Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad

Cool, refreshing, and packed with protein, this Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad is the perfect light dish for summer. With crunchy cucumbers, creamy cottage cheese, and a hint of herbs and seasoning, it comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb lunch, a healthy side, or a quick snack, this salad is satisfying, hydrating, and incredibly easy to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light & Healthy – Low in carbs, high in protein, and full of nutrients.
Quick to Prepare – Takes just 10 minutes with no cooking required.
Cooling & Refreshing – Perfect for hot days and hydrating meals.
Versatile – Great as a side, lunch, or base for a bigger salad.
Customizable – Easily tweak it to fit your flavor preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:
1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or ½ tsp dried dill)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
1 tsp olive oil (optional for extra richness)

Optional Add-ins:
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
¼ avocado, diced
1 tbsp chopped chives
Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)

Tools You’ll Need
Cutting board and knife
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the cucumber.
Slice into rounds or dice into small cubes, based on your texture preference.
Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh herbs.

Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the chopped cucumber, red onion, dill, and parsley to the cottage cheese mixture.
Drizzle with olive oil if using, and stir gently to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Chill or Serve
You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Garnish with additional herbs or red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad
Use English Cucumbers – They have thin skin and fewer seeds, perfect for raw salads.
Let It Chill – A short rest in the fridge enhances flavor.
Season Generously – Salt helps bring out the best in the cucumbers.
Drain Cottage Cheese – If it’s too watery, gently drain for a thicker texture.
Go Fresh – Fresh herbs really lift the flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Light Lunch – Serve with a slice of zero-carb bread or lettuce wraps.
Side Dish – Pairs well with grilled meats, especially chicken or fish.
Appetizer – Scoop into small cups for a healthy party starter.
Topping – Use it over toast or crackers for a quick snack.
Wrap Filling – Spoon into tortillas or lettuce leaves for a refreshing wrap.

How to Store & Reuse

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Best enjoyed fresh due to the cucumbers releasing water over time.

Reusing:
Refresh: Stir before serving and drain excess liquid if needed.
Add Protein: Toss in shredded chicken or canned tuna for a hearty meal.
Make It a Dip: Use as a dip for veggie sticks or pita wedges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
   Yes, but full-fat offers a creamier texture and more flavor.
2. What cucumbers work best?
   English or Persian cucumbers are best for their mild taste and thin skin.
3. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
   Absolutely! It’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.
4. Can I make it vegan?
   You’d need a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute, which some brands offer.

Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad is a no-fuss, nourishing dish that fits into almost any eating plan. It’s simple, customizable, and refreshingly tasty. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just want a quick healthy bite, this salad checks all the boxes. Creamy, crunchy, and herby—it’s everything you want in a summer salad.

Give it a try and share your version in the comments! I’d love to see how you made it your own.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 350mg

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