Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Featured in Fresh and filling salads.

This Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad transforms simple ingredients into a nutritious, satisfying meal in just 5 minutes. The creamy cottage cheese base is combined with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, red peppers, and olives for a variety of textures and flavors. Dressed with olive oil and Greek seasoning, then finished with fresh herbs, this salad offers a protein-rich alternative to traditional Greek salad. It's perfect for busy days when you want a healthy meal without cooking, and can be paired with bread or crackers for extra sustenance.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 21:02:16 GMT
A bowl of vegetables with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. pin it
A bowl of vegetables with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. | myhomemaderecipe.com

On busy days when I need something fresh and filling, this protein-packed salad is my go-to lunch. It takes just minutes to throw together, and the combination of creamy cottage cheese with crisp vegetables keeps me satisfied all afternoon. I started making this when I wanted a twist on the traditional Greek salad, and now it's become one of my favorite quick meals.

Just yesterday, I made this for lunch after a morning workout, and it hit the spot perfectly. The secret? Using English cucumber for that extra crunch and draining the cottage cheese a bit before mixing.

What You'll Need

  • Cottage Cheese: Go for full-fat if you want extra creaminess. I usually drain mine slightly for a better texture.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: The sweetest ones you can find, cut in half to release their juices.
  • English Cucumber: These have fewer seeds and stay crunchier in the salad.
  • Red Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful color.
  • Black Olives: For that salty Mediterranean touch.
  • Good Olive Oil: Use your best bottle here, you'll taste the difference.
  • Greek Seasoning: This brings all the flavors together.
A bowl of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, is topped with feta cheese. pin it
A bowl of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, is topped with feta cheese. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Let's Make It

Start by draining your cottage cheese
If it seems watery, just let it sit in a fine-mesh strainer for a few minutes while you prep your veggies.
Prepping Your Veggies
Cut everything into similar-sized pieces for the perfect bite. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into neat chunks, and slice the red pepper thin. If you're using red onion, make the slices paper-thin.
Building Your Bowl
Start with a layer of cottage cheese at the bottom of your bowl to create a creamy base. Then add all your colorful veggies on top.

Making It Your Own

  • Add a handful of chickpeas for extra protein
  • Throw in some chopped avocado for healthy fats
  • Sprinkle with sunflower seeds for extra crunch
  • Add cucumber for extra freshness

Storage Tips

  • Keep veggies and cottage cheese separate if making ahead
  • Store cut vegetables in airtight containers
  • Prep enough for 2-3 days, but not more
  • Add olive oil and seasonings just before eating

Perfect For

  • Quick lunches
  • Post-workout meals
  • Light dinners on hot days
  • Meal prep for busy weeks

When Things Need Fixing

  • Too bland? Add more Greek seasoning or a squeeze of lemon
  • Too wet? Drain cottage cheese longer next time
  • Not filling enough? Add some chickpeas or quinoa
  • Want it creamier? Use full-fat cottage cheese

Make-Ahead Magic

I often prep extra vegetables on Sunday for quick assembly during the week. Just keep everything separate and toss together when you're ready to eat. The vegetables stay crisp, and it takes just seconds to put together.

Final Thoughts

This salad has become my reliable friend for busy days when I want something healthy but don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. It's proof that good food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this cottage cheese salad delivers fresh flavors and plenty of protein to keep you going.

Remember, the best recipes are the ones that fit into your life easily, and this one definitely does that. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and satisfying results - what more could you want from a meal?

And hey, don't be afraid to play around with the ingredients. Some days I add different vegetables depending on what's in my fridge, and it always turns out great. That's the beauty of simple cooking - it's flexible and forgiving!

A bowl of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and cheese, is displayed on a table. pin it
A bowl of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and cheese, is displayed on a table. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Best served immediately, but you can prep vegetables ahead and assemble just before eating.
→ What is Greek seasoning?
A blend typically containing oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and other Mediterranean herbs.
→ Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables while keeping the Greek theme.
→ What type of cottage cheese works best?
Any cottage cheese works, though full-fat provides the richest flavor.
→ How can I make this a complete meal?
Serve with sourdough bread or crackers for a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and grains.

Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

A refreshing protein-packed salad combining cottage cheese with crisp vegetables, olives, and Greek seasonings for a quick and healthy meal.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Greek-Inspired

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 cup cottage cheese
02 1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
03 1/4 English cucumber, diced
04 1 red pepper, diced
05 1/4 cup black olives

→ Seasonings & Garnish

06 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
07 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 Fresh dill and/or basil
09 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

In medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, olives and optional red onion.

Step 02

Toss ingredients gently to combine.

Step 03

Drizzle with olive oil and add Greek seasoning to taste.

Step 04

Top with fresh dill or basil. Serve immediately, either alone or with bread or crackers.

Notes

  1. Quick protein and fiber-rich meal that requires no cooking
  2. Can be served with sourdough bread or crackers for a complete meal

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium mixing bowl

Allergy Information

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

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

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