Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
Cottage cheese recipes have proven to be huge reader favorites here at SV over the past couple of years! After how much you all loved my cottage cheese pizza bowl and of course my TikTok viral cottage cheese beef and sweet potato bowl, I’ve been wanting to share more savory cottage cheese ideas with you, and this one just turned out so well.
Creamy cottage cheese gets topped with crisp vegetables, a splash of white balsamic, and fresh basil for a simple, high-protein dish that comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, meal prepping, or a light dinner, and it’s quickly made its way into my weekly rotation. I hope you’ll love it just as much as I do!
By the way, if you’re a cottage cheese lover like me, don’t forget to take a look at more of my favorites! I think you’ll also love my blueberry & muesli cottage cheese bowl, cottage cheese alfredo, creamy tomato cottage cheese pasta, cottage cheese egg salad, cottage cheese blueberry muffins, cottage cheese pizza crust, and cottage cheese flatbreads!
Ingredients
Please note: There’s a printable recipe card included at the bottom of this post!
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Low-fat cottage cheese: The base of the bowl and the main protein source. Use small-curd for the best texture.
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Shallot: Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor without overpowering the bowl.
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Cucumber: Brings crunch and freshness. I like to use mini cucumbers!
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Yellow bell pepper: Slightly sweet and crisp, adding both color and texture.
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Roma tomato: Less watery than other tomatoes, which helps keep the bowl from getting soggy.
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White balsamic vinegar: Adds brightness and a subtle sweetness that balances the cottage cheese.
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Salt & pepper: Season to taste. Cottage cheese always benefits from a little extra seasoning.
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Fresh basil: Finishes everything off with a fresh, herby note.
How To Make Your Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
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Prep the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato. Mince the shallot and chop the fresh basil.
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Add the cottage cheese: Spoon the cottage cheese into a bowl and smooth it out into an even layer.
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Add the vegetables: Arrange the cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, and shallot over the cottage cheese. You can mix everything together or keep it separated into sections. Your choice!
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Season: Drizzle the white balsamic vinegar over the top, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Finish with basil: Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy right away.
Why This Recipe Works
This bowl is all about contrast and balance! Creamy cottage cheese provides a high-protein base, while crisp vegetables add texture and freshness so each bite feels light, not heavy.
The white balsamic vinegar brings just enough acidity to brighten everything up and cut through the richness, while the shallot adds gentle savory depth without overpowering the bowl.
Finishing with fresh basil ties the flavors together and keeps the whole dish tasting clean, fresh, and satisfying.
Meal Prepping Tips
This bowl is best assembled right before eating, but you can prep the components ahead to save time. Dice the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Keep the cottage cheese separate and assemble when ready to eat so the bowl stays crisp and fresh. If packing for lunch, wait to add the vinegar and basil until just before eating to keep the flavors bright and the texture just right.
Variations
Add sliced avocado or a drizzle of olive oil for a little extra richness. Swap the basil for fresh dill or chives if that’s what you have in your kitchen already. For more protein or texture, try topping the bowl with a soft-boiled egg, toasted nuts, or seeds. You can also change up the veggies based on the season. Think radishes, cherry tomatoes, or roasted peppers. Anything goes and it’s a great excuse to use up any leftovers!
Serving Ideas
This savory cottage cheese bowl is easy to work into your day in a lot of different ways! It’s a great option for busy mornings when you want something quick but filling (I absolutely love a savory breakfast!), and it works just as well as a light, high-protein lunch. After a workout, it’s an easy way to refuel without feeling weighed down. You can also enjoy it as a satisfying afternoon snack or prep the components ahead so it’s ready whenever you need it.
Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1 shallot minced
- 1 mini cucumber or 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1 Roma tomato diced
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato. Mince the shallot and chop the fresh basil.
- Add the cottage cheese: Spoon the cottage cheese into a bowl and smooth it out into an even layer.
- Add the vegetables: Arrange the cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, and shallot over the cottage cheese. You can mix everything together or keep it separated into sections. Your choice!
- Season: Drizzle the white balsamic vinegar over the top, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Finish with basil: Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy right away.
This one is so easy to prep, and if you love a healthy, protein packed lunch idea that’s ready in 5 minutes and will keep you full until dinnertime, it’s definitely one to add to your list! Give it a try, and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear about any customizations you make. Leave a comment and a star rating below, and tag me on Instagram @slimmingviolet!
