A nutritious and protein-packed bowl featuring fluffy quinoa, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. A drizzle of tahini sauce ties everything together for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein – A great combination of quinoa, cottage cheese, and chickpeas.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- Fresh and flavorful – Mediterranean ingredients bring brightness and balance.
- Customizable – Easily adjust toppings to fit your taste preferences.
- Great for meal prep – Prepares well in advance for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup chickpeas
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tahini sauce
Directions
- In a bowl, combine quinoa, cottage cheese, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Drizzle with tahini sauce.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Greens: Mix in arugula, spinach, or chopped romaine for extra freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- More Protein: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds.
- Dressing Swap: Use lemon vinaigrette or a Greek yogurt dressing instead of tahini sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Meal Prep: Keep the tahini sauce separate and drizzle just before serving.
- Reheating: No reheating is needed—this dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Yes! Try bulgur, couscous, or farro for a similar texture.
2. What type of cottage cheese works best?
Any type works, but full-fat cottage cheese adds the creamiest texture.
3. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative like hummus or dairy-free yogurt.
4. How can I make the onions milder?
Soak the red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the bowl.
5. What can I use instead of tahini sauce?
Try tzatziki, hummus, or a lemon-garlic dressing for a different flavor profile.
6. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, just rinse and drain them before adding to the bowl.
7. Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, just store ingredients separately and assemble before eating.
8. Can I add olives or feta cheese?
Absolutely! Kalamata olives and crumbled feta would enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
9. Is quinoa necessary for this recipe?
No, but it adds protein and fiber. You can substitute with another grain or leave it out for a low-carb option.
10. Can I serve this warm?
Yes, warm the quinoa and chickpeas before assembling for a cozy version of the dish.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Quinoa Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fresh, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. Quick to prepare, full of nutritious ingredients, and easy to customize, it’s a fantastic choice for a healthy and satisfying dish. Try it out and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
Print
Mediterranean Quinoa Cottage Cheese Bowl
This Mediterranean Quinoa Cottage Cheese Bowl is a protein-packed, nutrient-dense meal featuring fluffy quinoa, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. A drizzle of tahini sauce ties everything together for a refreshing, satisfying, and quick meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tahini sauce
Instructions
- Assemble the Bowl:
- In a serving bowl, layer quinoa, cottage cheese, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle with tahini sauce.
- Mix & Serve:
- Toss gently to combine and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Make it Vegan: Swap cottage cheese for hummus or dairy-free yogurt.
- Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle with pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds.
- Milder Onions: Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes before using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
