Healthier Spinach Dip
January is here and many of us are looking for ways to be able to enjoy life but stay or get healthy and fit. With Game Day coming up quickly you might be looking for some lighter options to serve that you and your guests will still enjoy. It can be easier than you think to modify favourite recipes to be healthier just by making some simple and smart substitutions.
One of my favourite dips of all time is the classic cold spinach dip served with pumpernickel bread. The classic recipe makes use of both sour cream and mayo for a creamy flavourful dip. My version uses Cottage Cheese that gets whipped smooth for the base of the dip making this recipe low fat, low calorie and high in protein but still maintains the taste of the classic recipe.
Cottage Cheese is actually a really great substitute for traditional soft cheeses like Ricotta. Try swapping out ricotta for cottage cheese in your lasagna recipe, nobody will taste the difference! Cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium, which makes it a great option for a lot of recipes.
Gay Lea’s Nordica Cottage Cheese is made from 100% Canadian dairy milk and just 1/2 cup provides 15g of protein that is low in fat, a great source of calcium and gluten and nut free.
Healthier Spinach Dip
Ingredients:
- 750 g (3 Cups) Gay Lea Nordica 2% Cottage Cheese
- 1 package Vegetable Dry Soup Mix
- 10 oz (300 g.) frozen chopped spinach, cooked, cooled and squeezed dry
- 1 can (4 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped finely (Optional)
Directions:
- In a blender, blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer cottage cheese to a large bowl and stir in the soup mix, spinach and water chestnuts.
- Chill 2-3 hours to thicken
- Serve with a round of fresh pumpernickel bread or for an even healthier appetizer serve with veggies.

Healtheir Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 750 g Gay Lea Nordica 2% Cottage Cheese, 3 Cups
- 1 package Vegetable Dry Soup Mix
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, 300 g., cooked, cooled and squeezed dry
- 1 can water chestnuts, 4 oz, Optional, drained and chopped finely
Instructions
- In a blender, blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer cottage cheese to a large bowl and stir in the soup mix, spinach and water chestnuts.
- Chill 2-3 hours to thicken
- Serve with a round of fresh pumpernickel bread or for an even healthier appetizer serve with veggies.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

What is your favourite way to cook with Cottage Cheese?
Don’t forget to check out the Gay Lea website for more great recipes and information!
Disclosure: I am part of the Gay Lea Ambassador Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Never thought about using cottage cheese in this recipe but I am sure it would be great and with it blended it would be hard to tell what it was. Will have to try it next time I make a similar recipe!
Sounds easy enough and yummy!! Must try thanks 🙂
Great idea to use cottage cheese. I love a good spinach dip.
Will have to try this, never thought of putting cottage cheese in it, yummy!
I never thought of putting cottage cheese in either but it looks delicious
I love cottage cheese this would be a great alternative
This sounds like an easy and delicious spinach dip recipe. I am going to make this when I have my next girls night.
I am definitely going to be trying this. I am always looking for ways to cut calories and this sounds awesome.
I love spinach dip. Thanks for sharing this healthier option!
This looks delicious. Honestly, this is the only way I can get spinach into my husband.
This dip looks amazing! I actually love spinach, so this would be great for me. A healthier dip too which I love!
Yum I love spinach so this would be wonderful to try out! I don’t do many dips because I just don’t like the taste, but this seems like it would be lovely!
can you say super bowl party? now if only the green bay packers can come from behind to win!
This spinach dip looks so delicious. I’ll have to give this recipe a try sometime. I love how it’s healthier as well.
This has to be one of the easiest recipes I have seen for spinach dip, not only is it easy but sounds very good too, just don’t tell anyone what you used and your all good to go! thanks for sharing a wonderful dip!!
I love spinach! I bet this would really taste great! YUMMY!!! I have to try this out one of these days!
This looks yummy and I’ll have to remember this about cottage cheese. I know about cottage cheese in lasagna but didn’t really think about it with spinach dip. Thanks
This is a such a good tip! Spinach and artichoke dip is my favorite.
This is so awesome, I love eating spinach dip and I’m really happy that there is a healthy alternative; thanks for this recipe!
I’ve never had spinach dip before. It sounds like it’d be lovely, especially with brown bread like you’ve presented it above.
Ive never heard or thought of spinach dip being made with cottage cheese – nice healthier alternative!
Oh so yummy!! I think I need to make this… today even. I’ve never used cottage cheese in a dip before but now that I think about it, the possibilities are endless!
Mmm…I love spinach dip! Has anyone tried 1% cottage cheese?
Oh my goodness I never thought to make a dip with cottage cheese!! That sounds and looks really yummy!
Oh! I think you just changed my life. I LOVE spinach dip. I want to eat it every day. But, it’s so high in calories when made the ‘right’ way. I have tried a version with light cream cheese and light sour cream. Neither we all that great. Now, cottage cheese. I love cottage cheese. I am going to have to try this out!
That looks so good I can almost taste it. Yummy. I’m borrowing that recipe.
This post sounds like it was written especially for me! I love spinach dip but generally avoid it due to its fat and calorie content. I think this is a recipe I can live with. These ingredients are going on my next grocery list! Thanks!
Yum! This looks absolutely delicious! Love spinach dip!
This makes me want to make one of this at home. I think I’m in love with spinach dip
I have never tried spinach dip before, but I’m sure I’d like it since I love spinach. Therefore, I’ll definitely have to try it sometime.
I love having spinach dip for a great snack, so happy I found a healthier way to eat it. I will have to try this out.
Spinach Dip is a serious must have in my family! Thanks for sharing.
I nver thought about using cottage cheese in this recipe,but nest occasion I will give it a try
Made itwith the cottage cheese ,loved it
Cottage cheese would be such an amazing alternative! Thanks for the tip!
It would never have occurred to me to use cottage cheese. Thanks for the idea and the recipe.
Never thought about using cottage cheese wonder would it change the taste much!
I LOVE spinach dip, looking forward to trying this healthier recipe, thanks for sharing it.
I am definitely going to be trying this during the holiday season,we love dips
Tried and loved this dip and my grandkids love it on celery sticks
I really like this recipe for Healthier Spinach Dip. I love Spinach Dip but would rather put cottage cheese in it to make it much more lo-fat and healthier. Thank you for this recipe. I hope it will become a favorite in our house.
pinned! I love spinach dip and this looks fantastic.
never would have thought to use cottage cheese, will have to make it for the holidays!
I love this recipe and will be making it again next week for a baby shower
Served this last night,it’s always a hit !