Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl

If you love the bold flavors of the Mediterranean but want something quick, healthy, and satisfying, the Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl is the answer. Combining tender grilled chicken, creamy cottage cheese, crisp fresh vegetables, briny kalamata olives, tangy feta, and zesty Greek dressing, this bowl is colorful, protein-rich, and bursting with flavor.

It’s the perfect dish for lunch, a light dinner, or a post-workout meal. By using cottage cheese as the creamy base instead of heavy dressings or mayonnaise, this bowl keeps things light, nutritious, and filling, giving you all the classic Greek salad flavors in a convenient, single-serving bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-Protein: Cottage cheese and grilled chicken provide a filling, nutritious base.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta create a perfect flavor balance.
• Mediterranean-Inspired: Packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, and fresh produce.
• Customizable: Swap vegetables, protein, or dressing to suit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 1–2 people, perfect for a satisfying 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 leftover grilled chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save prep time.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls (optional for prep)
• Spoon or fork for assembling
• 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. Place ½ cup cottage cheese in the serving bowl as the creamy 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 the vegetables over the cottage cheese base in the serving bowl.

Step 3: Add Toppings

1. Slice ¼ cup kalamata olives and sprinkle them over the vegetables.
2. Crumble ¼ cup feta cheese and add on top for tangy, creamy flavor.

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: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu for a plant-based bowl.
• Extra Protein: Add a boiled egg or a handful of edamame.
• Veggie Variations: Bell peppers, radishes, or shredded carrots add extra crunch.
• Dressing Swap: Use tzatziki or a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette for a lighter twist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble bowls ahead without dressing; add before eating to keep ingredients fresh.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This bowl is fresh, tangy, creamy, and lightly salty, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors: creamy cottage cheese, tender chicken, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta.

Drink Pairings:

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

Side Suggestions:

• Whole-grain pita or flatbread
• 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 provide high protein
Carbohydrates	10g	Mostly from vegetables
Fat	18g	Healthy fats from feta, olives, and dressing
Fiber	3g	From cucumber, tomatoes, and onion

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: Build bowls in advance without dressing; add dressing before eating for freshness.
• Storage: Keeps in an airtight container for 2–3 days in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly and saves time.

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

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

Q: Can I add grains?
A: Yes! Quinoa, brown rice, or farro can be added for a more filling meal.

Q: Can I freeze this?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as fresh vegetables and cottage cheese will 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 layering ingredients in a large bowl for a communal meal.
• For lunchbox-friendly meals, pack the chicken, veggies, and toppings in one container and keep dressing separate.
• For gourmet presentation, layer ingredients by color and drizzle dressing elegantly over the top.

Recipe Variations

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

Ingredient Spotlight: Cottage Cheese

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

Tips for Selecting & Storing:

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

Enhancing Cottage Cheese:

• Add a pinch of black pepper or fresh herbs to enhance flavor.
• Whisk briefly to smooth out curds for a creamier base.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Chicken Prep: Grill evenly and slice thinly for uniform bites.
• Vegetables: Slice uniformly for visual appeal and even flavor distribution.
• Dressing: Use a homemade Greek dressing for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Balancing Flavors: Taste as you go to ensure the tangy, salty, and fresh flavors are balanced.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store bowls without dressing for 2–3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to fresh vegetables and cottage cheese.
• Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature; gently reheat chicken if preferred.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

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

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

Conclusion

The Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed meal perfect for anyone craving Mediterranean flavors in a quick and easy dish. Creamy cottage cheese, tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and briny olives combine to create a balance of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and nutritious.

It’s ideal for weeknight lunches, meal prep, or light dinners, offering the vibrant taste of a Greek salad without the need for heavy dressings or carbs. Versatile, customizable, and nutrient-dense, this bowl is a go-to option for anyone looking for healthy, flavorful, and convenient Mediterranean-inspired meals.

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