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Refreshing Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Salad

This creamy cottage cheese and cucumber salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish, perfect as a light lunch, side, or snack. With the tangy cottage cheese, crisp cucumber, and bright dill, it's a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that's both satisfying and nutritious.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Red onion, finely diced

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Colander
  • Paper towels
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Airtight container (for storage)

Method
 

  1. Peel the cucumber (if desired) and dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. If using a regular cucumber, remove the seeds.
  2. Place the diced cucumber in a colander and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. After 15 minutes, gently press the cucumber with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
  4. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained cucumber, cottage cheese, fresh dill, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and garlic powder.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.
  6. If using, add the finely diced red onion.
  7. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld (optional).
  8. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, always use fresh dill. Draining the cucumber is crucial to prevent a watery salad. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh. To prevent the salad from becoming watery during storage, store the cucumber separately and add it just before serving. Feel free to experiment with add-ins such as cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Consider adding other herbs like chives or parsley. For a vegan version, use plant-based cottage cheese and sour cream alternatives.