Cottage Cheese And Cold-Cut Platter
A colorful and savory platter combining creamy cottage cheese with fresh vegetables and assorted cold cuts, perfect for entertaining or a light appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese with chopped green pepper, sliced carrot, and sliced green onion, mixing well.
- Cut bologna slices in half.
- Fold olive and pimento slices in half on the diagonal.
- Cut cheese slices in half diagonally.
- Place the cottage cheese mixture in the center of a large, round platter, mounding slightly in the center.
- Arrange bologna slices, overlapping around the cottage cheese mixture.
- Arrange the olive and pimento slices around the edge of the platter; top with the cheese slices.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the cottage cheese mixture with parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. You can also substitute the bologna with turkey or chicken slices for a lighter option. Adding capers or diced pickles can give an extra zing to the cottage cheese mixture. If you have any leftover vegetables, feel free to mix them in for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This platter is perfect for gatherings or as a light meal. Serve it alongside crackers or fresh bread for added crunch. Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. For a complete meal, consider complementing it with a side of Prancer'S Salad for added freshness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture of the cottage cheese, avoid freezing. If you want to serve it again, simply bring it to room temperature before enjoying or serve it chilled directly from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cottage Cheese And Cold-Cut Platter contains roughly 232 calories, with 15g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 476mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this platter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cottage cheese mixture and arrange the platter several hours in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. However, it's best to add the parsley garnish just before serving for a fresh look.
What can I use instead of olive and pimento loaf?
If you can't find olive and pimento loaf, you can substitute it with any other deli meat like ham, turkey, or a vegetarian option such as roasted red pepper slices or marinated artichokes to maintain a flavorful variety.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bologna and olive loaf. Replace them with more vegetables like cucumber slices, radishes, or even some marinated tofu. This way, you can still enjoy a vibrant and delicious platter while keeping it meat-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).