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Cottage Cheese Pesto

Featured in Flavorful Sauces & Marinades.

This Cottage Cheese Pesto reimagines the classic Italian sauce by swapping some of the traditional ingredients for protein-rich cottage cheese. The result is a creamy, flavorful sauce that maintains all the beloved herbaceous qualities of traditional pesto while providing substantial nutritional benefits. With 10g of protein per serving, it's perfect for anyone looking to add more protein to their meals without sacrificing flavor. The cottage cheese creates a uniquely creamy texture that clings beautifully to pasta and spreads perfectly on sandwiches or wraps. Fresh basil provides that signature pesto flavor, while walnuts offer a budget-friendly alternative to pine nuts that adds their own delicious nutty dimension. The addition of lemon zest and juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness of the cheese and oil. Best of all, this sauce comes together in just 5 minutes with a food processor or blender, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick flavor boost for simple dishes.
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Ranah
Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:52:09 GMT
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Cottage Cheese Pesto | lifesugar.co

This cottage cheese pesto transforms an Italian classic into a protein-packed powerhouse without sacrificing any of the vibrant flavor you love. Unlike traditional pesto that relies solely on olive oil for creaminess, this ingenious variation incorporates velvety cottage cheese, creating a luxuriously smooth texture while dramatically boosting the protein content.

I first developed this recipe during a period of trying to increase my protein intake without resorting to protein powders or supplements. As someone who regularly picked up store-bought pesto for convenience, I was skeptical that a homemade version could compete.

Simple Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese: Provides creamy texture and significant protein boost
  • 1½ to 2 cups fresh basil leaves: Delivers classic pesto flavor and vibrant color
  • ⅓ cup walnuts: Adds nutty richness for a fraction of the cost of pine nuts
  • 2-3 garlic cloves: Creates essential aromatic foundation
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan: Contributes savory depth and umami flavor

The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final result. While any cottage cheese works, I prefer 2% milkfat for the perfect balance of creaminess and protein.

Quick Preparation

Ingredient Preparation:
Wash and thoroughly dry basil. Roughly chop garlic. Toast walnuts if desired.
Food Processor Assembly:
Add cottage cheese first, then basil, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Processing Technique:
Pulse 5-6 times, then process 30-45 seconds until smooth but with small basil flecks.
Taste Adjustment:
Adjust salt, lemon, or olive oil to taste. Thin with more oil if needed.
Storage Preparation:
Transfer to jar, smooth top, and cover with olive oil layer. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
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Easy Cottage Cheese Pesto | lifesugar.co

I've made countless batches of traditional pesto over the years, but this cottage cheese version has completely changed my approach.

Creative Applications

Transform this versatile cottage cheese pesto into multiple meals throughout the week by thinking beyond traditional pasta applications.

Nutritional Benefits

Appreciate the substantial nutritional advantages this cottage cheese pesto offers compared to traditional versions.

Flavor Variations

Customize this versatile base recipe to create different flavor profiles while maintaining its protein-rich foundation.

Troubleshooting Tips

Achieve perfect results every time by understanding common challenges and their solutions when making cottage cheese pesto.

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Cottage Cheese Pesto Recipe | lifesugar.co

This cottage cheese pesto has become a staple in my weekly meal preparation, transforming everything from simple pasta to basic sandwiches into something special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fat-free cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use fat-free cottage cheese, though the pesto won't be quite as creamy. The 2% milk fat variety offers a good balance of creaminess while keeping the calorie count reasonable. If using fat-free, you might want to add a touch more olive oil for better texture.
→ How can I use this cottage cheese pesto?
This versatile sauce is perfect tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or wraps, dolloped onto baked potatoes, stirred into scrambled eggs, used as a dip for vegetables, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It can replace traditional pesto in virtually any recipe.
→ Why is my pesto turning brown?
Basil naturally oxidizes and turns brown when exposed to air. To prevent this, store your pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top and in an airtight container. A squeeze of lemon juice (already in this recipe) also helps preserve the color.
→ Can I freeze this cottage cheese pesto?
Yes! This pesto freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need for each recipe. The texture might change slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir will bring it back together.
→ Is this pesto suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely! With only 5g of carbs per serving, this pesto is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly eating plan. It adds tremendous flavor while keeping carbs minimal, making it an excellent choice for jazzing up proteins and vegetables.

Cottage Cheese Pesto

This 5-minute Cottage Cheese Pesto delivers all the fresh basil flavor you love with an extra protein boost from cottage cheese, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings (About 1½ cups pesto)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base ingredients

01 1 cup cottage cheese (2% milk fat works best)
02 1½ to 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
03 ¼ cup walnuts (or substitute pine nuts, almonds, or cashews)
04 3 cloves garlic, peeled

→ Flavor enhancers

05 ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
06 ⅓ cup good quality olive oil
07 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 Zest of 1 lemon
09 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Measure all ingredients and have them ready to go. If using a food processor, you can add everything at once. If using a blender, you may want to add ingredients in batches for smoother blending.

Step 02

Add the cottage cheese, basil, walnuts, garlic cloves, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to your food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse several times to break down the larger ingredients, then blend until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 03

Give your pesto a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference. If it's too thick, add a little more olive oil or a splash of water.

Step 04

Use your cottage cheese pesto immediately in your favorite recipes, or transfer to an airtight container. If storing, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to help prevent browning before sealing the container.

Notes

  1. This pesto will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
  2. For a smoother pesto, blend longer. For more texture, pulse less frequently.
  3. This high-protein alternative to traditional pesto has about 10g of protein per serving!

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or high-speed blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or zester for lemon
  • Airtight container for storage

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cottage cheese, parmesan)
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 301
  • Total Fat: 27 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 10 g