2025
• 4 to 6
• 25 min
• 169 Cals/Serving
• Print this

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups fresh basil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 
  To Top
• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil
• Sprinkle of pine nuts
• Fresh basil, finely chopped

Directions

Step 1

For the pesto: add basil, lemon juice, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt to a blender or food processor and blend until pesto consistency is achieved. Taste and adjust accordingly.

Step 2

Next, toss in the cottage cheese and blend until smooth. Let the processor run for 30 – 60 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed, until the texture is silky, smooth and gorgeously green.

Step 3

Taste and adjust. Want it a bit tangier? Add a squeeze more lemon. Need more salt? Go for it. Like it thinner? A splash of water or olive oil will do the trick.

Step 4

To top, add a drizzle more of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of pine nuts and a dash of chopped basil. Enjoy immediately with fresh vegetables, meat, grains etc. Then, save in an airtight container to enjoy all week. See photos above if you want a little inspiration for how to enjoy it.