There’s something about simplicity in a bowl that just makes life feel a bit more manageable. Picture this:
a blend of creamy cottage cheese, vibrant veggies, and a hint of Mediterranean flair. It’s like a little Greek vacation on your table, minus the plane ticket and jet lag.
I stumbled upon this recipe one day after a long, chaotic workweek, and it was like a breath of fresh Aegean air. Imagine the tangy zest of olives mingling with the crispness of cucumbers—it’s a sensory delight that somehow manages to be both grounding and uplifting.
You know those days when you just want to feel good about what you’re eating, without all the fuss? This is it.
A bowl of comfort, a splash of health, and a sprinkle of joy. Perfect for those moments when you need to pause and savor the little things, like finally catching up on that TV show everyone’s been raving about or just letting yourself breathe.
Let’s dig in!
Steps
- Combine one cup of cottage cheese with half a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until the dill is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a serving bowl. Add quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped mini cucumbers, and diced yellow or orange bell pepper on top.
- Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sprinkle two tablespoons of chopped Kalamata olives and one tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Garnish with the remaining half tablespoon of fresh dill. Optionally, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, divided
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup chopped mini cucumbers
- 1/4 cup diced fresh yellow or orange bell pepper
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil, optional for drizzling
Nutritional Values
Calories: 186 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.5 g | Protein: 21.5 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 3.5 g | Cholesterol: 28.5 mg | Sodium: 695 mg | Fiber: 1.5 g | Sugar: 6 g
FAQ
- Is cottage cheese a healthy option?
- Yes, cottage cheese is considered healthy as it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. A single cup can contain around 25 grams of protein, making it a great choice for a balanced diet. Additionally, it is a good source of calcium.
- Can I prepare the Greek Cottage Cheese Bowl in advance?
- Absolutely! You can pre-chop the bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives and store them in a container for up to three days. Keep the cottage cheese and dill in a separate container. It’s best to slice the tomatoes just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and firm.
- What can I use if I don’t like the texture of cottage cheese?
- If you are not fond of cottage cheese’s texture, try blending it until smooth. Alternatively, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, which offers a similar nutritional profile.
- How can I vary the ingredients in the Greek Cottage Cheese Bowl?
- You can personalize your bowl by swapping cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or using an English cucumber. Consider adding ingredients like shallots, green onions, or nuts for extra flavor. Seasonings such as everything bagel seasoning or garlic powder can also enhance the taste.
- What is the difference between cottage cheese and Greek yogurt?
- While both are nutritious, Greek yogurt generally has a higher protein content due to its thicker consistency. It also typically contains more carbohydrates because of the natural sugars in milk. In terms of taste and texture, Greek yogurt is creamier and tangier, whereas cottage cheese has a milder flavor and a curd-like consistency.
Tips
- Prep in Advance: Chop the bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives up to three days before assembling the bowl to save time. Store them separately from the cottage cheese and dill for freshness. Wait to cut the tomatoes until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Texture Adjustment: If you’re not a fan of the texture of cottage cheese, consider blending it until smooth or substituting it with Greek yogurt for a creamier consistency.
- Versatile Additions: Enhance the bowl with additional vegetables like shallots, green onions, radishes, or even beets. You can also add a crunchy element by topping the bowl with nuts such as pine nuts, almonds, or pistachios.
- Flavor Boosts: Experiment with different seasonings such as everything bagel seasoning, onion powder, or garlic powder. For an extra briny kick, add capers or artichoke hearts. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint can also provide a refreshing twist.
Equipment
- Olive Oil Drizzler – If you want a tool specifically for drizzling olive oil, there are special dispensers designed for this purpose.
- High-Quality Chef’s Knife – For chopping vegetables and herbs efficiently.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board to chop all the veggies and herbs.
- Small Mixing Bowl – For mixing cottage cheese and dill; if not already available in your kitchen.
- Serving Bowl – A nice serving bowl to present the cottage cheese bowl aesthetically.
- stocked kitchen, but they are the type of products that can be purchased on Amazon if someone doesn’t already own them.
