photo of a savory cottage cheese bowl with beets, carrots, olives, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers — Makes: *1 Serving*
Per Serving: *32g Protein | 255 Cal*

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It can be a bit of a challenge to reach your protein goals each day if you’re not used to sneaking protein in wherever you can. But even for protein pros like me, your ideas just feel a little stale from time to time. Enter this Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl, a protein-packed dish that would be the perfect breakfast, quick lunch, or snack and, if you’re someone who leans savory versus sweet, sure to hit all the right notes. It’s the perfect blend of creamy cottage cheese, crunchy veggies, and bold, tangy flavors from the kalamata olives and tzatziki dip. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together that you’ll have it ready in just 10 minutes—no cooking required!

This bowl isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Cottage cheese is a superstar when it comes to protein and, as the base of this bowl, it pairs beautifully with the freshness and crunch of cucumbers and peppers. The everything bagel seasoning adds a salty, savory flavor punch that’ll make this dish a fast favorite.

One of the best parts about this recipe? It’s completely customizable and will win over even the most dedicated cottage cheese hater! Whether you want to stick with the basics or add extra veggies like boiled beets or fresh herbs, and more, the options are endless. The ability to customize this bowl makes it a great fit for a variety of diets and preferences, especially when you’re trying to stay on track with healthy eating, but still want something that tastes amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe

High in Protein: With a whopping 32 grams of protein, this bowl is great for keeping you full and energized.
Fresh & Crunchy: The combination of cucumbers, peppers, and carrots brings a refreshing crunch to every bite.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or add optional ingredients like boiled beets and fresh herbs for extra flavor and nutrients.
Quick & Easy: Zero cooking required, just assemble and enjoy!

Ingredients

1 cup (280g) low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese
1/2 cup Persian cucumber, sliced
5-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1-2 mini bell peppers, sliced
1-2 baby carrots, sliced
1-2 tbsp (20g) kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup boiled beets (optional)
2 tbsp tzatziki sauce
1/2 tsp (0.5g) fresh dill and/or chives (optional)
Everything bagel seasoning, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Start with a base of cottage cheese in your favorite bowl.
Layer on the sliced Persian cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, and sliced baby carrots.
Add the kalamata olives and optional boiled beets to the fresh veggies.
Top with a couple of tablespoons of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with dill or chives, if using.
Finally, finish with a generous shake of everything bagel seasoning.
Grab a spoon and enjoy your delicious, savory cottage cheese bowl!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 255
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 7g

recipe graphic - photo of a high-protein savory cottage cheese bowl with the recipe title

Variations

One of the best things about this cottage cheese bowl is that you can serve it in a variety of ways, depending on your favorite way to top cottage cheese for breakfast or lunch. You can stick with a savory bowl or give it a sweeter twist. With a few simple ingredient swaps, you'll be able to totally customize this into a delicious meal or snack that will fuel your body any time of the day.

Make It Mediterranean: Swap half the tzatziki for hummus and add a handful of spinach or arugula for a Mediterranean twist. You can even sprinkle some feta cheese on top for extra flavor.
Protein Boost: If you want to up the protein even more, add jammy eggs or some shredded chicken breast on top for a high-protein breakfast. You’ll get extra staying power without adding too many calories.
Spice It Up: Top your cottage cheese with a soft-boiled egg, then drizzle some chili oil or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. You can also mix in your favorite hot sauce!
Pizza Night: Make a cottage cheese pizza bowl by mixing in some extra toppings from your DIY pizza night. Not making pizza at home? Simply stir in some pizza sauce or marinara sauce, top with some cooked sausage or turkey pepperoni, and dig in. You can also add your favorite fresh veggies or herbs, or any other pizza toppings you love.
Pickle Lovers' Dream: If you’re a fan of pickled flavors, toss in some sliced pickles, pickled red onions, or a spoonful of sauerkraut for an added tang.
Make It Sweet: Swap out the veggies and top your cottage cheese with a drizzle of olive oil or honey, a pinch of salt, some fresh berries or other fresh fruit, and a swirl of nut butter or jam. It's a delicious way to start or end your day.

FAQs

Yes, feel free to use whichever type of cottage cheese you prefer. Keep in mind that the fat and calorie count will vary slightly.
This bowl is super versatile! Try adding radishes, red onion, zucchini, or even a few leafy greens would all be a great addition with added texture and nutrients.
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you don’t have tzatziki on hand. It still adds that creamy tanginess we love! You could also use your favorite hummus.
Sure! To make your lunch early or use this recipe for meal prep for the week, simply prepare the bowl and store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you're ready to eat.

This Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl is a great way to hit your protein goals while enjoying a fresh, veggie-packed meal. With endless options for how to make it yours, it’s the perfect easy meal for busy days when you want something quick, healthy, and totally satisfying! Enjoy!