Cottage Cheese Hummus. A snacking revolution. Forget the traditional hummus recipes that lean on tahini and oil; this ingenious twist taps into the creamy wonders of cottage cheese, delivering unparalleled texture, bursts of flavour, and an extra protein punch.

Hummus stands as the champion of dips, boasting a velvety texture, robust flavours, and a lineup of wholesome ingredients that have made it a staple on snack platters, sandwich spreads, and even as a solo indulgence. But hold on – what if I told you there’s a secret to achieving the perfect creamy hummus without the use of tahini or oil? The game-changing ingredient that’s about to redefine your hummus experience is none other than cottage cheese.
OH and if you have any leftover cottage cheese – make these Cottage Cheese Churro Donut Holes!
why you will love this recipe
- It’s protein-packed!
- It’s lower in fat (no oil or tahini!)
- It’s Allergy-Friendly (no nuts or seeds!)
- It’s versatile – use it as a dip, spread or even as a pasta sauce.
- It’s super quick and easy to make.
- It’s SO creamy and delicious!
Cottage Cheese Hummus is your ticket to a snacking experience that’s rich in creaminess, bursting with flavour, and infused with healthful goodness. With a handful of ingredients and a dash of creativity, you’re about to impress yourself and those around you with a recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious. So gather your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready to savour a snacking revolution that will leave you craving more.
How to make creamy hummus without oil or tahini.
The ingredients:
Chickpeas: At the heart of every hummus recipe lies the reliable chickpea. These small legumes bring not only plant-based protein and fibre to the table but also contribute to the luxurious texture that defines hummus. You can use tinned chickpeas, or cook your own from scratch if you really want to.
Cottage Cheese: Would you believe that cottage cheese could become the unsung hero of hummus? This dairy gem is the secret behind the velvety smoothness of cottage cheese hummus. Its natural creaminess eliminates the need for traditional hummus elements like tahini and oil. Plus, its generous protein content transforms the hummus into a fulfilling, nutritious snack or meal enhancer.
Lemon Juice: Beyond its tangy brightness, lemon juice plays a critical role in preserving the dip’s vibrant hue by staving off oxidation. This touch of acidity cuts through the richness of chickpeas and cottage cheese, creating balance and ensuring each bite is invigorating.
Garlic: Because garlic makes EVERYTHING even better.
Salt: A dash of salt enhances the overall flavour and brings out the natural essence of other ingredients. It transforms the dip, adding depth and balance, uniting disparate elements into a cohesive masterpiece.
let’s make some creamy hummus!
Begin by ensuring your chickpeas are well-drained and thoroughly rinsed.
In your food processor or blender, add chickpeas, cottage cheese, zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic cloves, and a dash of salt.
You can add a splash of cold water if you prefer a thinner hummus consistency. Give it a taste and adjust any of the ingredients to your liking: for those who relish a zestier hummus, an extra squeeze of lemon juice is your ally. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a bolder punch, a pinch more salt might be the secret ingredient you’re seeking.
Flavorful Variations: Make It Your Own
Infusing your Cottage Cheese Hummus with your unique touch is all about embracing creativity and personal preferences. Here are some exciting and flavour-packed ideas to help you make the recipe uniquely yours:
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro. Blend them into the hummus for a herbal twist that adds vibrancy and complexity to the flavour profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of your favourite spices or spice blends, such as cumin, paprika, or red pepper flakes. Elevate your hummus with an exciting kick and a warm, inviting depth.
Roasted Veggie Blend: Roast vegetables like red peppers, eggplant, or zucchini, and blend them into the hummus. Infuse your creation with depth and a hint of smokiness that elevates its appeal.
Seed Power: Sprinkle seeds like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds on top. Elevate texture and introduce a burst of nutty flavour that takes your hummus to the next level.
Umami Boost: A dash of soy sauce or a touch of miso paste can introduce a savoury umami element. Elevate the hummus’s overall taste with a hint of sophistication.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Cottage Cheese Hummus with an array of dipping options. The classics – pita bread, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices – offer a satisfying crunch and a wholesome counterpoint to the creamy dip.
It’s also incredible as a pasta sauce or with some roasted vegetables and you can never go wrong with a hummus sandwich!
Storage Instructions: How to Keep Your Hummus Fresh
Proper storage is the key to ensuring your Cottage Cheese Hummus maintains its freshness and flavour over time. Here’s the ultimate guide to storing your hummus:
Refrigeration: After preparing your hummus, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and promptly refrigerate it. Hummus can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 4-6 days.
Surface Protection: Prevent the surface of your hummus from drying out or forming a layer by pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. This creates a barrier that preserves the creamy texture.
Olive Oil Layer: If you’ve added a drizzle of olive oil on top, it can act as an additional layer of protection, helping to preserve your hummus. Note that olive oil might solidify slightly when refrigerated but will return to its liquid state as the hummus reaches room temperature.
Serving Temperature: Before serving, let refrigerated hummus sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps restore its creamy consistency and brings out its full range of flavours.
Freezing (Optional): If you’re looking to extend the shelf life further, freezing your Cottage Cheese Hummus is an option. Place it in an airtight container, allowing some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the hummus in the refrigerator overnight.
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Cottage Cheese Hummus: Creamy, Healthy, and Oil-Free Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tin Cooked Chickpeas (250g Drained)
- 200 g Cottage Cheese
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1-2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas, cottage cheese, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and salt.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If needed, you can add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. You can add more lemon juice or salt if desired.
- Once you've achieved the perfect texture and flavour, transfer the Cottage Cheese Hummus to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle a touch of olive oil on top for an extra layer of flavour and presentation (optional).
- Serve with an array of dipping options such as pita bread, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or even as a spread in sandwiches or as a pasta sauce.
OMG! This is soooo good! I didn’t have greek yogurt so I wanted to use cottage cheese. I do miss the tang just a little. I added trader Joe’s lemon pesto. I now can make great hummus whenever I need! 😋
Oh thank you Carrie! Your comment just made my day!
Was totes into this untilni saw no tahini? No olive oil….? What the what? This is what makes hummus magical. The sesame flavor, the fruity olive oil, and I’ll be adding cottage cheese to my next batch for extra creamy instead of Greek yogurt😅 but will never leave out the tahini.
I completely agree – tahini and olive oil make hummus magical – but this is just a lower fat, higher protein version of hummus 🙂