Greek Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

Refreshing Greek Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Packed with Mediterranean flavors, this zesty Greek cottage cheese salad brings sunshine to your plate in minutes.

Fresh ingredients dance together creating a light and refreshing dish.

Crisp vegetables mingle with creamy cottage cheese, delivering a protein-packed punch.

Herbs and tangy dressing elevate every single bite with authentic Greek flair.

The combination of cool cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled feta creates a perfect summer meal.

You’ll love how simple yet delicious this salad comes together.

Serve chilled and watch everyone reach for seconds.

Greek Cottage Cheese Salad: Fresh Features

  • Toss together this Greek-inspired salad in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
  • Packed with protein from cottage cheese, fresh vegetables provide a healthy and satisfying meal that nourishes your body.
  • Adapt the recipe by adding or swapping ingredients to match your taste preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
  • Versatile dish that works beautifully as a light lunch, side dish, or crowd-pleasing starter for potlucks and summer parties.

Ingredients List for Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Main Ingredients:
  • Cottage Cheese: A creamy and protein-rich base that provides a smooth texture to the Greek salad.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant red vegetables that add freshness and color to the dish.
  • Cucumber: Crisp and cool vegetable that brings a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Additional Vegetables:
  • Red Pepper, Red Onion: Colorful vegetables that contribute a sharp and zesty flavor profile to the salad.
  • Olives: Briny and salty Mediterranean staple that enhances the Greek-style taste.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Olive Oil: A classic Mediterranean dressing that adds richness and smooth flavor to the salad.
  • Greek Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides authentic Mediterranean taste and aroma.
  • Fresh Dill, Fresh Basil: Aromatic herbs that offer a bright and herbaceous finishing touch to the dish.

Tools for Prepping Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables neatly.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing tomatoes, cucumber, and red pepper precisely.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding the right amount of Greek seasoning.
  • Serving spoon or spatula: Great for gently mixing ingredients without crushing them.
  • Optional serving plate: Provides a nice presentation for the salad.

Greek Cottage Cheese Salad: Directions

Step 1: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Wash and dice ripe tomatoes into small cubes.

Slice crisp cucumber into thin rounds.

Mince red bell pepper into tiny pieces.

If using, finely chop red onion for extra zesty flavor.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold cottage cheese with the chopped vegetables.

Use a soft spatula to ensure delicate mixing without breaking down the cheese’s texture.

Step 3: Enhance Mediterranean Flavors

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad.

Sprinkle authentic Greek seasoning blend generously.

The herbs will infuse a tangy and aromatic profile to the dish.

Step 4: Add Briny Accents

Scatter kalamata olives throughout the salad.

These dark, rich olives will provide a salty Mediterranean touch that complements the creamy cottage cheese.

Step 5: Finish with Herbal Freshness

Scatter fresh dill or basil leaves on top of the salad.

The herbs will add a bright, clean flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Present the salad immediately.

Pair with crusty bread, pita chips, or serve as a standalone light meal.

This refreshing Greek-inspired salad is perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.

Quick Tips for Cottage Cheese Salad Perfection

  • Pat tomatoes and cucumbers dry to prevent watery salad and maintain crisp texture.
  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for creamier result or low-fat for lighter version.
  • Let salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving to allow seasonings to blend and develop deeper taste.
  • Swap dill or basil with fresh oregano or parsley for authentic Greek flavor variation.
  • Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature to maximize ingredient flavors and textures.

Flavor Swaps for Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

  • Mediterranean Vegan Delight: Replace cottage cheese with silken tofu or almond-based cheese for a plant-based protein option that maintains the creamy texture and Mediterranean flavors.
  • Low-Carb Greek Bowl: Swap bread or crackers with crisp lettuce leaves or cucumber rounds as a light, refreshing base for serving the salad, reducing carbohydrate intake.
  • Protein-Packed Greek Salad: Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas to increase protein content and transform the dish into a more substantial meal.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different fresh herbs like mint, oregano, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic Greek salad essence.

Serving Suggestions for Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the salad as a centerpiece surrounded by warm pita bread, hummus, and kalamata olives for a stunning Greek-inspired spread.
  • Protein-Packed Lunch Bowl: Layer the cottage cheese salad over mixed greens or quinoa for a nutritious and filling midday meal that keeps you energized.
  • Crisp Appetizer Bites: Serve the salad on small cucumber rounds or crisp lettuce leaves as elegant bite-sized appetizers perfect for summer gatherings or cocktail parties.
  • Summer Picnic Companion: Pack the salad in a portable container with whole grain crackers for a refreshing and light outdoor dining experience that captures Mediterranean flavors.

Greek Cottage Cheese Salad Storage

  • Store leftover salad in a sealed container for up to 2-3 days, keeping it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Before storing, gently remove any accumulated liquid to prevent soggy vegetables and preserve the salad's crisp texture.
  • Warm the salad briefly on low power for 20-30 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of cottage cheese.
  • Enjoy straight from the refrigerator as a cold dish, which helps preserve the original texture and flavor of fresh ingredients.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Greek Cottage Cheese Salad?

The main ingredients are cottage cheese, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, olives, and optional red onion, seasoned with Greek seasoning and olive oil.

  • Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious dish packed with protein from cottage cheese, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a balanced and light meal.

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of vegetables.

  • How can I customize this salad?

You can add feta cheese for extra flavor, include fresh herbs like dill or basil, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

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Greek Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

Greek Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Greek cottage cheese salad blends Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures. Fresh ingredients and zesty herbs create a light, refreshing dish packed with protein and classic Greek elements.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cottage cheese
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/4 (60 milliliters) English cucumber, diced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) black olives

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) greek seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • Fresh dill and/or basil
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) diced red onion (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the creamy cottage cheese with diced tomatoes, crisp cucumber, vibrant red pepper, briny olives, and optional piquant red onion.
  2. Delicately fold the components together, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients without crushing the delicate textures.
  3. Enhance the salad’s flavor profile by drizzling premium extra virgin olive oil and sprinkling authentic Greek seasoning, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  4. Crown the salad with freshly chopped dill or aromatic basil leaves, creating a visually appealing and fragrant garnish.
  5. Present the salad immediately while ingredients remain crisp and vibrant, accompanied by rustic bread or crisp crackers for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.

Notes

  • Swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative like tofu crumbles to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Chill ingredients beforehand for a refreshing summer salad that’s crisp and cool.
  • Let the salad sit for 10 minutes after seasoning to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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