Savoury Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
A high-protein savoury cottage cheese bowl with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and crunchy seeds – a quick, no-cook breakfast that keeps you full until lunch.
Cottage cheese is an underrated breakfast hero – it's packed with protein, naturally low in sugar, and has a mild flavour that takes to savoury toppings beautifully. Paired with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a handful of seeds, it becomes a complete meal that feels like a treat, not a chore.
Ready in just 10 minutes, this bowl is also meal-prep friendly. You can chop the vegetables and mix the dressing the night before, then simply assemble in the morning. It's a versatile base, too – feel free to swap in whatever herbs or seeds you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (450g) full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or dill (optional)
Instructions
- Divide the cottage cheese evenly between two bowls.
- Top each bowl with the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber, arranging them on top for a nice look.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and a generous grind of black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the cottage cheese and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the mixed seeds and fresh chives (if using) over each bowl.
- Serve immediately, or give everything a gentle stir to combine before eating.
Cook’s tips
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture; low-fat also works but will be slightly drier.
- Let the bowl sit for 5 minutes before eating so the flavours meld together.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of za'atar.
Substitutions
- Swap cottage cheese for ricotta or crumbled feta (note: feta is saltier, so adjust seasoning).
- Replace cucumber with radishes or bell peppers for a different crunch.
- Use any seeds you like – hemp hearts, chia, or flax all work beautifully.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, but the vegetables will soften – best enjoyed fresh.
FAQ
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply replace the cottage cheese with a firm tofu scramble or a thick vegan yogurt (like coconut or soy). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
How much protein is in this bowl?
Cottage cheese is naturally high in protein – one cup typically contains about 25 grams. With the seeds, this bowl provides around 30 grams per serving.
Can I prepare this the night before?
You can chop the vegetables and mix the dressing ahead, but we recommend assembling the bowls just before eating to keep the cucumbers and tomatoes crisp.
What can I add to make it more filling?
Stir in some cooked quinoa, a handful of baby spinach, or a soft-boiled egg for an even more substantial breakfast.
