Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

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Vibrant, crisp, and full of Mediterranean charm, this Greek Cottage Cheese Salad brings a delightful twist to your traditional Greek salad. With the creamy tang of cottage cheese replacing the usual feta, this dish balances richness with refreshing crunch for the ultimate summer side or light lunch.

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It’s colorful, loaded with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of herbs. The creamy cottage cheese melts beautifully into the olive oil and lemon dressing, giving each bite a smooth finish without overpowering the classic Greek flavors.


What Kind of Cottage Cheese Should I Use?

For the creamiest, most satisfying texture, go with small curd full-fat cottage cheese. It adds body and subtle creaminess without being watery. If you prefer a lighter version, low-fat works too, but avoid non-fat as it can lack flavor and richness.


Ingredients for the Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they add the bright pop of flavor this salad needs.

Cucumbers – Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers bring a hydrating crunch that balances the richness of the cheese.

Red Onion – Just enough bite and color to punch up the flavor without overpowering.

Kalamata Olives – Briny, savory, and a quintessential part of any Greek salad.

Yellow Bell Peppers – Mildly sweet and vibrant, they provide crunch and eye-catching color.

Cottage Cheese – A smooth, protein-rich alternative to feta that melds with the dressing.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – For that classic Mediterranean base to bind everything together.

Lemon Juice – Brightens the salad with a citrusy zing.

Dried Oregano – Traditional Greek flavor that enhances every component.

Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and vibrant green contrast.

Salt & Black Pepper – To taste and to bring all the flavors forward.


How To Make the Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Step 1: Chop the Veggies

Slice cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber, finely chop red onion, and dice yellow bell peppers. Keep everything roughly the same size for uniform bites.

Step 2: Add Olives and Herbs

Toss in whole kalamata olives (or halved if preferred), sprinkle dried oregano, and freshly chopped parsley over the vegetables.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 4: Add Cottage Cheese

Gently fold in the cottage cheese so it doesn’t break down too much. You want creamy pockets throughout the salad.

Step 5: Combine and Chill

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is lightly coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.


How to Serve and Store This Salad

This Greek Cottage Cheese Salad is best served chilled, making it perfect for warm days or as a side for grilled dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again, as the dressing may settle.


What to Serve With Greek Cottage Cheese Salad?

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

The smoky flavors of grilled souvlaki perfectly complement the freshness of this salad.

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Pair it with these Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes for a heartier side.

Fluffy Pita Bread

Serve warm pita for scooping up every creamy, juicy bite.

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Add a warm, nourishing element to the meal.

Baked Falafel

Crispy and spiced, falafel adds texture and a satisfying crunch.


Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Greek Cottage Cheese Salad, check out these other creative salad dishes:


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Tried it with a twist? Maybe some crumbled feta or added chickpeas? I’d love to hear your take—share your tips in the comments below.

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Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Greek Cottage Cheese Salad


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’re craving something refreshing, colorful, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this Greek Cottage Cheese Salad is it! It swaps the usual feta for creamy cottage cheese, giving you a protein-packed, light and tangy dish that’s great as a side or even as a main. It’s quick to prepare and makes a perfect healthy snack, light lunch, or a stunning addition to your dinner spread. Packed with crisp veggies, zesty lemon, and smooth cottage cheese, this is one of those easy recipes that instantly becomes a go-to in your rotation of food ideas. Perfect for anyone searching for a quick lunch, healthy salad, or vibrant summer recipe.


Ingredients

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumbers, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced

1/3 cup kalamata olives, whole or halved

1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, full-fat)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Slice cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and bell peppers into uniform bite-sized pieces.

2. Add vegetables to a large bowl along with kalamata olives, parsley, and oregano.

3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Gently fold in cottage cheese to the bowl of vegetables.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is lightly coated.

6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer texture and better creaminess.

Letting the salad chill before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cottage cheese salad, Greek salad, summer salad, healthy snack, quick lunch

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