Welcome to the simplest, most refreshing meal in your recipe arsenal. This Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese bowl is a game-changer for anyone seeking a high-protein, low-effort lunch or snack. It’s packed with fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy cottage cheese for a satisfying dish that comes together in minutes. Forget complicated meal prep; this is your new go-to for a healthy and delicious bite.
Whether you need a quick post-workout refuel or a light dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and nutrition without the fuss. We’re elevating a simple classic into a truly crave-worthy meal.
Why This Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese Recipe Works
You’ll fall in love with the simplicity and versatility of this dish. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory. The juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers are a classic pairing, but when combined with the protein-rich cottage cheese, it becomes a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor.
- Incredibly Fast: This entire meal is ready in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for busy days when you need something nutritious without spending time in the kitchen.
- High in Protein: Cottage cheese is the star here, providing a substantial protein boost that keeps you full and satisfied for hours.
- Endlessly Customizable: Think of this recipe as your canvas. You can add fresh herbs, different seasonings, or even a handful of chickpeas to make it your own. For another great customizable meal, check out this Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl.
- No Cooking Required: It’s the perfect recipe for warm weather when you don’t want to turn on the stove. Everything is fresh, crisp, and cool.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its short and accessible ingredient list. You likely have most of these items on hand.
For the Salad
- Cottage Cheese: Full-fat or 2% cottage cheese offers the best flavor and creamy texture.
- English Cucumber: These have a thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them perfect for this salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: They are sweet, juicy, and the perfect bite-size.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, savory bite that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese.
For the Simple Vinaigrette
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Fresh Dill: Its slightly tangy, fresh flavor is a classic pairing with cucumber and dairy.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, to enhance all the flavors.
If you’re a fan of fresh and simple salads, you might also love our Cucumber Mozzarella Salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese bowl couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and drying your produce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the English cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, halved tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and sliced red onion.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the vinaigrette over the cottage cheese and vegetable mixture. Stir gently until everything is well-coated. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Salad
A few simple tricks can take this easy recipe from good to great.
- Choose Quality Cottage Cheese: The texture and flavor of your cottage cheese make a huge difference. Look for a brand with a good consistency that you enjoy on its own.
- Dice Vegetables Uniformly: For the best eating experience, try to chop the cucumber and tomatoes into similar-sized pieces.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep the cottage cheese from becoming watery and to maintain the texture of the vegetables.
Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, avocado, or celery would all be fantastic additions. For a different take on a veggie-packed dish, try our Baked Chicken and Zucchini.
- Boost the Protein: Stir in some chickpeas, grilled chicken, or a hard-boiled egg to make it even more filling.
- Switch up the Herbs: Not a fan of dill? Fresh parsley, chives, or basil would also be delicious.
- Add Some Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
How to Store and Meal Prep This Recipe
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers can release water over time. However, you can easily prep the components ahead of time for a quick assembly.
- For Meal Prep: Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Mix the vinaigrette and store it in a separate small container. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the prepped veggies with the cottage cheese and drizzle with the dressing.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s best fresh, you can prep the components in advance. Chop the vegetables and mix the dressing, storing them separately in the fridge. Combine with the cottage cheese right before you’re ready to eat to prevent it from becoming watery.
To enhance the flavor of cottage cheese, mix it with fresh herbs like dill or chives, a drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and seasonings like salt, pepper, or garlic powder. Adding fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers also adds great flavor and texture.
Yes, it’s a very healthy combination. Cottage cheese is high in protein, tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories. It makes for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
You can add a variety of ingredients! Try other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado, protein sources like chickpeas or grilled chicken, or healthy fats like sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
For the creamiest texture and richest flavor, we recommend using a full-fat (4%) or 2% milkfat cottage cheese. However, any type will work, so feel free to use your favorite.
The Easiest Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese Recipe
Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad (Quick & Healthy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing and drying your produce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the English cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, halved tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and sliced red onion.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the cottage cheese and vegetable mixture. Stir gently until everything is well-coated. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
Tip 2: Serve with whole-grain crackers or toast for a more substantial meal.
Tip 3: Avocado is a great addition for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Share Your Creation!
We know you’ll love this simple and delicious Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese salad. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! We’d also love for you to share your creations on Pinterest.
