Mediterranean Whipped Cottage Cheese Salad 🌿
A creamy, protein-packed twist on traditional Mediterranean flavors – light, fluffy cottage cheese meets crisp veggies and bold seasonings!
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍽 Servings: 2-4
🥗 INGREDIENTS
For the Whipped Cottage Cheese Base:
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (or low-fat for lighter version)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Salad Toppings:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted & sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread or seeded crackers
- Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
- Sprinkle of sumac or paprika (optional)
📝 INSTRUCTIONS
1. WHIP THE COTTAGE CHEESE:
- In a food processor or blender, combine cottage cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning.
2. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:
- Spread the whipped cottage cheese onto a serving plate or bowl.
- Top with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, fresh herbs, and feta.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. SERVE:
- Enjoy with pita bread or crackers for scooping!
🌟 WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
✅ High-protein & satisfying – Cottage cheese keeps you full longer.
✅ No-cook & quick – Ready in 10 minutes!
✅ Versatile – Swap toppings based on what you have (try roasted peppers, artichokes, or chickpeas).
🔥 PRO TIPS
- Make it smoother: Strain cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve for 10 mins before blending.
- Meal prep: Store whipped cheese base (without toppings) for up to 3 days.
- Vegan option: Use almond feta and dairy-free yogurt instead of cottage cheese.
Perfect for a light lunch, brunch, or snack! Let me know if you’d like a spicy version with harissa. 😊
