This is one of those bowls that feels like a little reset in a dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with textures—chewy grains, creamy cottage cheese, crunchy veggies, and a little drizzle of olive oil to pull it all together. The kind of meal that leaves you full and feeling good.
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
When I want something healthy, filling, and low-fuss, I always come back to this bowl. It’s balanced, it’s quick, and it works with whatever’s in the fridge or pantry. Cottage cheese gives it protein without needing to cook meat, and grains make it feel hearty. Plus, it tastes even better with every bite.
What makes this a go-to meal for me:
- 🌾 Super customizable with any whole grain you like
- 🧀 Cottage cheese makes it rich and protein-packed
- 🥒 Crunchy raw veggies keep it refreshing
- 🫒 Olive oil adds just enough richness
- 🔁 Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Total Time: 15–25 minutes (depends on your grain)
- Servings: 2
📊 Exact Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Whole grains provide complex carbs for steady energy and fiber for digestion.
- Cottage cheese is rich in casein, a slow-digesting protein that keeps you full longer.
- Healthy fats from olive oil help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from veggies.
- Layered textures (soft, chewy, creamy, crunchy) keep your brain and taste buds happy.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or farro, brown rice, or couscous)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup sliced cucumber
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- Pinch of salt & black pepper
- Optional: chopped parsley, everything bagel seasoning, or red pepper flakes
👩🍳 How to Make It
1. Cook the Grain
Cook your grain of choice (quinoa, farro, rice, etc.) and let it cool slightly.
2. Prep the Veggies
Halve cherry tomatoes, shred carrots (or use pre-shredded), and slice cucumber.
3. Assemble the Bowl
Add quinoa to one side of the bowl and cottage cheese to the other.
4. Add Veggies
Top the grains and cottage cheese with tomatoes, carrots, and cucumber.
5. Drizzle and Season
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
🍽️ What to Serve With
This bowl is a full meal, but you can level it up with:
- 🍳 A jammy or poached egg on top
- 🍞 Whole-grain toast or pita on the side
- 🥬 A light green salad with balsamic
- 🥜 A sprinkle of toasted seeds or nuts for crunch
📅 Meal Plan Ideas
- Monday: Double the grains and prep for 3 lunches
- Tuesday: Use different veggies each day (radishes, edamame, spinach)
- Wednesday: Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein
- Thursday: Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or hummus
- Friday: Turn it into a wrap with a tortilla
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Grains too wet or mushy: Let them cool uncovered so they don’t get soggy.
- Unseasoned base: Cottage cheese and grains need a little salt + pepper to shine.
- Overloading: Keep it balanced—too many toppings can overwhelm the creamy + chewy base.
- Not adding fat: Don’t skip the olive oil! It ties everything together and boosts flavor.
❓ FAQ
Can I use a different grain?
Absolutely. Try farro, brown rice, couscous, bulgur, or even lentils.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Store everything separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based cottage cheese or try hummus or tahini instead.
Does this bowl work warm?
Totally! Use warm grains and room-temp toppings for a cozy variation.
How long will it last?
Prepped components will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Grain Bowl is the kind of everyday meal I never get bored of. It’s colorful, textural, and full of nutrients—everything I want in a bowl. Whether you’re eating it for lunch, dinner, or a protein-rich snack, it always hits the spot. 🌾🥒🧀