10 Summer Inspired Cottage Cheese Salad Recipes!
Regular readers will know just how much I love cottage cheese, and so as soon as summer started to appear on the horizon (finally!), I made it my mission to create some beautiful, vibrant cottage cheese salads to celebrate the very best of seasonal produce and those fresh flavors that we’re all craving at this time of the year.
This collection features 10 totally delicious choices that I think you’re going to love. They’re colorful, they’re loaded with so much goodness and nutrition, and though they’re all high protein and perfect for a healthy, meal prep style lunch, they’re also fancy enough to be served up when you want to impress.
These aren’t boring salads that you eat after the gym just because you need to – they’re elegant, they’re a little boujee, and they’re perfect for summer entertaining, BBQs, and for those evenings when you want a dinner that’s super fast to throw together (no cooking required here!). Let me show you them…
1. Peach & Prosciutto Cottage Cheese Salad
Sweet, salty, creamy, and refreshing—this Peach & Prosciutto Cottage Cheese Salad is summer in a bowl. Juicy ripe peaches, silky and salty prosciutto, and creamy cottage cheese come together in a light yet indulgent salad that’s perfect for warm days. The sweet and savory contrast is a total game-changer, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 slices prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar + 1 tsp honey)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the arugula or mixed greens on a serving plate or in a large bowl.
- Spoon cottage cheese in the center, spreading slightly.
- Layer on peach slices and prosciutto.
2. Add Crunch & Drizzle
- Sprinkle with toasted walnuts for texture.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
- Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, a crisp white wine, or a slice of crusty bread.
2. Heirloom Tomato & Crispy Chickpea Cottage Cheese Salad
Juicy, sweet heirloom tomatoes, crunchy spiced chickpeas, and creamy cottage cheese—this salad is all about bold textures and fresh summer flavors. It’s a high-protein, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a meatless main. The crispy chickpeas add a satisfying crunch, while the lemony dressing brings it all together.
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 cup heirloom tomatoes, sliced or halved
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Make the Crispy Chickpeas
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel.
- Toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread them on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until crispy.
2. Assemble the Salad
- Spread the cottage cheese onto a serving plate or in a bowl.
- Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes over the top.
3. Add Crunch & Drizzle
- Sprinkle the crispy chickpeas over the salad.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish with chopped basil for extra freshness.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately as a standalone salad or alongside grilled chicken or fish.
3. Mexican Street Corn Cottage Cheese Salad
If you love elote, this Mexican Street Corn Cottage Cheese Salad brings all those bold, smoky, and creamy flavors into a high-protein, summer-ready dish. Charred sweet corn, zesty lime, a sprinkle of chili powder, and crumbled cotija cheese come together with cool and creamy cottage cheese for a salad that’s both indulgent and nutritious. I love serving this as a side dish for barbecues!
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Char the Corn
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the corn, smoked paprika, and chili powder, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Salad
- Spoon the cottage cheese into a serving bowl.
- Stir in the charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice and mayonnaise/Greek yogurt if using, and mix until well combined.
3. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with extra chili powder and more cotija cheese for a bold finish.
- Serve immediately as a dip with tortilla chips, a side salad, or even a topping for grilled meats.
4. Chicken & Summer Veggie Cottage Cheese Salad
This Chicken & Summer Veggie Cottage Cheese Salad is the perfect light yet protein-packed meal for hot days.Whether you need a quick lunch, meal prep option, or a refreshing side dish, this salad has you covered! It’s very customizable, so feel free to get creative and throw in all your favorite crunchy salad veggies.
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 cup grilled or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad
- Spoon the cottage cheese into a serving bowl.
- Add the grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion on top.
2. Add the Dressing
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs.
3. Toss & Serve
- Gently mix everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
5. Strawberry Spinach Cottage Cheese Salad
I love strawberries and spinach paired with balsamic for a summer salad, so I decided to give it a protein-packed upgrade by adding cottage cheese! These flavors are just so beautifully fresh, and I particularly love serving this one with shredded chicken for a light but seriously satisfying meal.
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar + 1 tsp honey)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the baby spinach on a serving plate or in a bowl.
- Spoon the cottage cheese in the center.
- Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly across the salad.
2. Add the Crunch & Drizzle
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans (or walnuts) and crumbled feta (if using).
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and fresh basil.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Enjoy on its own or pair with grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal.
6. Tuna & Cottage Cheese Summer Salad
Looking for a light, protein-packed salad that comes together in minutes? This Tuna & Cottage Cheese Summer Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for hot days, meal prep, or a quick and easy lunch. Flaky tuna, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy cottage cheese make this salad both healthy and incredibly delicious.
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup avocado, diced (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado (if using).
2. Add the Dressing
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Mix & Serve
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an herby finish.
- Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes for even better flavor.
7. Avocado, Pickled Red Onion & Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Salad
If you love everything bagel seasoning, this salad is about to be your new favorite. Creamy cottage cheese, buttery avocado, tangy pickled red onions, and that perfectly savory crunch from everything bagel seasoning—this is a high-protein, flavor-packed salad that works for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack.
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup pickled red onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad
- Spoon the cottage cheese into a serving bowl or onto a plate.
- Arrange the sliced avocado over the top.
- Scatter the pickled red onions evenly across the salad.
2. Add the Seasoning & Drizzle
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the top.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
- Add a little black pepper for extra depth.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped chives if using.
- Enjoy as is, or scoop it up with crackers, pita chips, or cucumber slices.
8. Cottage Cheese Bruschetta Salad
This Cottage Cheese Bruschetta Salad takes all the bold, fresh flavors of classic Italian bruschetta and transforms them into a light, high-protein summer salad. Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic are tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then spooned over creamy cottage cheese for a dish that’s refreshing, satisfying, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect as a side salad, appetizer, or even a dip with toasted bread!
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomato Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Assemble the Salad
- Spoon the cottage cheese onto a serving plate or in a bowl.
- Top with the bruschetta tomato mixture, making sure to drizzle over some of the juices.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or crackers for scooping.
- Enjoy as a light meal, a side dish, or an elegant appetizer.
9. Cottage Cheese & Smoked Salmon Salad
This one looks super impressive and it makes for a beautiful summer inspired side dish for any entertaining you might be planning this season!
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 4 oz smoked salmon, torn into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust based on saltiness of the salmon)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad
- Spoon the cottage cheese into a serving bowl or onto a plate.
- Arrange the smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion, and capers on top.
2. Add the Dressing
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Sprinkle with black pepper, salt (if needed), and fresh dill.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with everything bagel seasoning if desired.
- Serve immediately on its own, with crackers, bagel chips, or toasted bread.
10. Raspberry, Mint & Dark Chocolate Cottage Cheese Salad
Let’s finish things off with a sweet, dessert inspired option! It’s fresh, it’s creamy, and the combination of raspberries with dark chocolate is one of my all-time favorites. Perfect for those summer nights when you’re in the mood for a light yet indulgent dessert option.
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate, chopped or shaved
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds or crushed pistachios (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad
- Spoon the cottage cheese into a serving bowl.
- Scatter the fresh raspberries over the top.
2. Add the Chocolate & Mint
- Sprinkle the dark chocolate and chopped fresh mint evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if using.
3. Finish & Serve
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds or crushed pistachios for added crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy as a light, refreshing summer treat!
Who knew cottage cheese could be the star of so many fresh and flavorful summer salads? Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, crunchy, or creamy, these 10 cottage cheese salad recipes prove that healthy eating can be both easy and exciting.
Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or meal prep, these salads are packed with protein, texture, and vibrant summer flavors. Give them a try and let me know—which one is your favorite?
