Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad

Looking for something light, refreshing, and super easy to whip up? This Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad is exactly what you need! Crisp cucumbers, cool cottage cheese, and a few simple seasonings come together to make a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side salad, or even a snack. Trust me, it’s a game-changer when it comes to easy, healthy, and delicious meals.

Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad

There are so many reasons this salad will be your new go-to, but let me break it down for you:

Refreshing and Light

This salad has all the freshness you crave—cool, crunchy cucumbers with creamy cottage cheese that’s lightly seasoned. It’s perfect for those warm days when you want something light but still filling.

High in Protein

The cottage cheese provides a healthy boost of protein, making this salad not just refreshing, but also satisfying enough to keep you full and energized.

Quick and Easy

With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can make this salad in no time. It’s a super-fast dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor!

Customizable

You can tweak this salad to your liking! Add in some herbs or swap the cucumber for something else, like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, to keep things interesting.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this refreshing salad:

For the Salad:

• Cucumbers: Fresh and crunchy, cucumbers are the perfect base for this salad.
• Cottage Cheese: The creamy goodness that adds protein and richness to the dish.
• Red Onion: For a bit of bite and tangy flavor.
• Fresh Dill: This herb adds a bright, herby flavor that pairs so well with the cucumber.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil gives the salad a smooth, light dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy zing that brings everything together.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste—just enough to season the salad and make all the flavors pop.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this simple, yet flavorful salad together:

Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the Cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers if you prefer, or leave the skin on for extra crunch. Slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
2. Chop the Onion: Slice the red onion thinly so it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad.
3. Chop Fresh Dill: Finely chop fresh dill to add a burst of flavor to the mix.

Assemble the Salad

4. Combine in a Bowl: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill.

Make the Dressing

5. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Combine the Salad and Dressing

6. Add the Cottage Cheese: Spoon the cottage cheese on top of the cucumber mixture, then drizzle the dressing over it all. Gently toss everything together, making sure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Serve and Enjoy

7. Serve: Once mixed, it’s ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 150-180
Protein per serving: 14-16g
Fat per serving: 9-10g
Carbs per serving: 8-10g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad

This salad can be a perfect standalone dish, but you can pair it with other meals for a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like chicken, steak, or fish. It’s a refreshing side that will balance out heavier main dishes.

With Fresh Bread

Serve it alongside a slice of crusty, whole-grain bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

On Top of a Green Salad

Top your regular leafy green salad with a scoop of this cucumber salad to add extra flavor and creaminess.

Additional Tips

• Add More Veggies: Try adding cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use Greek Yogurt: If you prefer, swap out cottage cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangier twist and extra protein.
• Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of dill, try swapping it for parsley, cilantro, or mint.
• Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just keep the dressing separate if you want to prevent the cucumbers from getting soggy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cheese instead of cottage cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese would work as well if you’re not a fan of cottage cheese.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the salad and dressing ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Q3: How long will this salad last in the fridge?
A3: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will last about 2-3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

Q4: Can I use other vegetables?
A4: Yes! Feel free to swap in bell peppers, radishes, or even cherry tomatoes to mix things up.

Q5: Is this salad low-carb?
A5: Yes! This salad is naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for those on a low-carb diet.

Q6: Can I add protein to this salad?
A6: Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can turn this salad into a more filling meal.

Q7: How can I make this salad spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the salad for a spicy kick.

Q8: Is this salad gluten-free?
A8: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free!

Q9: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A9: Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice really adds that extra zing.

Q10: How do I store the leftover salad?
A10: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors. It’s light yet satisfying, easy to make, and can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even a main course. Whether you’re craving something healthy and refreshing or looking to add a new salad to your meal prep rotation, this one’s got you covered!

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