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Forget bland salads - this Mediterranean-style cottage cheese creation is what I whip up when craving a dish that feels like a mini getaway. I came up with this idea during a hectic stretch when I needed speedy, protein-loaded dinners that still delivered big on taste. The smooth cottage cheese works amazingly with briny olives and sharp feta, while crisp veggies add that necessary crunch factor.
When I first served this, my spouse who swears cottage cheese isn't his thing scraped his bowl clean and wanted more. It's now a regular feature in our dinner lineup!
Superior Ingredients Transform:
- Premium cottage cheese: - forms your creamy foundation
- Grilled chicken breast:, ideally just off the grill
- Fresh cucumber: - English varieties work best with minimal seeds
- Juicy cherry tomatoes: - the tiny ones that burst when bitten
- Kalamata olives: - worth the extra effort for genuine flavor
- Red onion: cut incredibly thin
- Authentic Greek feta: - skip the pre-packaged crumbles
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Assembly Instructions:
- Begin With Foundation:
- Plop a big dollop of cottage cheese smack in the middle of your bowl. This makes a lush base for everything else to shine.
- Add Your Meat:
- Place your warm chicken slices around the cottage cheese. I always add oregano and fresh lemon to my chicken while cooking.
- Arrange Colorfully:
- Here's the creative bit - laying out those vibrant veggies. I distribute tomatoes, cucumbers, and those whisper-thin onion pieces like I'm making food art. Scatter those olives around like tiny purple gems.
- Crown Your Creation:
- Break up that feta all over everything - don't hold back! A splash of Greek dressing ties it together. I often add fresh lemon juice too just because it's so good.
During the hot spell last year, this became my lunch staple. It kept me satisfied without feeling stuffed, and my kitchen stayed cool!
Brilliant For Planning Ahead:
Store components in different containers, then throw together when hungry. I typically grill extra chicken on weekends for quick assembly throughout my busy week.
Customize Your Bowl:
Consider tossing in some chopped avocado for richness, or mix in chickpeas for extra protein. Fresh herbs like dill or mint work beautifully too. During peak growing season, I grab those colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes for visual appeal.
Timing Matters:
You'll want to put this together just before eating. For workplace lunches, pack everything separately and build your masterpiece when the clock strikes noon.
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Smart Tricks:
- Blot those cucumber pieces to avoid soggy results
- Let chicken cool slightly before cutting for maximum juiciness
- Add broken pita chips on top if you're craving extra texture
Whenever I prepare this bowl, I think about the small Greek place where I served tables during my college days. The owner always said simple food with fresh stuff and a bit of care beats fancy cooking any day. This bowl totally shows he was right!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, but store items separately and put together when eating for peak freshness.
- → What’s the best Greek dressing?
- A store-bought vinaigrette works, or mix olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice for a homemade option.
- → What’s a good chicken swap?
- Use grilled shrimp or chickpeas if you’d like something different.
- → Which type of cottage cheese works best?
- Go with 2% or full-fat for the richest taste and texture.
- → How can I skip chicken?
- Chickpeas or pan-grilled halloumi are excellent vegetarian options.