This Cottage Cheese Protein Bowl is a yummy and filling dish packed with protein! It combines smooth cottage cheese with your favorite toppings like fruits and nuts for a delightful treat.
Honestly, it feels like dessert but is super healthy! I love to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and some berries on top. Simple, tasty, and a great way to start the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the dish! For a creamier texture, choose full-fat cottage cheese. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free alternatives like almond or soy yogurt, but keep in mind it might change the flavor.
Soft-Boiled Eggs: These add protein and richness. If you’re not an egg fan, feel free to leave them out or substitute with avocado slices for a creamy texture.
Fruits (Tomatoes, Blueberries, Blackberries, Grapes): Use any seasonal fruits you enjoy! Strawberries or raspberries could work well too. Any small, sweet fruit will add color and flavor!
Chickpeas: They are great for protein and crunch. If you don’t have any, you can use black beans or diced tofu as a substitute.
Cucumber: This adds a crunchy element. If you want to skip grilling, raw cucumber works just fine. For extra flavor, try using pickled cucumber.
How Do I Prepare Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs?
Soft-boiled eggs can be tricky, but following a few simple steps makes it easy! Here’s how to get that perfect runny yolk:
- Start with cold eggs from the fridge. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Gently lower eggs into the boiling water and cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
- After a few minutes, peel, and slice them carefully. Enjoy that perfect yolk!
What’s the Best Way to Grill Cucumbers?
Grilling cucumbers might seem unusual, but it adds a lovely smoky flavor. Here’s a quick method:
- Slice cucumbers thinly so they grill nicely.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush a little olive oil on the slices to prevent sticking.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until you see grill marks.
- Remove from heat and let them cool before adding to your bowl!
Cottage Cheese Protein Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 soft-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup blackberries
- 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 cup purple grapes
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced and lightly grilled
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp za’atar or similar seasoning (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes making the soft-boiled eggs and grilling the cucumbers, and then just assembling the bowl—perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soft-Boiled Eggs:
Start by placing the eggs in a pot of boiling water. Boil them for about 6-7 minutes to achieve a slightly runny yolk. Once done, remove them from the boiling water and cool them under cold running water. After a few minutes, peel the eggs and slice them up.
2. Grill the Cucumber:
Take the sliced cucumber and grill them lightly on a hot grill or a grill pan until you see slight char marks, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once grilled, set them aside to cool down.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
In a large bowl, start with a big scoop of cottage cheese as your base. Next, arrange the sliced soft-boiled eggs along one side of the bowl. On the opposite side, neatly place the grilled cucumber slices.
4. Add the Toppings:
Now it’s time to get colorful! Add the halved cherry tomatoes, blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, and cooked chickpeas in sections around the cottage cheese. This makes the bowl not only healthy but visually appealing too!
5. Garnish and Season:
Sprinkle fresh dill all over the bowl for a lovely aromatic touch. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and if you want extra flavor, add a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning.
6. Finishing Touch:
If you like, drizzle a little olive oil over everything for added richness. Then, serve your Cottage Cheese Protein Bowl immediately. It’s a refreshing and nutritious meal that’s perfect anytime of the day. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Fruits or Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite fruits and veggies. Consider adding strawberries, raspberries, or even avocado. For vegetables, bell peppers or shredded carrots could work wonderfully too!
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
You can prepare most components ahead of time! You can boil the eggs and grill the cucumber, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the bowl together when you’re ready to enjoy it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the components separate if possible, like the dressing or delicate fruits, to maintain freshness. Just reassemble it when you’re ready to eat again!
Can I Replace Cottage Cheese with Another Base?
Yes! If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, consider using Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and protein boost. Or try a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a lighter option!
