Cheese Cucumber Dill Mix

My summer fave for light lunches and quick sides has become this cooling cucumber and cottage cheese combo. The way the smooth cheese pairs with crisp cucumbers gives you that perfect texture mix, while fresh dill brings that green, zingy pop you'll love.

I whipped this salad up during a crazy hot summer day when I couldn't bear switching on the stove. Now it's my go-to quick lunch when I want something filling without spending ages in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese: Makes a protein-packed creamy foundation that keeps hunger away. Go for small or medium curds based on what texture you prefer
• Cucumbers: Add that juicy crunch and freshness. Try English or Persian ones since they've got fewer seeds and don't need peeling
• Fresh dill: Gives that amazing garden scent that works magic with both the cheese and cucumbers. Always grab bright green bunches that aren't wilted
• Lemon juice: Cuts through the creaminess with some zing. Squeeze it fresh for the tastiest results
• Salt and pepper: Pull all the flavors together and make everything pop

Easy Preparation

Get Your Cucumbers Ready:

Rinse cucumbers under cold water. Maybe peel them if you're using the regular kind with thick skin. Split them down the middle and scrape out seeds if they're super juicy. Cut into tiny squares about 1/4 inch big for perfect little bites.

Fix Up The Herbs:

Pull the feathery dill bits off the tougher stems and chop them up small. Don't use the woody stems since they can be tough to chew. Make sure your knife is really sharp so you don't bruise the delicate dill.

Mix Everything Together:

Start with cottage cheese in a big bowl, then add your diced cucumbers and chopped dill on top. This way makes mixing easier later. Squeeze in some fresh lemon, starting with just a bit and tasting as you go.

Add Finishing Touches:

Shake in some salt and fresh ground pepper to your liking. Go easy at first since the cottage cheese already has some salt in it. Gently fold everything together so you don't smoosh the cheese curds too much.

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I love topping this salad with a dash of everything bagel seasoning. It reminds me of weekend mornings at my grandma's place where she'd serve cottage cheese with veggies fresh from her garden.

Make It Your Own

This basic salad can be tweaked so many ways. Toss in some cherry tomatoes cut in half for sweetness and color, thin-sliced radishes for spicy crunch, or chunks of avocado for extra creaminess. Want a Greek twist? Add some kalamata olives and sprinkle in oregano with the dill. The simple base lets you play around with whatever you're craving.

Storage Tips

This salad tastes best right after making it, but can stay good in the fridge for up to two days. Your cucumbers will keep releasing water, so you might want to salt and drain them first if you're making it ahead. Keep it in a container with a tight lid and stir before eating. If you want to add crunchy things like seeds or nuts, sprinkle those on right before you eat.

Nutritional Benefits

This quick dish packs a healthy punch. The cottage cheese gives you calcium and protein without tons of calories like other cheeses. Cucumbers help keep you hydrated while adding vitamin K and potassium. Together they make a filling snack that helps your digestion and keeps your energy up without making you feel stuffed.

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Try this cool, fresh salad as a tasty addition to any meal—you'll soon be making it all the time!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cheese works best?

Go for any type you like, but small-curd or full-fat versions are extra creamy and blend well with the veggies.

→ Can I throw in other veggies?

Sure thing! Try cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or thinly sliced radishes for more crunch and flavor.

→ How long does it keep in the fridge?

You can prep this up to a day earlier. Just store it in a sealed container, then give it a quick stir before you eat.

→ What works as a side with this?

This tastes great with grilled chicken or fish, or you can enjoy it with some crusty bread. It’s also awesome as a snack or dip.

→ Can I swap fresh dill for dried?

You can, just use less than fresh dill. Start with a teaspoon of dried and add more if needed.

→ Does this fit special diets?

Yep! It’s naturally gluten-free and works for low-carb or vegetarian plans too.