Cottage Cheese Ranch Potato Salad (Print)

Tangy cottage cheese and ranch dressing elevate classic potato salad with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables.

# Components:

→ Potatoes

01 - 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 2-centimeter cubes

→ Dairy & Dressings

02 - 1 cup cottage cheese
03 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Flavorings

05 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables

13 - 3 stalks celery, diced
14 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Optional Add-ins

15 - 3/4 cup diced cucumber or radish

# Directions:

01 - Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until potatoes are just fork-tender. Drain well and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
03 - Add the cooled potatoes, diced celery, sliced green onions, and any optional cucumber or radish to the bowl. Gently fold all ingredients together until potatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.
04 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
05 - Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled, ideally within a few hours of preparation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This creamy potato salad has all the familiar ranch flavor with a protein-packed twist that keeps you coming back for seconds.
  • It stays light and refreshing thanks to cottage cheese, making it perfect for sunny picnics or easy weeknight dinners.
02 -
  • If you add potatoes while hot, the salad turns gluey and heavy—wait until they're room temp for best texture.
  • Letting this salad chill isn't optional; that rest time is when the ranch flavor truly blooms and everything bonds together.
03 -
  • Scraping the pot gently and checking potatoes at minute 10 every time saves you from an accidental mush disaster.
  • Blitzing the cottage cheese in a mini processor gives you extra-smooth dressing—my best friend's trick for fussy eaters.
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