This Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad is one of those simple recipes I come back to again and again.
It’s cool, creamy, and super fresh. You can throw it together in about 10 minutes, and it tastes like something you’d get at a little café. It’s perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or when you just want something light but filling.
Servings: 4
Total Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: No cooking needed
Right after you mix it, it’s ready to serve in a beautiful round bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this salad on a hot summer day when I didn’t want to turn on the stove. I had cottage cheese in the fridge and a couple of cucumbers that needed to be used. I sliced everything up, added a little lemon and dill, and it was amazing. Since then, it’s been my go-to quick fix.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- It’s fast. You can make it in 10 minutes.
- It’s light but still filling because of the protein.
- It tastes fresh and bright.
- It works as a side dish or a quick meal.
- You don’t need fancy ingredients.
Sometimes the simplest food is the best food.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced (about 2 cups sliced)
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Round serving bowl
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Cucumber
Thinly slice 1 large cucumber into rounds. You should get about 2 cups of sliced cucumber. Try to keep the slices even so every bite has the same crunch.
Step 2: Dice the Red Onion and Chop the Dill
Finely dice 2 tablespoons of red onion. Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. The onion should be small so it mixes well and doesn’t overpower the salad.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese, 2 cups sliced cucumber, 2 tablespoons diced red onion, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed. Don’t overmix—you want the cucumber slices to stay whole.
Step 4: Transfer and Serve
Spoon the finished salad into a round serving bowl. Smooth the top and sprinkle a little extra dill and black pepper if you like.
Macros Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
This is a high-protein, low-carb option that still feels creamy and satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese is packed with protein, especially casein protein. Casein digests slowly, which helps you feel full longer.
Cucumbers are mostly water, so they add crunch and freshness without many calories.
Lemon juice adds acid. Acid brightens flavors and balances the creamy texture of the cottage cheese. The dill adds aroma, which makes the whole salad taste fresher.
Simple ingredients, smart balance.
Common Mistakes
- Not slicing the cucumber thin enough. Thick slices can feel too bulky.
- Skipping the salt. Even 1/4 teaspoon makes a big difference.
- Overmixing. Stir gently so the cucumbers stay crisp.
- Using watery cucumbers. If your cucumber is very watery, pat slices dry with a paper towel first.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer.
- Swap dill for fresh parsley.
- Add cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness.
- Sprinkle in a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil for a richer taste.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Stir before serving because some liquid may settle at the bottom.
For best texture, eat it within 24 hours.
What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken
- Toasted whole-grain bread
- Baked salmon
- Stuffed in a pita
- As a side for burgers
It’s super flexible.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Stir before eating. If it looks watery, just drain a little liquid or mix it back in.
Do not freeze. The texture will change too much.
FAQ
Can I use English cucumbers?
Yes, they work great and usually have fewer seeds.
Can I use dried dill?
Yes, but use 1 teaspoon dried dill instead of 1 tablespoon fresh.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, just keep it chilled and stir before serving.
Can I add garlic?
Yes, a small clove of minced garlic works well.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something delicious. It’s fresh, creamy, and so easy to throw together.
Give it a try and see how simple ingredients can turn into something really special. Let me know how you like it and if you added your own twist!