Healthy Ricotta Veggie Dip

If you ask me, a good dip can make any gathering better.

This creamy ricotta veggie dip brings together fresh vegetables and smooth cheese in a way that makes snacking feel special. Cool ricotta pairs with crisp vegetables and just the right mix of herbs and seasonings.

It’s quick to put together and works great spread on crackers or used as a dip for raw veggies. The combination of fresh ingredients makes every bite taste like it came from a fancy cheese shop.

It’s the kind of easy appetizer that fits right in at casual get-togethers or when you’re looking for a healthy afternoon snack.

What Kind of Ricotta Should I Use?

For a dip like this, whole milk ricotta is your best bet since it creates a richer, creamier texture than part-skim varieties. Fresh ricotta from a specialty shop or Italian market will give you the best flavor and texture, but good-quality supermarket ricotta works well too. If your ricotta seems watery (which is common with store-bought brands), you can strain it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for about an hour before using it. This extra step removes excess liquid and helps create a thicker, more spreadable dip that won’t get runny on your serving plate.

Options for Substitutions

This dip recipe is pretty forgiving and open to lots of tasty swaps:

• Ricotta cheese: You can swap ricotta with cottage cheese (just blend it until smooth first) or Greek yogurt for a tangier taste. Cream cheese works too, but let it soften at room temperature and add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to get the right consistency.
• Fresh herbs: No fresh herbs? No worries! Use dried herbs instead – just remember to use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can mix and match whatever herbs you have on hand.
• White pepper: Regular black pepper works just fine here – the only difference will be tiny black specks in your dip.
• Preserved lemon: If you don’t have preserved lemon, just add extra fresh lemon zest, or try adding 1-2 teaspoons of capers for that same salty-tangy kick.
• Anchovies: You can skip these entirely, or try adding a splash of fish sauce or a teaspoon of capers to get that same savory depth.
• Lemon: Out of lemons? Try lime instead, or even a splash of white wine vinegar to get that bright, acidic note.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making ricotta dip is using cold ingredients straight from the fridge – letting your ricotta come to room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing will give you a much smoother, more spreadable consistency. Another common error is under-seasoning the dip; ricotta needs a generous amount of salt to bring out its natural flavors, so taste and adjust as you go, keeping in mind that the flavors will meld and develop as the dip sits. If you’re using fresh herbs, avoid the temptation to add them too early – mixing them in just before serving keeps their flavor bright and prevents them from wilting or turning dark. For the best texture, make sure to thoroughly drain any excess liquid from your ricotta by letting it sit in a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 minutes before starting your dip.

What to Serve With Ricotta Veggie Dip?

This creamy ricotta dip is perfect for your next party spread or casual snacking session! Raw vegetables like cucumber spears, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks make excellent dippers that add a fresh crunch. For bread options, try toasted pita triangles, crusty baguette slices, or even warm flatbread torn into pieces. I also love serving this dip as part of a larger appetizer board alongside olives, roasted nuts, and a few slices of prosciutto or salami for those who want to create little bites with different flavors and textures.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This tasty ricotta dip stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days when kept in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as the herbs and seasonings meld together. Just give it a quick stir before serving to make sure everything’s well combined.

Make Ahead: You can easily prep this dip a day before your gathering – it’s actually perfect for that! Just hold off on adding any extra drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs for garnish until you’re ready to serve. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature.

Serving Tip: If you notice any liquid separation after storing (which is totally normal with ricotta), just drain off the excess liquid and give the dip a good stir. You can also freshen it up with an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’d like.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 45-55 g
• Fat: 90-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling when serving
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• Zest from half a lemon and 1 tablespoon of its juice
• 1 bunch of fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, dill, chives, or mint, or 1 heaping tablespoon of dried herb mix
• 1-2 cured anchovy fillets (optional)
• 1-2 thin strips of preserved lemon peel (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by mincing the garlic and finely chopping the fresh herbs you plan to use.

If you’re including anchovy and/or preserved lemon rind, press them into a paste using a small fork or a pestle and mortar.

This will help integrate their flavors into the dish more smoothly.

Step 2: Combine and Mix the Ingredients

Place the ricotta in a mixing bowl.

Add the minced garlic, chopped herbs, and any anchovy or lemon rind paste to the bowl.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the ricotta.

Step 3: Adjust and Serve

Taste the mixture to assess the flavor.

Adjust the herbs, olive oil, and seasoning as needed to achieve the desired taste balance.

Transfer the ricotta mixture to a serving dish and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before serving.

Enjoy this flavorful spread as a delightful accompaniment to your meal!