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I've fallen in love with this protein-packed Mediterranean cottage cheese combo. It's now a go-to in my kitchen for fast, filling meals. The smooth cottage cheese works wonderfully with crisp veggies, making a tasty dish you can throw together in just minutes. What began as my play on Greek flavors has turned into something I make almost every week now.
Getting this salad just right comes down to grabbing those firm English cucumbers and taking time to drain your cottage cheese - these little steps really bump up the overall mouthfeel and flavor.
Core Components
- Cottage Cheese: Go for full-fat for extra creaminess, drained well for better texture
- Cherry Tomatoes: Pick juicy ones and cut them in half to release their sweetness
- English Cucumber: Brings that needed snap with fewer seeds to deal with
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and slight sweetness
- Kalamata Olives: Brings that authentic Mediterranean touch
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Don't skimp here, get the good stuff
- Mediterranean Herb Blend: Pulls everything together nicely
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Cooking Steps
- Get Your Base Ready
- Let cottage cheese sit in a strainer while you work on the other stuff.
- Handle Your Veggies
- Slice tomatoes down the middle, chop cucumber into even bits, cut peppers into thin strips. Try to keep everything roughly the same size.
- Put It All Together
- Start with cottage cheese on the bottom, then pile your prepped veggies on top.
Make It Your Own
- Throw in some garbanzo beans for more staying power
- Toss in diced avocado for a creamy twist
- Sprinkle with toasted seeds for extra crunch
- Add more cucumber if you want it super fresh
Keeping It Fresh
- Keep everything apart until you're ready to eat
- Pop cut veggies in airtight containers
- Try to finish within 2-3 days
- Add your oil and spices right before eating
Perfect Times To Serve
- Lunch breaks
- Post-workout snacks
- Hot weather dinners
- Packed lunches
Quick Fixes
- Tastes bland? Add more spices or squeeze some lemon
- Too watery? Drain your cheese longer next time
- Still hungry? Mix in some beans or quinoa
- Want it creamier? Stick with whole milk cottage cheese
Getting Ahead
Chop all your veggies on Sunday to make throwing this together on busy days super quick. Keep everything in separate containers so it stays fresh until you need it.
Final Thoughts
This easy salad shows how basic ingredients can come together for a tasty, healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for staying on track with good eating when life gets crazy.
Good ingredients and a little know-how are all you need for great results every time. Think of this as your starting point for countless tasty variations.
The beauty is in how flexible it is - swap things based on what you've got or what you like, but stick to the basic idea and you'll always end up with something good.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- You'll get the best results eating it fresh, but you can prep the vegetables earlier and combine everything when you're ready to eat.
- → What's in Greek seasoning?
- It typically contains oregano, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and various Mediterranean herbs and spices.
- → Can I swap in other veggies?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer that complement the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- → Which cottage cheese is best?
- Any type works fine, but if you want the richest flavor and texture, go with the full-fat version.
- → How do I make this more filling?
- Serve it alongside some crusty bread or crackers to add some carbs and make it a complete meal.