6 Best Cottage Cheese Salad Recipes in 2024: Yum!

Cottage cheese is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that is packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for supporting muscle repair and boosting immune function. With its mild flavor and creamy texture, it pairs well with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, making it a staple in many healthy salads.

You can enjoy cottage cheese as a low-fat option, which makes it ideal for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing nutrition. It offers a balanced mix of macronutrients that can help keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.

In addition to its protein content, cottage cheese is rich in calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining bone strength and density. Try some of these easy recipes and transform your salads with cottage cheese.  

1. Quick Cottage Cheese Salad 

Ingredients 📃

• 2 cups cottage cheese

• ½ cucumber

• ½ cup of corn

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• ½ small red onion, finely diced

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• Fresh herbs to serve (parsley, chives, dill)

• Seasoning

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Add cottage cheese and vinegar to a large bowl, then mix well until fully combined.

2. Slice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and add them to the cottage cheese with the diced red onion.

3. Add seasoning to taste, and toss the salad to combine.

Overview

The Quick Cottage Cheese Salad is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy lunch. It requires minimal preparation and combines fresh, crunchy vegetables with creamy cottage cheese and a tangy vinegar dressing. 

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, which helps keep you full and energized throughout the day. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill adds a burst of flavor, making it a delicious way to stay on track with healthy eating.

Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty veggie burger. It also stands well on its own or can be transformed into a tasty dip with chips or crusty bread for a casual snack or appetizer.

2. Hearty Cottage Cheese Salad

Ingredients 📃

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 can mixed beans

• 1 large tomato

• ½ cucumber

• ½ bell pepper

• ½ avocado

• ¼ red onion

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• Seasoning

• Optional seeds for serving (sunflower, pumpkin)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Chop the tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, and onion and add to a bowl. 

2. Add the can of mixed beans and cottage cheese, and mix to combine.

3. Drizzle on the lime juice, and add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Garnish with seeds to serve.

Overview

This easy recipe is a versatile and customizable dish that can suit any taste. While it calls for a can of mixed beans, you can easily swap them out for your favorites, such as black beans or chickpeas. This flexibility allows you to tailor the salad to your preferences while still providing plenty of fiber and plant-based protein.

This salad is an excellent choice for picnics or for sharing with friends. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant colors make it visually appealing, while the combination of cottage cheese, beans, and vegetables keeps it filling and nutritious. It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it convenient for outdoor gatherings or potluck-style meals.

For added texture and flavor, try roasting chickpeas instead of using canned mixed beans. This brings a delightful crunch that pairs well with the creamy cottage cheese and fresh veggies. Toss them in your favorite spices before roasting for an extra burst of flavor, and sprinkle them over the salad just before serving.

3. Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Salad 

Ingredients 📃

• 10 oz cottage cheese

• 2 cups shredded lettuce

• 2 tbsp olives, diced

• ½ bell pepper

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes

• ¼ red onion

• 1 tbsp capers

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Small bunch basil

• Seasoning

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Finely chop the bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and onion and add to a medium bowl.  

2. Sprinkle on the capers, drizzle on the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and stir to combine.

3. Place the shredded lettuce in a serving bowl, add the cottage cheese, then pour on the veggie mix.

4. Tear the basil and use it to top your salad along with seasoning to taste.

Overview

Adding grilled chicken makes it more substantial and adds lean protein, making it perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, crisp lettuce, and a tangy mix of olives, capers, and balsamic vinegar creates a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

This salad is also great for meal prep, with a simple adjustment. To keep the ingredients fresh and crisp, prepare the salad components ahead of time but hold off on adding the balsamic vinegar and olive oil until just before serving. 

For a different flavor profile, consider swapping cottage cheese for feta or ricotta. Feta brings a salty, tangy kick that complements the Mediterranean flavors, while ricotta adds a milder, creamier touch.

4. Fruity Cottage Cheese Salad

Ingredients 📃

• 2 cups cottage cheese

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 cup strawberries

• Sprig of mint leaves (8-10 leaves)

• ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp honey

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Seasoning 

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Combine balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a touch of honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing and set aside.

2. Add cottage cheese, baby spinach, and chopped strawberries to a dish.

3. Roughly tear the mint leaves and add to the dish with the walnuts.

4. Pour over the dressing and toss the salad to combine before serving.

Overview

This recipe is a fantastic low-carb, high-protein snack or a unique dessert option. With cottage cheese as the base, it provides a good dose of protein while keeping the carbs in check. Combined with baby spinach, fresh strawberries, and a light balsamic dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying.

While strawberries work wonderfully, you can also try adding fruits like nectarines, plums, or peaches. These fruits add a juicy sweetness without overpowering the dish. However, it's best to avoid bananas as they tend to get mushy and may not blend as well with the other ingredients.

It’s a great option for those who want a fruity dish without causing a blood sugar spike. Unlike traditional fruit salads that may be high in sugar, this recipe combines fruit with protein-rich cottage cheese and healthy fats from walnuts, which helps balance blood sugar levels.

5. Cottage Cheese & Apple Salad

Ingredients 📃

• 1 apple

• 5 oz baby spinach

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• ½ oz sliced almonds

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Seasoning

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

2. Core and slice the apple into small bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large bowl or on a serving plate, layer the baby spinach, cottage cheese, diced apple, and sliced almonds.

4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.

5. Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients and serve immediately.

Overview

Cottage cheese can be a great way to add protein to a simple salad. Salads are among the best ways to get fresh, leafy greens in your diet. This versatile recipe calls for a base of spinach greens. Apples and almonds add crunch and additional nutrients, while the cottage cheese is the main source of protein.

The homemade balsamic vinaigrette works well with a wide variety of salad styles, so it’s a great recipe to keep on hand. If you’re keen to save as much time in the kitchen as possible, however, you can easily use your favorite store bought vinaigrette or salad dressing (just be aware that this will alter the nutritional content of the dish).

My favorite thing about this formula is that it can be adjusted to suit the ingredients that are most accessible to you. If you don’t have an apple, you can replace it with a sliced pear or orange wedges. If walnuts are cheaper than almonds, swap them in to save some cash.

6. Za’atar-Spiced Cottage Cheese Salad

Ingredients 📃

• 2 cups cottage cheese

• 2 medium tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• ½ cup dried apricots

• ⅓ cup chopped pistachios

• 2 stalks of green onion

• ½ cup olives

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, chop the dried apricots, slice the green onions, and chop the olives.

2. In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, chopped apricots, pistachios, green onion, and olives.

3. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture.

4. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Overview

This recipe is perfect to serve immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or refreshing appetizer. With its combination of fresh vegetables, creamy cottage cheese, and crunchy pistachios, it makes for a satisfying yet light meal. It’s also versatile, fitting in well at a picnic, barbecue, or as a quick, healthy snack.

This salad is full of Middle-Eastern flavors, combining fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and olives with the sweetness of dried apricots. The creamy cottage cheese balances the tangy notes, while pistachios add crunch and green onions add a mild, zesty touch.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding a spoonful of harissa paste gives the salad an extra kick. Harissa's blend of chili peppers, garlic, and spices adds depth and warmth to the dish, complementing the other Mediterranean flavors. 

FAQ

What pairs well with cottage cheese?

Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs pair well with cottage cheese. You can add berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, or olives for freshness and crunch. Nuts and seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds add texture, while herbs like chives or basil enhance flavor.

What is healthy to eat with cottage cheese?

Pair cottage cheese with whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables for a balanced meal. Try it with quinoa, leafy greens, or sliced apples. These combinations provide fiber, vitamins, and protein, making a nutritious and filling option.

Is cottage cheese good for weight loss?

Yes, cottage cheese is good for weight loss. It is low in calories and high in protein, which can help you feel full longer. Including cottage cheese in your diet can support muscle maintenance while reducing overall calorie intake.

Is cottage cheese good for your gut?

Yes, cottage cheese can be good for your gut, especially if it contains live and active cultures. These probiotics help promote healthy digestion. Additionally, cottage cheese is easier to digest for some people compared to other dairy products.