This smoked salmon and cottage cheese toast is one of my go-to breakfast or light lunch ideas. It’s fast, fresh, and feels kinda fancy—without actually being fancy.
Creamy cottage cheese, salty smoked salmon, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon… it’s just the right mix of simple and satisfying.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This toast is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, nutritious, and seriously delicious. I started making this when I was craving bagels-and-lox flavor but wanted something lighter.
- No cooking needed!
- High in protein, low in effort
- Feels like brunch but takes 5 minutes
- Easy to tweak with what you have on hand
- Great for any time of day
🍽️ Makes: 2 servings
⏱️ Ready in: 5 minutes
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 slices of thick sourdough bread, toasted
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 oz smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Toast the bread until golden but still soft in the center—it holds the toppings better.
- Let the smoked salmon sit out for 5 minutes to take the chill off.
- If you’re serving this for guests, add thin cucumber slices for a pretty and fresh touch.
- A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning takes this over the top.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Toaster or oven for toasting bread
- Small knife and cutting board (for chives)
- Spoon or small spatula (to spread cottage cheese)
- Plate for assembly
- Small bowl (for mixing chives and cheese, optional)
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap sourdough with whole grain, rye, or gluten-free bread
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese
- Add sliced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness
- Use dill instead of chives
- Add a poached egg on top for more protein
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
You can chop the chives and mix them into the cottage cheese the night before. Store it in the fridge and just toast and assemble in the morning.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast Your Bread
Toast 2 slices of thick sourdough bread until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Mix Cottage Cheese and Chives
In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup of cottage cheese with 1 tbsp of finely chopped fresh chives.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture on Toast
Spoon the cottage cheese and chive mix evenly across your two slices of toast.
Step 4: Add Smoked Salmon
Place 1 oz of smoked salmon on top of each toast. You can gently fold or drape it for a pretty look.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon & Pepper
Squeeze ½ tsp lemon juice over each toast, then top with freshly cracked black pepper. Optional: add a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
Final Step: Serve & Enjoy
Place your salmon toasts on a plate, serve immediately, and enjoy while the bread is still warm.
🍴 Leftovers & Storage
These are best eaten fresh, but you can store the cottage cheese and chive mixture in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just toast and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Don’t store assembled toast—it’ll get soggy.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese is high in protein and mild in flavor—it gives you creaminess without overpowering the smoked salmon. The acid from the lemon cuts through the richness and brightens it all up. Toasted bread adds that perfect crunch to balance the soft textures.
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast: Pair with black coffee or green juice
- Lunch: Serve with a side salad or veggie sticks
- Snack: Make one toast and cut it into bite-sized pieces
- Brunch: Add fruit on the side and maybe a mimosa
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using cold, hard toast—let it rest for 1 minute
- Skipping seasoning—lemon and pepper make a big difference
- Overloading with toppings—it gets messy fast
- Not draining cottage cheese if it’s too watery
🍋 What to Serve With
- Sliced cucumber or tomatoes with a pinch of salt
- A fresh green salad
- Crispy hash browns
- Fresh berries and yogurt on the side
❓ FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Try a plant-based cream cheese or almond ricotta instead.
What’s the best bread for this?
Sourdough is perfect, but any thick, hearty bread will work.
Is cottage cheese healthy?
Definitely—it’s high in protein and low in fat, especially if you use a light version.
Can I use canned salmon?
You can, but it won’t have the same smooth texture or smoky flavor.
🥰 Wrap-Up
This smoked salmon and cottage cheese toast is one of those easy wins you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s quick, balanced, and feels like a treat.
Try it out and let me know in the comments how it turned out—or drop any questions you have. I’m happy to help!