I recently created a homely take on Cottage Cheese And Vegetables. Creamy cottage cheese mingles with ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and velvety avocado slices. Fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil add brightness, making this salad a refreshing twist that piqued my genuine curiosity about its wholesome flavors.

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I’ve been experimenting with some lean and green salad ideas lately and this Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad really hit the spot for me. I love how the cool, creamy cottage cheese mixes with the juicy, halved cherry tomatoes and crisp diced cucumber.

Sometimes I toss in a few thin slices of red onion for that extra kick and of course, sliced avocado makes every bite richer and more satisfying. A squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of extra virgin olive oil tie everything together, bringing out the fresh flavors.

I also enjoy playing with a few different garnishes, like a sprinkle of salt, a grind of black pepper and even some basil if I’m feeling adventurous. It’s the kind of salad that makes you wonder what else can go with cottage cheese and vegetables, perfect for when you need a filling, nutritious lean and green lunch idea that’s both simple and delightful.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super easy to make and feels really fresh every time I whip it up. I dig how the creamy cottage cheese mixes with the crunch of cucumber and the sweetness of tomatoes – it gives me a cool mix of textures on my tongue. I also like how healthy it is but still super filling so it never leaves me hungry later. Plus, the zesty lemon and olive oil dressing ties everything together in a way that makes each bite pop.

Ingredients

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Cottage Cheese: Packed with protein and calcium that adds creaminess and a mild tangy flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness, they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Cucumber: Crunchy, hydrating veggie with fiber to support digestion and add refreshing texture.
Avocado: Creamy and nutrient-packed, loaded with healthy fats and vitamins for energy.
Red Onion: Gives a sharp kick and flavor contrast, heavy yet subtle when used sparingly.
Basil: Fresh basil lights up the salad with aromatic notes and a mild peppery taste.
Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity balancing flavors and enhancing overall freshness.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin type enriches the salad with healthy fats and smooth richness.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup cottage cheese

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

A handful of fresh basil, chopped (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Start by placing the cottage cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced avocado, and red onion (if you want it) in a large serving bowl.

2. Drizzle the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over the mixture.

3. Sprinkle a little salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Gently mix everything together so the avocado doesn’t turn mushy.

5. If you like basil, sprinkle in a handful of chopped fresh basil.

6. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

7. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving so the flavors blend.

8. Serve it chilled for the best refreshing taste.

9. Enjoy your nutritious and filling Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Large serving bowl to combine all ingredients
2. Cutting board to chop the tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion
3. Sharp knife for slicing and dicing the veggies
4. Measuring spoons to accurately add the lemon juice and olive oil
5. Wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together

FAQ

What can I replace cottage cheese with if I don't like it? – You can use ricotta or Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the taste and texture might change a bit.

Can I add other veggies to this salad? – Sure, go ahead and add bell peppers, spinach or even a little arugula if you want more greens.

How long does the salad stay fresh in the fridge? – It should be good for about 1 to 2 days, though the avocado might start to brown a bit quicker.

Any tips for storing leftovers? – Store the dressing separate if possible and add the avocado just before serving, this helps keep everything fresher.

Do I really need red onion? – Not at all, you can skip it if you dont like the strong taste or replace it with a milder onion.

Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have cottage cheese, you can use Greek yogurt instead its tangy and creamy too
If you cant find cherry tomatoes, try grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes for a burst of flavor
Instead of avocado, chopped mango can add a sweet twist to the salad
For the red onion, green onions work well if you want a milder taste

Pro Tips

1. Try chilling your cottage cheese and even the veggies a bit before tossing them together so that everything stays super fresh when you eat it
2. Mix the salad seriously gently so that your avocado slices dont get totally mashed up, keeping them nice and pretty in the bowl
3. After you add your seasonings, let the salad sit for a few minutes to let the flavors really blend together, its a simple trick that makes a difference
4. If you’re feelin adventurous, toss in a tiny pinch of garlic powder or even swap out the basil for another herb, like cilantro, to mix up the flavor profile a bit