Cucumber Dill Cottage Cheese Salad Summer in a Bowl

Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad Summer in a Bowl

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 22, 2025Updated: September 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Summer!

Fancy a bit of sunshine in a bowl? Honestly, you need this cucumber cottage cheese salad in your life. It's like a mini staycation for your taste buds.

This isn't just any cucumber salad recipe , it's a proper flavour bomb!

Why This Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad Rocks

This salad is a bit of a classic, especially when the sun is out. It’s basically the perfect summer salad recipe , originating as a light, simple way to use fresh garden produce.

It's super easy. I'm talking, 30 minutes max. That includes chilling time! Plus, it serves around four people, making it ideal for a light lunch recipe or side dish.

Cucumber Cottage Cheese Benefits: It's Good For You!

Let's be real, we all want to eat a bit healthier. The cucumber cottage cheese benefits are brilliant. Packed with protein from the healthy cottage cheese recipes base, and hydrating cucumber.

It's a winner! This ticks all the boxes.

It’s absolutely perfect for barbecues, picnics or those days when you can't be bothered to cook anything complicated. What makes it special? It's light, refreshing, and full of flavour.

Think dill cucumber salad perfection, with that creamy texture.

Ready to raid the fridge? Let’s get started!

Ingredients & Equipment

Cucumber Dill Cottage Cheese Salad Summer in a Bowl presentation

Right, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this cucumber cottage cheese salad . Honestly, it’s all pretty straightforward.

No need to raid Fortnum & Mason, you know? We're going for a quick, healthy cottage cheese recipes vibe, so keeping it simple is the name of the game.

The Star Players: Main Ingredients

Cucumbers: 2 English cucumbers ( 1 lb/450g ). Peel, seed, and slice ‘em. Go for firm cucumbers. Nobody likes a soggy salad!
Cottage Cheese: 1 cup ( 225g ) low-fat cottage cheese. Small curd is nice, but honestly, any will do. Just avoid the super watery stuff. If you care about cucumber cottage cheese benefits , low-fat is a good choice!.
Fresh Dill: ¼ cup ( 5g ), chopped. Fresh is key here, guys. Dried just won't give you that lovely, summery flavour. It's the heart of this dill cucumber salad .
Red Onion (optional): 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ), finely diced. Adds a bit of a zing!
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) extra virgin. Go for decent quality.
White Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Or lemon juice if you’re out.
Honey: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). Maple syrup works for vegans.
Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon ( 3g ). Adds a bit of a kick.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!

Flavour Town: Seasoning Notes

This recipe is all about balance. The dill provides that fresh, summery note. Dijon mustard gives the vinaigrette a little oomph .

Don't underestimate the importance of seasoning properly. Salt and pepper bring everything together. If you don't have fresh dill, dried will do in a pinch.

Use about 1 teaspoon. Honestly, fresh dill just sings in this creamy cucumber salad . For other great summer salad recipes , don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs.

Kit Check: Equipment Needed

Cutting board. Obvious, innit?
Chef’s knife. Sharp is good.
Mixing bowl. Any old bowl will do!
Whisk. For the dressing. A fork works too.
Measuring spoons and cups. Get those quantities spot on!

Honestly, that's it. No need for fancy gadgets or anything. This cucumber salad recipe is all about simplicity. You could even use a potato peeler if you don't have a fancy knife!.

This cucumber cottage cheese salad is also a good contender if you need light lunch recipes or easy summer side dishes .

Also a very easy way to enjoy the healthy cottage cheese recipes .

Right, let's get cracking on this cucumber cottage cheese salad ! Think "Pimm's Cup in a bowl" refreshing, quintessentially summer, and easy enough for a bank holiday Monday when you're feeling a bit worse for wear (but not too worse for wear to wield a knife!).

Honestly, finding decent summer salad recipes can be a right pain, but this one's a winner. And yes I know about a cucumber cottage cheese salad , it refers to a salad consisting of cucumber as the main ingredient, which has cottage cheese added to it.

Making Cracking Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: Peel, seed, and slice 2 English cucumbers. I sometimes dice them, depends on my mood. Essential mise en place , as they say in fancy kitchens! Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes in a colander.

This draws out excess moisture, crucial for preventing a watery salad. Pat dry with paper towels. Chop ¼ cup of fresh dill.

Finely dice 2 tablespoons of red onion (optional). Organisation is key, my friend! Makes life so much easier. It's really the easy summer side dishes we love the most.

step-by-step: From Prep to Plate

Right then, let's get this cucumber cottage cheese salad recipe sorted:

Cucumber prep is crucial follow the salting instructions!
Whisk together the vinaigrette: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, gently combine the cucumber, 1 cup of cottage cheese, dill, and red onion (if using).
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.

This isn't rocket science. I like to get it nice and cool. This salad is delicious and it is a light lunch recipes .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Salad Success

Want to elevate your dill cucumber salad ? Here's the tea: Don't skip salting the cucumbers! Fresh dill is non-negotiable.

Dried dill just won't cut it. And finally, always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A little extra vinegar can really brighten things up.

If you are looking for healthy cottage cheese recipes , then you're in for a treat, this recipe have cucumber cottage cheese benefits ! Avoid common mistakes like overmixing it turns the cottage cheese to mush.

You want it creamy cucumber salad , not cucumber soup! You can make the vinaigrette a day ahead. It's a great low-fat salad recipes that gives you a great source of protein.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad

Alright, so you're ready to whip up this cucumber cottage cheese salad recipe . Ace! Before you dive in, let’s chat about a few bits to really elevate your bowl of summer sunshine.

Honestly, it's the little things that make all the difference, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Let’s talk presentation. Nobody wants a soggy mess. For a pretty plating, arrange the creamy cucumber salad in a shallow bowl.

Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs and a light drizzle of olive oil. Feeling fancy? Serve alongside grilled salmon or chicken for a complete, light lunch recipe .

A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or some sparkling water with a lemon wedge really complements the refreshing flavours. Think picnic vibes!

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers? No worries. Refrigeration guidelines are simple: Pop the cucumber cottage cheese salad into an airtight container and it'll be good for up to 3 days.

The dill cucumber salad might release a bit of liquid over time, but a quick stir sorts that right out.

Freezing isn't ideal, as the cottage cheese texture suffers. When reheating, there’s no need. It’s best served chilled for optimal flavour.

Variations: Mix It Up, Buttercup!

Fancy a change? I'm all about a bit of experimentation! For a dairy-free version, use a vegan "cottage cheese" made from nuts or tofu, and you got yourself a healthy cottage cheese recipe .

Or, go all Mediterranean by adding Kalamata olives and feta - oh my gosh, the taste !. For a seasonal ingredient swap , use garden peas or radishes instead of cucumber in the spring.

Summer salad recipes are all about using what's fresh and local.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Let's face it, we all wanna know if we’re being good, right? This cucumber cottage cheese salad is surprisingly healthy! It's packed with protein from the cottage cheese and low in calories.

Cottage cheese is good for you! Key health benefits? It's great for gut health. And with the cucumber and dill, you're getting a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Did you know studies reveal that people who eat more low-fat salad recipes tend to have lower BMI's? Just sayin'.

Ultimately, this cucumber cottage cheese benefits your body and your taste buds. There’s no reason not to create an easy summer side dish like this! It's all about getting in the kitchen, having a laugh, and creating something delicious and nutritious.

Honestly, give it a go you might just surprise yourself. Happy cooking!

Delicious Cottage Cheese Salad Beat Summer Heat

Frequently Asked Questions

My cucumber cottage cheese salad turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery salad is a common issue. The key is to draw out excess moisture from the cucumber before assembling. Salting the sliced cucumber and letting it sit in a colander for about 10 minutes, then patting it dry with paper towels, does the trick.

This simple step prevents a soggy salad, a fate worse than overcooked sprouts, wouldn't you agree?

Can I make this cucumber cottage cheese salad ahead of time?

You can, but it's best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture. If you need to prepare it in advance, I recommend prepping the vinaigrette and cucumber separately. Combine them with the cottage cheese and dill just before serving to prevent the cucumber from getting soggy and the cottage cheese from breaking down.

Think of it like a good cuppa - best enjoyed right away!

What are some good variations or substitutions for this cucumber cottage cheese salad recipe?

Absolutely! This salad is ripe for customization. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon. If you're after a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette works wonders. And if you're feeling particularly experimental, chuck in some fresh mint!

Is cucumber cottage cheese salad healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

It certainly is! This salad is relatively low in calories and high in protein, thanks to the cottage cheese. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals from the cucumber and dill. Just be mindful of the sodium content in the cottage cheese and choose a low-fat variety to keep it extra healthy.

Perfect for those post bank holiday healthy eating plans!

I don't have any fresh dill. Can I use dried dill in my cucumber cottage cheese salad?

While fresh dill is definitely the star of the show, dried dill can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every ¼ cup of fresh dill called for in the recipe. Just remember that dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

Think of it as using Tetley's instead of loose leaf tea not quite the same, but it'll do!

My cottage cheese is a bit lumpy. Is that normal for a cucumber cottage cheese salad?

Cottage cheese naturally has some lumps, but you can reduce them if you prefer a smoother texture. Use small curd cottage cheese, as it is finer. Alternatively, you can gently stir the cottage cheese before adding it to the salad to break up some of the larger curds.

Just be careful not to overmix, or it will become too liquidy and it will start to look a bit pants!