Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad

This quick and refreshing cottage cheese salad is not only delicious with its mix of crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crisp red peppers, but an energizing meal packed with protein and fiber when you don’t feel like turning on the oven! Pair it with a slice of sourdough bread or your favorite crackers for a balanced meal in 5 minutes flat!

As a dietitian and busy mom I’m always looking for quick and easy meals to add to the repertoire. This savory cottage cheese recipe has been a go to for me, particularly on days when I don’t have any leftovers for lunch and need something balanced that will keep me full and energized. 

Cottage cheese is the star of the show here for an instant protein (at nearly 30 grams per cup!) I’m a big texture gal, so I love how the veggies balance this one out with crisp texture while adding a ton of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K! 

Looking for more quick and delicious salad inspo? Be sure to check out these favorites: 10 Minute Crunchy Kale and Pomegranate Salad, Nutritious Crunchy Kale Caesar Salad & Dressing, and Blood Orange & Roasted Beet Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing for more refreshing options!

What You Need For Cottage Cheese Salad

Cottage Cheese: I’ve used cottage cheese in place of traditional feta in this recipe for that extra protein boost. You can still add feta if you like, but you’ll still get that saltiness from the cottage cheese!

Cherry Tomatoes: These are a necessity in any Greek style salad. They add a bright, juicy and slightly sweet flavor, and of course that gorgeous color!

English Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy cottage cheese.

Red Peppers: These bring a sweet, mild flavor and a crisp texture that enhances the overall freshness of the salad.

Black Olives: Full of heart-healthy fats, olives contribute a rich, briny depth to the salad.

Greek Seasoning: One of my favorite spice combos, I love that all the mixing is done for you and really adds to the overall flavor of the salad

Olive Oil: Drizzled over the top, it enhances the salad with a smooth, rich finish, plus an extra dose of nourishing and satiating fats.

Fresh Dill or Basil: A final touch of fresh herbs brightens the entire dish, adding layers of flavor and aroma.

How To Make Cottage Cheese Salad

Mistakes and Fixes

Too Bland: If the salad lacks a punch, sprinkle a bit more Greek seasoning, or a pinch more salt or freshly ground black pepper. You can also up the fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor. 

Too watery: if the salad seems too watery, feel free to drain out some of the liquid of the cottage cheese.

Nutritional Benefits (Nutrition by Addition)

This recipe is a perfect example of nutrition by addition – an intuitive eating principle that looks at what you can add to your plate instead of what you should cut out.

This recipe includes the addition of cottage cheese for that instant protein boost (if you’re just dipping your toes into the cottage cheese world you HAVE to try this French Onion Cottage Cheese Dip! It will convert you!) 

My clients love learning about this nutrition philosophy in my Make Food Feel Good Program but I always share this important caveat— while I love the opportunity to give a nutritional boost where it fits, not every meal needs to be perfectly balanced! 

Add when it feels good, but remove the pressure when it doesn’t, or when you just feel like that plain ol’ pasta dish just as it is. The key is, these additions shouldn’t impact your satisfaction or enjoyment! 

Cottage Cheese: This key ingredient offers a substantial amount of protein, with about 28 grams per cup. Along with supporting muscle growth and repair, protein helps us feel full longer and helps keep stable blood sugars. It also contains calcium, important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Cherry Tomatoes: tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C boosts immune function and supports skin health, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers provide a refreshing element and contribute vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and maintaining bone health. They also help with hydration due to their high water content.

Red Peppers: Packed with vitamins A and C, red peppers support immune function and skin health. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals.

Black Olives: These add a distinctive flavor and contain monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health by helping to manage cholesterol levels. They also provide vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports skin health.

Recipe, Kitchen, & Time Saving Hacks

Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble your salad whenever you need it without any fuss.

Batch Prep: Make a larger batch of the salad and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go meal or snack throughout the week.

If you make this Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad, it would make my day if you would leave a comment and/or star rating below— I love hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot.rd so I can see your versions! It makes me so happy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens! Xo