- This Cottage Cheese and Avocado Salad is a quick, nutritious, and refreshing dish perfect for any time of the day. Combining the creamy texture of avocado with the light, protein-packed cottage cheese, this salad is both satisfying and delicious. It’s a great option for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a flavorful side dish for dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
- Light and Refreshing: A perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty flavors.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients based on preference.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Directions
- Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, diced avocado, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss and Combine: Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs for added flavor. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Crunch Factor: Sprinkle sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts for added texture.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a richer taste.
- Dressing Swap: Replace lemon juice with balsamic vinegar or lime juice for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if stored, mix well before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the texture of avocado and cottage cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
2. What type of cottage cheese works best?
Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese, depending on your preference. Small-curd cottage cheese blends well with the other ingredients.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added tanginess.
4. What herbs go well with this salad?
Parsley, cilantro, basil, or chives add great flavor.
5. How can I prevent the avocado from browning?
Toss the avocado with extra lemon juice to slow oxidation.
6. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or spinach are great additions.
7. Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
8. What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Enjoy it on its own, spread on toast, or served with whole-grain crackers.
9. Can I add cheese for extra flavor?
Feta or goat cheese crumbles complement the creamy texture well.
10. What can I use instead of olive oil?
Avocado oil or a light vinaigrette makes a great substitute.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese and Avocado Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and refreshing flavors. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, snack, or side dish. Packed with nutrients and customizable to your taste, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, wholesome bite!
Print
Cottage Cheese and Avocado Salad
This Cottage Cheese and Avocado Salad is a light, refreshing, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for any meal. With creamy cottage cheese, ripe avocado, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this quick and easy salad is nutritious, delicious, and ready in just 10 minutes!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the Base:
- In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, diced avocado, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- Add Dressing:
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture.
- Season:
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss and Combine:
- Gently toss until well mixed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegetarian
