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When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, a Greek salad is a staple that can’t be missed. These Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowls take the classic flavours of a Greek salad and combine them into a high-protein, nutrient-rich meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and a whole lot of flavour, this no-cook dish is ideal for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Why Choose Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a high-protein diet. One cup of cottage cheese contains approximately 25 grams of protein and is also a great source of calcium. It’s perfect for everything from Savory bowls to baking and even as a topping for eggs.
Credit: Downshiftology
Ingredients for Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowls
For the Bowl:
Cottage Cheese: I recommend Good Culture’s 2% cottage cheese, but any brand will work.
Fresh Dill: Chop a tablespoon of fresh dill.
Vegetables: Use cherry tomatoes, yellow or orange bell pepper, and mini cucumbers.
Kalamata Olives: Chop pitted Kalamata olives for a briny kick.
Feta Cheese: Crumble some feta cheese on top.
Olive Oil: Drizzle with olive oil for extra flavour, if desired.
Seasoning: Salt and Pepper to taste
How to Make Greek Cottage Cheese Bowls
Prepare the Cottage Cheese: In a small bowl, mix the cottage cheese with half of the chopped dill.
Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mini cucumbers.
Assemble the Bowl: In a serving bowl, add the cottage cheese mixture. Top with the chopped vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle chopped olives, crumbled feta cheese, and the remaining dill over the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
How to Meal Prep Greek Cottage Cheese Bowls
These bowls are perfect for meal prep. You can chop the bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives up to three days in advance. Store them in one container and the cottage cheese and dill in another. Wait to chop your tomatoes until just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
Variations and Add-Ins
Not a fan of cottage cheese? If you don’t like the texture, you can puree the cottage cheese until smooth or substitute it with Greek yogurt.
Tomato Alternatives: Swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes, or use a vine-ripened tomato, seeded and diced.
Different Cucumbers: Substitute mini cucumbers with English cucumbers. If you use a regular cucumber, peel and seed it before dicing.
Additional Vegetables: Add shallots, green onions, radishes, or beets for extra flavour and nutrition.
Nuts: Top with pine nuts, almonds, or pistachios for added crunch.
Seasoning Options: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, onion powder, or garlic powder.
Extra Briny Flavour: Add capers or artichoke hearts.
Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or mint make excellent additions.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with pita bread or chips for dipping
Cottage Cheese vs. Greek Yogurt
Both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are nutritious dairy products, but they have some differences:
Protein Content: Greek yogurt generally has slightly higher protein content than cottage cheese. The straining process of Greek yogurt concentrates its protein.
Carbohydrate Content: Greek yogurt tends to have a slightly higher carbohydrate content due to natural sugars (lactose) in milk.
Calcium Content: Greek yogurt usually has more calcium than cottage cheese.
Texture and Taste: Greek yogurt is thick and creamy with a tangy taste, while cottage cheese is curd-like and mild. If texture is an issue, you can whip the cottage cheese until smooth.
Whether you’re following a high-protein diet or simply looking for a delicious, no-cook meal option, these Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowls are a perfect choice. Enjoy the refreshing flavours and the nutritional benefits this simple yet satisfying dish offers.