Zesty Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese Recipe for Summer

Fresh summer vibes dance through this simple tomato & cucumber cottage cheese recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Cool, crisp vegetables mingle beautifully with creamy cottage cheese for a delightful bite.

Each spoonful delivers a refreshing burst of flavor and nutrition.

The combination of juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers creates a perfect harmony of textures.

Herbs sprinkled on top add an aromatic dimension that elevates the entire dish.

Packed with protein and low in calories, this recipe offers a quick and healthy option for lunch or a light snack.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients come together to create something truly delicious.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Instructions for Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Vegetables

Wash cucumber and tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry with clean kitchen towel.

Dice cucumber into small, uniform cubes. Halve cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine Dairy Base

Scoop cottage cheese into a medium mixing bowl. The creamy texture will provide a smooth foundation for your salad.

Step 3: Add Vegetable Medley

Gently fold diced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes into cottage cheese. Ensure even distribution of vegetables throughout the dairy base.

Step 4: Enhance With Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice

• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Garnish With Aromatic Herbs

Chop fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Scatter herbs over the top of the dish for vibrant color and bright flavor profile.

Step 6: Blend and Chill

Softly mix all ingredients until well incorporated. For maximum flavor development, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to serving bowl. Enjoy as a refreshing side dish, light lunch, or quick appetizer.

Tips for Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese

• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for maximum flavor and texture.
• Drain cottage cheese briefly to reduce excess liquid and prevent watery salad.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or chives for unique taste profiles.
• Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator helps ingredients blend and intensify their taste.
• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this light dish into a more substantial meal.

Variation Ideas for Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese

• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace parsley or basil with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Bowl: Mix in canned tuna or shredded chicken for a more substantial protein-packed meal.
• Vegan Veggie Swap: Use plant-based cottage cheese alternative and add diced avocado for creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dash of cumin for a zesty kick.

Pairing Suggestions for Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this light, summery dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the fresh cucumber and tangy cottage cheese perfectly.
• Crunch with Whole Grain Crackers: Serve alongside crispy whole wheat or multigrain crackers to add textural contrast and provide a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy cottage cheese.
• Elevate with Mediterranean Mezze: Transform this simple recipe into a Mediterranean-style appetizer by surrounding it with olives, hummus, and warm pita bread, creating a vibrant and fresh small plate experience.
• Cool Down with Herbal Iced Tea: Accompany the dish with a chilled mint or lemon verbena iced tea to enhance the recipe's refreshing qualities and provide a light, hydrating beverage.

Storage Advice for Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep the cottage cheese salad chilled at the back of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before storing, gently pat the cucumber and tomatoes with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. This prevents the salad from becoming watery during storage.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cottage cheese and fresh vegetables will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.
• When ready to eat, stir the salad and add a splash of fresh lemon juice or olive oil to revive the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

FAQs

• What type of cottage cheese works best for this recipe?

Full-fat or whole milk cottage cheese provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but low-fat options also work well if you prefer a lighter dish.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can chop the vegetables and mix ingredients up to 2-3 hours before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and stir gently before serving to maintain the fresh texture.

• How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?

Drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese and pat cucumber and tomatoes dry with paper towels to reduce moisture. This helps maintain the dish’s consistency and prevents it from becoming too runny.

Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese Highlights

• Transform Tough Meat: The constant breaking of ground beef creates an incredibly smooth, fine texture that eliminates chunky bits, perfect for classic hot dog chili.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method allows you to walk away and let the appliance do the heavy lifting, blending flavors without constant monitoring.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This chili works wonderfully on hot dogs, french fries, and burgers, making it a flexible recipe for casual gatherings, game days, or family meals.
• Simple Ingredient Harmony: Using common pantry staples like ketchup, mustard, and spices ensures you can whip up this recipe without a special grocery run, keeping preparation stress-free.

Ingredients for Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese

• Cottage Cheese: A creamy, protein-rich dairy product that serves as the base for this light and refreshing dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy small tomatoes that add vibrant color and fresh flavor to the recipe.
• Cucumber: A crisp and cool vegetable that provides a refreshing crunch and light texture.

• Olive Oil: A smooth, heart-healthy oil that adds richness and helps blend the flavors together.
• Lemon Juice: A bright, tangy liquid that enhances the overall taste and adds a zesty dimension.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that introduce an aromatic and vibrant green element to the dish, elevating its overall taste and presentation.

Tomato & Cucumber Cottage Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cottage cheese meets fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers in this quick Mediterranean-inspired salad. Summer’s bounty blends perfectly with tangy cheese, creating a light, refreshing dish you’ll crave all season long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup cucumber

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dice cucumber and halve cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces for uniform texture and easier eating.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, gently fold cottage cheese with prepared cucumber and tomato pieces to prevent crushing delicate ingredients.
3. Create a light vinaigrette by whisking olive oil and fresh lemon juice together, ensuring smooth integration of dressing components.
4. Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, carefully distributing spices for balanced flavor profile.
5. Chop fresh parsley or basil leaves finely to release aromatic oils and enhance overall herbal notes.
6. Incorporate herb garnish into the cottage cheese blend, using soft folding motions to maintain ingredient integrity.
7. For optimal taste development, refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and chill.
8. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light summer appetizer, enjoying the crisp vegetable textures and creamy cheese base.

Notes

• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat alternative that keeps the creamy texture.
• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the dish.
• Try different herbs like dill or chives to create unique flavor profiles that complement the fresh vegetables.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to maintain crisp vegetable texture and create a refreshing summer salad experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg