Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

If you love the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean but want something quick, healthy, and satisfying, this Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is your perfect solution. Think of it as a wholesome bowl of protein, creamy cottage cheese, crisp vegetables, and briny Mediterranean accents all drizzled with tangy Greek dressing. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, craving a light lunch, or need a satisfying post-workout meal, this bowl hits the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies. It’s a recipe that’s both elegant enough for a casual dinner and simple enough for a busy weekday lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-Protein: Cottage cheese and grilled chicken provide a filling and nutritious base.
• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under 15 minutes if your chicken is cooked ahead.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Crisp veggies, tangy feta, and kalamata olives add layers of taste and texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired: Light, healthy, and packed with heart-healthy fats.
• Customizable: Swap veggies, protein, or dressing to suit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 1 serving, perfect for a lunch or light dinner. Ingredients are grouped for clarity:

Protein:

• 1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
• ½ cup cottage cheese

Fresh Vegetables:

• ½ cucumber, diced or sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

Toppings & Dressing:

• ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons Greek dressing

Pro Tip: Use pre-grilled or leftover chicken to cut prep time in half.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Small mixing bowls (for vegetables or toppings if desired)
• Spoon or fork for mixing
• Serving bowl or meal prep container

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Protein

1. Slice 1 cup of grilled chicken breast into thin, bite-sized pieces.
2. Set aside ½ cup cottage cheese in your serving bowl. This will serve as a creamy protein base.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

1. Dice or slice ½ cucumber and halve ½ cup cherry tomatoes.
2. Thinly slice ¼ red onion.
3. Arrange these fresh vegetables over the cottage cheese in the bowl.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

1. Slice ¼ cup kalamata olives and sprinkle them over the bowl.
2. Crumble ¼ cup feta cheese and add on top for a creamy, salty accent.

Step 4: Drizzle Dressing & Serve

1. Drizzle 2 tablespoons Greek dressing evenly over the bowl.
2. Optional: Toss lightly to combine flavors or serve deconstructed for a visually appealing presentation.
3. Enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate for later meal prep.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or extra cottage cheese.
• Extra Protein: Add a boiled egg or a handful of edamame for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Variations: Try bell peppers, radishes, or shredded carrots for added crunch.
• Dressing Swap: Use tzatziki or a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette for a lighter twist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble multiple bowls in advance without dressing; add dressing before eating to keep ingredients fresh.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This bowl is fresh, tangy, creamy, and lightly salty. The creamy cottage cheese balances the briny olives and tangy feta, while crisp cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes add brightness and texture.

Drink Pairings:

• Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the Mediterranean flavors.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, iced green tea, or cucumber-infused water pairs beautifully.

Side Suggestions:

• Warm pita bread or whole-grain crackers
• A light Mediterranean quinoa salad
• Roasted vegetables with lemon and olive oil

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	360	Balanced for a filling lunch
Protein	35g	Cottage cheese and chicken are protein-rich
Carbohydrates	10g	Mostly from vegetables
Fat	18g	Healthy fats from feta, olives, and dressing
Fiber	3g	From cucumber, tomatoes, and onions

Dietary Consideration: High-protein, gluten-free, Mediterranean-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Chicken Ahead: Grill chicken in bulk and store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Veggies: Slice cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and onions ahead of time and store separately to prevent sogginess.
• Assembly: Assemble bowls the night before or morning of for lunch on-the-go.
• Dressing: Keep dressing in a separate container until ready to eat for best texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Both work perfectly and save time.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute cottage cheese and feta with dairy-free alternatives or avocado for creaminess.

Q: How long does this bowl stay fresh?
A: When assembled without dressing, it keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Q: Can I add grains?
A: Yes! Add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro to make it more filling.

Q: Can I freeze this?
A: Freezing is not recommended as fresh vegetables and cottage cheese lose texture.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Chicken	10 minutes (if pre-cooked, 0 minutes)
Chop Vegetables	5 minutes
Assemble Bowl	5 minutes
Total	~15–20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve family-style by plating individual bowls with colorful layers of veggies, chicken, and toppings.
• For a lunchbox-friendly option, pack the chicken, veggies, and toppings in one container and store dressing separately.
• For a gourmet presentation, layer ingredients by color and drizzle dressing artistically over the top.

Recipe Variations

1. Greek Shrimp Bowl: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp; add extra lemon juice for a zesty punch.
2. Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Add a base of cooked quinoa or farro for a hearty, fiber-rich meal.
3. Spicy Greek Bowl: Sprinkle crushed red pepper or add a few pickled peppers for a Mediterranean heat twist.

Ingredient Spotlight: Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese provides a creamy, protein-packed base that complements the tangy feta and briny olives.

Tips for Selecting & Storing:

• Use small-curd cottage cheese for smoother texture.
• Full-fat cottage cheese adds richness, low-fat keeps it lighter.
• Store in the fridge and use within the “use by” date.

Enhancing Cottage Cheese:

• Add a pinch of black pepper or fresh herbs to the base for extra flavor.
• Mix briefly to smooth out curds if desired for a creamier bowl.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Chicken Prep: Grill chicken evenly and slice thinly for uniform bites.
• Vegetables: Slice uniformly for visual appeal and even flavor distribution.
• Dressing: Homemade Greek dressing enhances freshness and flavor depth.
• Balancing Flavors: Taste as you go to ensure the balance of tangy, salty, and fresh flavors is just right.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store assembled bowls without dressing for up to 2–3 days.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to fresh vegetables and cottage cheese.
• Reheating: Best eaten cold or at room temperature; chicken can be gently reheated if desired.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, gluten-free, Mediterranean-friendly, adaptable to vegetarian or dairy-free options.

Conclusion

The Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for anyone craving Mediterranean-inspired dishes without fuss. With the creamy base of cottage cheese, tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta and olives, every bite offers a balanced combination of textures and flavors.

It’s quick, easy, and flexible ideal for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a satisfying weeknight dinner. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, while the combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber keeps you full and energized.

This bowl is not just a meal it’s a healthy, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors every day. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

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