Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the health benefits of broccoli and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese. This salad is not only simple to prepare but also an excellent option for those busy days when you need a quick yet satisfying meal. It’s customizable; whether you want to add more veggies or change up your dressing, the possibilities are endless!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 120
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Why Make Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad is not just flavorful; it’s also packed with nutrients. Broccoli is known for its high vitamin content and antioxidant properties, making this salad a healthful choice. The use of low-fat cottage cheese and feta adds protein and creaminess without excess calories. Additionally, this salad can easily be tailored to fit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it guilt-free.
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 is fantastic on its own but can be even more delightful when paired with grilled chicken or fish for protein. Serve it alongside whole-grain breads or wraps for a heartier meal or enjoy it as part of a beautiful buffet alongside other salads like quinoa or spinach. You can also pair it with a citrus vinaigrette to enhance those fresh flavors.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
Leftovers of Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. It’s best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat unless you prefer a warm dish. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of broccoli and cottage cheese may change.
Expert Tips for Cooking Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
- For added crunch, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.
- Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less sweetener depending on your palate.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh twist.
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing.
- Enjoy this salad as a meal prep option. It keeps well and can be a quick grab-and-go lunch.
Delicious Variations of Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
To spice things up, try adding some diced jalapeños for a southwestern kick. If you want a herbed taste, mix in fresh basil or thyme. For a refreshing citrus version, toss in some orange segments and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Vegetarian variations can include chickpeas instead of chicken for an extra protein boost.
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad is a flavorful addition to your meal rotation, offering a delightful mix of nutrition and taste. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a winner for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfying blend of ingredients that work beautifully together!
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Main 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
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.
