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Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe

4.5 from 113 reviews

This Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring a medley of crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers tossed in a lemony za’atar dressing, served atop creamy low-fat cottage cheese. Topped with perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs and fresh herbs, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner, accompanied by crunchy whole grain pita chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggs

  • 4 large eggs

Vegetables and Salad

  • 2 Persian cucumbers, halved, cut into 1/2” pieces
  • 1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 1/2” pieces
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced pitted Kalamata olives
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1/3 cup fresh mint and/or parsley leaves, torn if large

Dressing and Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon za’atar, plus more for serving (optional)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dairy

  • 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese

Serving

  • Whole grain pita chips, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the eggs: Place the eggs in a small pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a simmer, then cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 8 minutes. Drain the eggs, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool for about 3 minutes until cold to the touch. Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise; set aside.
  2. Prepare the salad: In a medium bowl, combine the halved cucumbers, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, capers, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and za’atar if using. Toss everything together thoroughly. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the torn fresh mint and/or parsley leaves, distributing them evenly.
  3. Assemble the bowls: Divide the low-fat cottage cheese evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the prepared Greek salad mixture. Arrange the halved hard-boiled eggs on top of the salad. Sprinkle additional za’atar over the bowls if desired for extra flavor.
  4. Serve: Serve each cottage cheese bowl with whole grain pita chips on the side, offering a crunchy accompaniment to the creamy and fresh salad.

Notes

  • Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that can be found at specialty or Mediterranean stores; it’s optional but adds a unique flavor.
  • Using Persian cucumbers avoids peeling and seeding, keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of chili flakes to the salad.
  • Whole grain pita chips can be replaced with toasted whole wheat bread or crackers if preferred.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead; keep eggs and salad separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Greek salad, cottage cheese bowl, healthy salad, Mediterranean diet, fresh vegetables, low-fat protein