Description
A light, refreshing, and protein-packed Cottage Cheese Melon Salad. This simple yet delicious dish combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet, juicy melon balls, a hint of mint, and a drizzle of honey for a perfect breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups full-fat small-curd cottage cheese
– 1 medium ripe cantaloupe
– 1/2 medium ripe honeydew melon
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
– Juice and zest of 1 fresh lime
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– 1/3 cup toasted pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)
– Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- If using, toast the slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Using a melon baller, scoop balls from cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. Alternatively, you can dice the melon into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, melon balls, and chopped mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup) and lemon juice.
- Drizzle the honey-lemon mixture over the cottage cheese and melon. Gently toss to combine.
- Divide the salad among serving bowls.
- Garnish with the toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds and an optional pinch of black pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use small-curd cottage cheese or blend it briefly in a food processor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours. The melon may release water if stored longer.
- For a savory twist, omit the honey and add chopped basil, cucumber, and a pinch of salt.
- Choose ripe, fragrant melons for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Salad, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg