Description
A refreshing and protein-packed Cottage Cheese and Quinoa Salad loaded with colorful veggies, creamy cottage cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing perfect for a light lunch or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked quinoa (white or tricolor)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional toppings: avocado slices, sunflower seeds, or feta crumbles
Instructions
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cottage cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper.
3. Add chopped parsley for freshness.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
8. Top with avocado slices, sunflower seeds, or feta if desired.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a thicker, tangier texture.
Make it vegan by substituting cottage cheese with plant-based cheese.
Perfect for meal prep — stays fresh up to 3 days in the fridge.
Serve chilled as a main or side dish for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: cottage cheese quinoa salad, healthy salad, high protein lunch, gluten-free salad