Name: Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; ⅓ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; ¼ English cucumber, diced; 1 red pepper, diced; ¼ cup black olives, sliced; Optional: ¼ cup diced red onion; 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh dill and/or basil, to garnish

Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing salad that comes together in minutes and bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy cottage cheese and crisp veggies, elevated by zesty Greek seasoning and fresh herbs. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a vibrant side dish for company, this salad combines health, simplicity, and flavor in a way that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds) with no hesitation at all.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl with chopped red bell peppers, bright and shiny with a smooth texture. To the top right, a bowl with glossy black and purple olives. In the middle right, a bowl filled with creamy white cottage cheese that has a soft, slightly lumpy texture. Below the peppers, a bowl contains cut cherry tomatoes, vibrant red with a juicy interior visible. At the bottom center, a bowl with evenly diced green cucumbers showing a fresh, crisp texture. To the bottom right, a small wooden bowl holds a few green basil leaves. The smallest bowl at the bottom left contains dried herbs, brown and finely crushed. Finally, at the bottom right corner, a small ribbed glass container holds golden olive oil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in adding freshness, creaminess, or that unmistakable Greek flair. Having these on hand means you’re just minutes away from a colorful, nutritious dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to make.

1 cup cottage cheese: The creamy, protein-packed base that makes this salad both satisfying and light.
⅓ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered: They add juiciness and a pop of sweet acidity for balance.
¼ English cucumber, diced: Crisp, refreshing, and perfect for cool texture contrasts.
1 red pepper, diced: Sweet, crunchy, and vibrant—red pepper brings color and crunch.
¼ cup olives (black preferred): Salty and savory, these add that classic Mediterranean touch.
1 tsp Greek seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs and spices that lifts the whole salad.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Fresh dill and/or basil: Herbs that impart freshness and an herby aroma that feels authentic.
Optional: ¼ cup diced red onion: Adds a little bite and extra zing if you like more depth of flavor.

How to Make Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized bowl and toss together the cottage cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, olives, and red onion if you’re using it. This is where the colorful magic begins—the blend of textures and tastes already hints at the vibrant final dish.

Step 2: Toss Gently

Give everything a gentle toss to make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed without breaking up the tomatoes or cucumbers too much. This keeps each bite fresh and distinct.

Step 3: Drizzle and Season

Pour the olive oil over the salad and sprinkle on the Greek seasoning to your taste. Stir lightly to coat everything evenly, allowing the olive oil to enhance the creaminess and the seasoning to add that unmistakable Greek flavor dimension.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs

Finish up by folding in or sprinkling fresh dill or basil on top. The herbs add a fragrant brightness that makes this salad feel truly special.

Step 5: Serve

This Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy right away. It’s delicious on its own or paired with your favorite bread or crackers for a more complete meal.

How to Serve Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

A white bowl holds a colorful salad layered with diced red tomatoes, chopped green cucumbers, and several whole dark purple olives. There is a layer of white cottage cheese mixed throughout, sprinkled with black pepper and some reddish spices. Fresh green herbs are scattered on top. The bowl sits on a soft, beige textured cloth, and a small dish with more dark purple olives is blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make the salad even more inviting, consider garnishing with a few extra olive slices, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, grilled chicken, or even alongside a hearty bowl of soup. Its fresh, creamy profile complements many Mediterranean or summer dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini phyllo cups as an elegant appetizer. You can also layer it over mixed greens or serve it in a mason jar for a grab-and-go healthy lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness and texture, as the vegetables may release a bit of water over time.

Freezing

This Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well because cottage cheese and fresh vegetables tend to lose their texture after thawing. It’s definitely a best-eaten-fresh kind of dish.

Reheating

No need to reheat this salad since it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you want to bring out flavors a little more, simply let it sit sealed at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese’s light and creamy texture is key to this salad, but if you want something different, feta works nicely for a stronger, saltier bite, though the texture will be quite different.

What if I don’t have Greek seasoning?

You can easily make your own by mixing dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This homemade blend works just as well and lets you control the flavor intensity.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a quick option for meal prep, but keep the dressing and herbs separate until you’re ready to serve to keep the veggies crisp and fresh.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions for a more filling dish that still stays light and healthy.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative like vegan ricotta or marinated tofu to keep the creamy texture while keeping it vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Greek-Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying. It’s fresh, healthy, and wildly versatile—making it the perfect go-to whenever you want something quick but special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your recipe rotation!