If you’re a fan of healthy, protein-packed meals, cottage cheese salads are here to revolutionize your meal planning. In 2025, they’ve surged in popularity thanks to their versatility, ease of preparation, and satisfying taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a high-protein snack, these salads tick every box.
I’ve explored countless flavor combinations and narrowed it down to my absolute favorites. These 10 cottage cheese salad recipes are not just delicious but also simple enough for anyone to whip up. Let’s dive in!
1. Cottage Cheese and Avocado Salad
Creamy avocado meets tangy lime and cottage cheese for a super satisfying bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, diced avocados, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add the lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper, and mix gently.
- Serve immediately.
2. Berry Cottage Cheese Salad
A sweet, nutritious combo perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup chopped mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese and fresh berries.
- Drizzle with honey and top with chopped mint leaves, if using.
- Serve immediately.
3. Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese Salad
This savory salad shines with fresh basil and a balsamic drizzle.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
4. Cottage Cheese and Spinach Salad
A powerhouse of nutrients with spinach, cranberries, and walnuts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese and fresh spinach leaves.
- Add the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
5. Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
Hearty and filling, this salad combines chickpeas, red onions, and cucumbers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss well and serve immediately.
6. Cottage Cheese and Fruit Salad
Sweet and tangy with seasonal fruits like pineapple, berries, and grapes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, pineapple chunks, grapes, and mixed berries.
- Drizzle with honey and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
7. Cottage Cheese and Beet Salad
Vibrant and earthy with roasted beets and citrus vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 medium beets, roasted and diced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, diced beets, and mixed greens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well.
- Serve immediately.
8. Cottage Cheese and Apple Salad
Sweet, crunchy, and aromatic with cinnamon-honey dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 apples, sliced thinly
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, apple slices, and chopped walnuts.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey and ground cinnamon.
- Drizzle the cinnamon-honey dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
9. Southwest Cottage Cheese Salad
Black beans, corn, diced avocado, and cottage cheese with a tangy lime-cilantro dressing.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, black beans, corn, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Garnish with lime.
- Serve immediately.
10. Cottage Cheese and Zucchini Salad
Thinly sliced zucchini, cottage cheese, and fresh mint with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 small zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, thinly sliced zucchini, and chopped mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.