Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad
A refreshing cucumber and cottage cheese salad with a tangy lime jello base, perfect for light meals or entertaining guests seeking a cool, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve lime jello, sugar, and lemon juice in hot water.
- Add cottage cheese, salad dressing, chopped onion, chopped cucumber, and ground nuts (if using). Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and chill for several hours.
- Unmold before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cottage cheese instead of low-fat. You can substitute the lime jello with lemon or orange jello for a different flavor profile. If you want to add more crunch, finely chopped bell peppers or celery can be great additions. Use your favorite salad dressing to customize the taste, whether it's ranch, Italian, or a light vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues, pairing well with grilled meats or as an accompaniment to dishes like Cheesy Grits And Vegetables. Serve it chilled and consider garnishing with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. It's also a delightful light lunch option on its own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so you don't need to reheat it. If the texture changes slightly after chilling, give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad contains roughly 635 calories, with 12g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 545mg per serving (24% 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 use other flavors of jello for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute lime jello with other flavors such as lemon or orange for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor of the salad will change depending on the jello used, so choose a flavor that complements your meal.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients apart from cottage cheese. Just ensure the salad dressing you choose is also vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. These ingredients will enhance the nutritional value and make it a more satisfying meal, perfect for a light lunch.
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).