Queso Fresco Dip
A vibrant and creamy no-cook dip made from crumbled queso fresco, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño. Incredibly easy to whip up, this dip is perfect for any party or gathering. Serve it chilled with your favorite tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prep Vegetables (5 mins)
- b.Finely chop the white onion and jalapeño. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
- c.Mince the garlic cloves and roughly chop the fresh cilantro.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients (5 mins)
- b.In a medium bowl, crumble the queso fresco using a fork or your hands.
- c.Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro to the bowl.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Dress and Mix (3 mins)
- b.Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice over the ingredients.
- c.Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Gently stir everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the crumbly texture of the cheese.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill and Serve (2 mins + 30 mins chilling)
- b.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together.
- c.Serve chilled with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let the dip chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to marinate and the flavors to deepen.
- 2To achieve a creamier consistency, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of Mexican crema or sour cream.
- 3Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of jalapeño seeds and membranes you include. For a milder dip, remove them all.
- 4Use this dip as a versatile topping for tacos, tostadas, grilled meats, or even as a spread in sandwiches.
- 5For a pop of color and sweetness, consider using a red onion instead of a white onion.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add-ins
For extra texture and flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of roasted corn kernels, diced avocado, or chopped roasted red peppers.
CheeseCheese
If you can't find queso fresco, you can substitute it with a mild feta cheese (rinse it first to reduce saltiness) or cotija cheese for a saltier, drier version.
HerbHerb
Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or a small amount of oregano for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
Queso fresco is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function.
Contains Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil in this dip provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Rich in Antioxidants
Fresh ingredients like garlic, onion, and cilantro are packed with antioxidants that help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 1/2 cup) of this Queso Fresco Dip contains around 300-320 calories, primarily from the cheese and olive oil. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.