Side Dishes

Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl with Fresh Vegetables and Balsamic Vinegar Recipe

ByNora Delaney February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Introduction

This savory cottage cheese bowl is a fresh, light, and satisfying meal or snack. Combining creamy cottage cheese with crisp vegetables and bright flavors, it’s perfect for a quick and healthy option any time of day.

The image shows a close-up of a fresh salad arranged in three clear layers in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a creamy white cottage cheese with a soft, slightly lumpy texture. On top of this, there is a layer of finely chopped green cucumber with a crisp look and light green skin. Next to the cucumber, there is a layer of red diced tomatoes with a juicy and slightly glossy texture. Beside the tomatoes, yellow bell peppers are chopped into small pieces, adding a bright and smooth texture. The vegetables are lightly sprinkled with black pepper and small slices of green basil leaves, with a whole basil leaf placed near the top right. A silver fork is poking into the salad, holding pieces of tomato, with a woman's hand lightly holding the fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Prep the vegetables by dicing the cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato. Mince the shallot and chop the fresh basil.
Step 2: Spoon the cottage cheese into a bowl and smooth it into an even layer.
Step 3: Arrange the cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, and shallot over the cottage cheese. You can either mix everything together or keep the ingredients separated into sections.
Step 4: Drizzle the white balsamic vinegar over the top, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Swap white balsamic vinegar for lemon juice or red wine vinegar to change up the acidity and flavor profile.
Add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
For a heartier bowl, include sliced avocado or a boiled egg on the side.
If you prefer a spicier touch, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes over the top.

Storage

Store the cottage cheese and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp. This bowl is best enjoyed fresh and does not reheat well.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy cottage cheese as the base layer is topped with four distinct rows of finely chopped vegetables arranged side by side: green cucumbers on the left, red tomatoes next, bright yellow bell peppers, and finely diced light purple onions on the right. Fresh basil leaves garnish the center, and a light drizzle of olive oil with a sprinkle of black pepper covers the top. Around the bowl, fresh basil leaves are scattered on a white marbled surface, with small wooden bowls of salt and pepper nearby and a white-handled fork to the right. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use full-fat cottage cheese instead of low fat?

Yes, full-fat cottage cheese will work well and give the dish a richer, creamier texture.

What can I substitute for fresh basil?

If you don’t have fresh basil, try fresh parsley, chives, or a small amount of fresh dill for a different but complementary flavor.

Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl with Fresh Vegetables and Balsamic Vinegar Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

This Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fresh and nutritious dish combining creamy low-fat cottage cheese with crisp vegetables and a touch of tangy white balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a quick breakfast, light lunch, or a wholesome snack, it’s easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors and textures.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Cottage Cheese Base

1 cup low fat cottage cheese

Vegetables and Herbs

1 shallot, minced
1 mini cucumber or 1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 Roma tomato, diced
Fresh basil, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)

Seasoning

1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato into bite-sized pieces. Mince the shallot finely and chop the fresh basil to release its aroma.
Add the cottage cheese: Spoon the low-fat cottage cheese into a bowl and spread it evenly to create a smooth base layer for the toppings.
Add the vegetables: Arrange the diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, diced tomato, and minced shallot on top of the cottage cheese. You can either mix all the ingredients together for an even distribution of flavors or keep them sectioned for visual appeal and tasting each flavor separately.
Season: Drizzle the white balsamic vinegar over the arranged vegetables and cottage cheese to add a subtle tang. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Finish with basil: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the bowl to add a fragrant and fresh herbal note. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor and texture contrasts.
Low-fat cottage cheese keeps this dish light and healthy, but full-fat can be used for a creamier texture.
You can substitute white balsamic vinegar with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar as alternatives.
This dish is best eaten fresh to enjoy the crispness of the vegetables and fresh herbs.
Optional additions include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or a few toasted nuts for crunch.

Keywords: Savory cottage cheese bowl, low fat cottage cheese recipe, healthy breakfast bowl, fresh vegetable bowl, no cook breakfast

Nora Delaney

Leave a Reply Cancel reply