Strawberry Spinach Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe
A fresh and protein-packed summer salad featuring sweet strawberries, crisp baby spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and a tangy balsamic glaze, topped with toasted nuts and optional feta for extra flavor. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, especially when paired with grilled chicken or salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salad 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
- 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.
- Add the Crunch & Drizzle: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts and crumbled feta cheese if using. Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. Finish by sprinkling black pepper and fresh chopped basil on top for added flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately to maintain the best texture and freshness. Enjoy it on its own as a light meal or pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a more satisfying dish.
Notes
- To toast pecans or walnuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- For a homemade balsamic glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar with 1 tsp honey until thickened.
- Feel free to substitute baby spinach with mixed greens or arugula for different flavor profiles.
- Adding grilled chicken or salmon turns this salad into a complete protein-packed meal.
- Optional feta cheese adds a tangy punch but can be omitted to reduce sodium or dairy content.
Keywords: strawberry salad, spinach salad, cottage cheese salad, balsamic salad, healthy salad, summer salad, protein-packed salad
