Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the freshness of broccoli with the creamy goodness of cottage cheese. This recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want a healthy side or a quick lunch. The ingredients are versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors and textures according to your preference. Whether you’re aiming for a nutritious snack or a light meal, this salad won’t disappoint!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 150
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Why Make Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad is not just delicious—it’s packed with nutrition. Broccoli is rich in vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious eaters. The added cottage cheese and feta provide protein and calcium, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles. Plus, this salad can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prep or as a side dish for gatherings. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small, bite-size pieces
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/8 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted
1/2 cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese
1/4 cup low-fat crumbled feta
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener (or other sugar-free sweetener)
Salt to taste
Directions
Blend the dressing: In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, feta, apple cider vinegar, sweetener, and a few pinches of salt until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust ingredients as desired.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
Coat with dressing: Pour the cottage cheese-feta dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
Serve or refrigerate: Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad can be served as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs wonderfully with a warm quinoa dish or a hearty soup. For added flavor, consider drizzling a balsamic glaze over the salad right before serving for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
To store Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen as it sits, but avoid freezing as the texture of the dressing can change. If you’re planning to keep it for more than a day, consider adding the sunflower seeds right before serving to maintain their crunch.
Expert Tips for Cooking Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
- Choose fresh, vibrant broccoli florets for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to swap out the sunflower seeds for your favorite nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, for a different crunch.
- Add a dash of garlic powder or chopped herbs like dill for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make sure to taste the dressing before tossing it with the salad; you can adjust the sweetness or acidity as desired.
- For a vegan version, replace the cottage cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives.
Delicious Variations of Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
For a spicy twist, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. To bring in fresh citrus notes, mix in orange segments or a splash of lemon juice. If you prefer an herbed version, stir in some chopped fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
What can I substitute for cottage cheese? Greek yogurt is a great alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! This salad keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors actually improve after a few hours.
Is this salad gluten-free? Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use frozen broccoli? Fresh broccoli is best for texture, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. Its creamy dressing and crunchy components create a delightful eating experience that you and your family will love. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Vegetable base
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small, bite-size pieces Choose fresh, vibrant broccoli for best flavor.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/8 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted Can be swapped for favorite nuts or seeds.
Dressing
- 1/2 cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese For a vegan version, use plant-based alternatives.
- 1/4 cup low-fat crumbled feta Can be replaced with vegan feta.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener (or other sugar-free sweetener)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, feta, apple cider vinegar, sweetener, and a few pinches of salt until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust ingredients as desired.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- Pour the cottage cheese-feta dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
