This healthy street corn dip blends cottage cheese with smoky corn, lime, and chili for a creamy, delicious dip. It’s ready in 15 minutes and it’s perfect for chips, tacos, or meal prep snacking!
Why I Love This Recipe
This healthy corn dip takes everything we love about street corn and gives it a healthy twist. Instead of crema or sour cream, we blend cottage cheese into the base, creating a dip that feels rich and creamy but sneaks in extra protein. It’s ready in just 10 minutes, makes a perfect party appetizer, and doubles as a flavorful spread for tacos, grain bowls, or sandwiches!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cottage Cheese: When blended, it becomes ultra-smooth and creamy. No one will guess it’s the base! Any fat percentage works, but 4% is the creamiest.
- Fire-Roasted Corn: Frozen fire-roasted corn gives smoky flavor instantly. Fresh or canned corn works too. See FAQ below for tips.
- Mayonnaise: This is optional. It adds richness, but you can skip it for lighter results.
- Seasonings: Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice build layers of flavor.
- Cotija cheese: This Mexican cheese is a crumbly and salty cheese that adds a nice flavor to this salad. If you can’t find Cotija, you can substitute it with queso fresco or even feta cheese.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice pop of color, but if you don’t like cilantro, you can skip it.
How to Make High Protein Street Corn Dip
What to Serve with Street Corn Dip
I typically serve this dip with tortilla chips but you can get creative with other dippers! If you want something lighter, try bell pepper strips or sliced cucumber. You can also use grilled baguette slices or pita chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned or fresh corn? Absolutely! Fresh grilled corn is incredible. Canned works too — just drain it and give it a quick sear in a hot skillet to mimic that roasted flavor.
- Is this dip healthy? It’s lighter than traditional creamy dips. Using cottage cheese boosts protein without sacrificing creaminess. You can skip the mayo to reduce fat further.
- How long does it keep? Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Stir before serving. This dip isn’t meant to be heated. You can enjoy it cold or room temp.
- Can I use it in other dishes? Yes! Try it in black bean tacos, on top of burrito bowls, with roasted veggies, or on a salad. It adds creaminess without overpowering other ingredients.
- What’s the difference between esquites and elote? Elote is grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy chili-lime topping, which is delicious but messy. Esquites are the spoonable version, tossed in a bowl. This dip is a scoopable version!
If you’re looking for some other dip recipes, try my key lime pie dip, beer cheese dip, or buffalo cauliflower dip.
Print
Cottage Cheese Street Corn Dip
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This healthy street corn dip blends cottage cheese with smoky corn, lime, and chili for a creamy, delicious dip. It’s ready in 15 minutes and it’s perfect for chips, tacos, or meal prep snacking!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 4% fat cottage cheese
- 12-ounce bag of frozen fire-roasted corn, divided
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Zest and juice of 2 medium limes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: hot sauce or finely diced jalapeño
Instructions
- Thaw the corn according to package directions. If using canned or plain frozen corn, cook in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes to roast slightly.
- Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1/4 cup thawed corn, mayonnaise (if using), chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt.
- Blend again until mostly smooth but with some texture remaining.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the remaining corn, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding hot sauce or diced jalapeño if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra cheese, cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
This recipe was a big hit at a birthday party I threw recently. Everyone loved it and a few people asked for the recipe. I will definitely be making it again.
This was so delicious and easy! I used this recipe as a guideline and measured ingredients with my heart and it came out delicious. I love having a healthier, higher protein option to indulge in and this absolutely hit the spot. Will definitely make again!