Name: Greek Cottage Cheese Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, cubed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, sliced into half-moons; 1/3 cup Kalamata olives; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrients? This Greek Cottage Cheese Salad is your new go-to for a quick, satisfying meal or a stunning side dish. It blends the best of Mediterranean freshness with a creamy twist, thanks to the cottage cheese. Bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and tangy red onions, this salad gets a protein-rich upgrade with cubes of creamy cottage cheese, making it both filling and flavorful.

Perfect for warm days, this no-cook recipe is a breeze to assemble and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, picnic favorite, or dinner side, it’s guaranteed to impress. The colorful medley of vegetables and herbs not only looks beautiful on the plate but delivers a crunch in every bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Greek Cottage Cheese Salad with ease and efficiency, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference:

Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for cleanly slicing tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers without bruising them.
Cutting Board: Choose a large, non-slip board to safely prep all your fresh ingredients.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl allows space to toss the ingredients without spilling.

Salad Tongs or Serving Spoon: Helps gently mix the ingredients and serve without mashing the delicate cheese cubes.
Measuring Spoons: For precisely adding herbs, oil, and vinegar.
Colander: Use this to rinse and drain your veggies and olives thoroughly before mixing.

Each of these tools contributes to making your prep smoother, keeping your ingredients crisp and presentation-worthy.

Ingredients for the Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Each ingredient in this salad has a flavorful purpose, contributing to its Mediterranean magic:

Cottage Cheese (cubed): Adds creaminess and a protein boost without overpowering the freshness of the veggies.

Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
Cucumbers: Offer cool crunch and refreshing balance to the briny elements.
Kalamata Olives: Bring a bold, salty bite that enhances the Greek essence.

Red Onion (thinly sliced): Sharp and slightly sweet, it adds a punch that ties the flavors together.
Bell Peppers (red and yellow): For extra crunch and a sweet peppery kick.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, herby finish.

Dried Oregano: Adds earthy warmth and classic Greek flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps meld all the flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar: Balances the oil with acidity and brightens the salad.

Salt & Pepper: For simple seasoning to taste.

How To Make the Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables

Wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, peel and thinly slice the red onion, cut the cucumbers into half-moons, and dice the bell peppers into bite-sized chunks.

Step 2: Cube the Cottage Cheese

Gently cube the cottage cheese and pat dry with a paper towel if overly wet. This ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t water down the salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and olives. Add the cubed cottage cheese gently.

Step 4: Dress It Up

Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper evenly across the top.

Step 5: Toss and Garnish

Use salad tongs or a spoon to gently toss everything together, being careful not to break the cheese cubes. Finish with chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing the Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

This Greek Cottage Cheese Salad is best served fresh, chilled, and just after tossing with the dressing. Serve it in a wide, shallow bowl for a colorful presentation that showcases every ingredient.

For entertaining, you can prep the chopped vegetables and dressing up to a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers. Add the cottage cheese and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

To store leftovers, place the salad in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that cottage cheese may release moisture, so give it a gentle stir before enjoying again. Avoid freezing, as the fresh veggies and cheese won’t hold their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is cottage cheese different from feta in this salad?

Cottage cheese is milder, creamier, and lower in salt compared to feta. It gives a softer, less briny flavor while still adding richness and protein.

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese holds its shape better and offers a creamier texture. If using low-fat versions, drain them well before adding.

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?

Lemon juice is a bright and citrusy alternative, or you can use white wine vinegar for a milder tang.

Can I add protein like chicken or chickpeas?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken or canned chickpeas pair wonderfully if you’re looking to make it more of a main course.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but keep wet ingredients like dressing and cheese separate until you’re ready to eat. This preserves the texture of the veggies.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or add avocado for creaminess without dairy.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Mediterranean Twist?

If you loved this Greek Cottage Cheese Salad, here are more refreshing and flavorful recipes you might enjoy from Life With Olivia:

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for a hearty twist on greens.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki when you’re craving grilled goodness.

Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod for something light and zesty.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bites to keep the cottage cheese theme going in snack form.
Mediterranean Feta Dipping Oil to serve alongside your favorite breads or veggies.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go classic or add a personal spin like grilled chicken or avocado?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s keep sharing and cooking together!

Greek Cottage Cheese Salad

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2–4 servings

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Greek Cottage Cheese Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and protein-packed twist on the Mediterranean classic. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy onions, briny olives, and colorful bell peppers are tossed in olive oil and red wine vinegar, then paired with creamy cottage cheese for a light yet satisfying meal or side.