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I've fallen in love with this protein-packed Mediterranean cottage cheese mix. It's now my go-to for fast, filling meals. The smooth cottage cheese works amazingly with crisp veggies, making a dish you can throw together in just minutes. What began as my spin on Greek flavors has turned into something I make almost every week now.
What really makes this salad shine is using super crisp English cucumbers and taking time to drain your cottage cheese properly - these little steps make a huge difference in how it turns out.
Must-Have Components
- Cottage Cheese: Go for the whole milk kind for extra creaminess, drained well for better texture
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cut in half when they're perfectly ripe and sweet
- English Cucumber: Gives that dependable crunch without too many seeds
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds brightness, crunch and a touch of sweetness
- Kalamata Olives: Brings that authentic Mediterranean taste
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Don't skimp here, quality matters
- Mediterranean Herb Blend: Pulls everything together nicely
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Cooking Steps
- Get Your Base Ready
- Let cottage cheese drain in a strainer while you work on the other stuff.
- Handle Your Veggies
- Split tomatoes, cube cucumber evenly, cut peppers into thin slices. Try to keep everything the same size for the best bite.
- Put It All Together
- Start with cottage cheese on the bottom, then pile your prepped veggies on top.
Ways To Switch It Up
- Throw in some garbanzo beans for more protein
- Mix in chunks of avocado for extra richness
- Sprinkle with toasted seeds for added crunch
- Pack in more cucumber if you like it extra fresh
Keeping It Fresh
- Keep ingredients apart until you're ready to eat
- Pop cut veggies in airtight containers
- Try to eat everything within 2-3 days
- Add your dressing right before eating
Perfect Times To Serve
- Lunch breaks
- Post-workout snacks
- Hot summer nights
- Make-ahead lunches
Quick Fixes
- Tastes bland? Add more spices or a squeeze of lemon
- Too wet? Let your cheese drain longer next time
- Not filling enough? Add some beans or grains
- Want it creamier? Stick with full-fat dairy products
Getting Ahead
Cutting all your veggies on Sunday makes throwing this together on busy weekdays super easy. Just store everything separately to keep it all fresh for quick assembly.
Final Thoughts
This flexible dish shows how basic ingredients can create tasty, healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for staying on track with good eating when life gets crazy.
Using good ingredients and taking a few extra minutes with prep will give you great results every time. Think of this as your starting point for countless tasty variations.
The real beauty is how flexible it is - just swap things based on what you have or like, but stick to the basic formula and you'll get something delicious every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep it in advance?
- It’s best fresh, but you can pre-chop veggies and finish mixing later.
- → What’s included in Greek spices?
- Commonly oregano, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and other bold herbs.
- → Can I try other veggies?
- Totally! Any fresh vegetables that complement the Greek style work well.
- → Which cottage cheese should I use?
- Any kind works, but full-fat gives the richest and creamiest texture.
- → How to make it a full meal?
- Pair it with some crusty bread or crackers for extra substance.