Cottage Cheese Bowl – Savory (Cherry Tomatoes & Everything Seasoning)
This cottage cheese bowl is simple, quick, and full of fresh flavor. It’s the kind of five-minute meal that actually feels satisfying, thanks to creamy cottage cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the salty crunch of everything seasoning. Whether you need a light lunch, an easy snack, or a fuss-free breakfast, this bowl gets it done.
It’s high in protein, low-effort, and totally customizable. No special skills or equipment required—just a bowl and a spoon.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the tomatoes. Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. Pat them dry so the bowl doesn’t get watery.
- Scoop the cottage cheese. Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to a shallow bowl. Give it a quick stir to loosen it up.
- Layer the tomatoes. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the cottage cheese.
- Season generously. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning evenly over the top. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you like a bolder flavor.
- Add olive oil. Drizzle with a little olive oil for richness and a smooth finish.
- Finish with pepper and salt. Crack black pepper over the bowl. Add a small pinch of salt only if your seasoning blend isn’t very salty.
- Garnish and serve. Top with chopped chives, dill, or torn basil if you have them. Eat as-is or scoop with toast or crackers.
What Makes This Special
This bowl hits a sweet spot between savory and fresh. The tomatoes add brightness and a little sweetness, while the everything seasoning brings crunch, garlic, onion, and sesame notes.
It tastes like a deli bagel and a caprese salad had a low-key, high-protein baby.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can keep it basic when you’re rushed or layer on additions like olive oil, cucumbers, or fresh herbs when you’ve got time. Best of all, it’s made from staples you probably already have on hand.
What You’ll Need
- Cottage cheese (1 cup; 2% or full-fat for best taste and texture)
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
- Everything bagel seasoning (1–2 teaspoons, to taste)
- Olive oil (1–2 teaspoons; optional but recommended)
- Freshly ground black pepper (a few cracks)
- Pinch of salt (optional, depending on your seasoning blend)
- Fresh herbs like chives, dill, or basil (optional garnish)
- Accompaniments (optional): cucumber slices, avocado, lemon wedge, toasted sourdough or crackers
Instructions
- Prep the tomatoes. Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Pat them dry so the bowl doesn’t get watery.
- Scoop the cottage cheese. Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to a shallow bowl. Give it a quick stir to loosen it up.
- Layer the tomatoes. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the cottage cheese.
- Season generously. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning evenly over the top. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you like a bolder flavor.
- Add olive oil. Drizzle with a little olive oil for richness and a smooth finish.
- Finish with pepper and salt. Crack black pepper over the bowl.
Add a small pinch of salt only if your seasoning blend isn’t very salty.
- Garnish and serve. Top with chopped chives, dill, or torn basil if you have them. Eat as-is or scoop with toast or crackers.
Storage Instructions
- Short-term: If you’re making it ahead, store the cottage cheese and tomatoes separately in airtight containers. Combine right before serving to avoid watery texture.
- Refrigeration: Cottage cheese keeps for 5–7 days after opening.
Tomatoes are best used within 3–4 days once cut.
- Prepped bowls: If already assembled, eat within 24 hours. Stir before eating and freshen with a little extra seasoning.
- Freezing: Do not freeze; the texture won’t recover.
Health Benefits
- High in protein: Cottage cheese packs around 12–14 grams of protein per half cup, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
- Calcium and B12: Dairy provides bone-supporting calcium and vitamin B12 for energy and nervous system health.
- Healthy fats (if using olive oil): A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and increases satisfaction.
- Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes bring vitamin C, lycopene, and other antioxidants that support immune health and reduce oxidative stress.
- Balanced, low-effort nutrition: Protein + produce + healthy fat make a steady, enjoyable meal without much cooking.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Watery bowl: Wet tomatoes dilute the cottage cheese. Dry them after rinsing, and avoid overripe tomatoes that are mushy.
- Too salty: Everything seasoning varies by brand.
Taste before salting, and go easy if you plan to add olives or smoked salmon.
- Rubbery texture: Ultra-low-fat cottage cheese can feel chalky. Choose 2% or full-fat for better mouthfeel.
- Flat flavor: If it tastes bland, add acidity (lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar) and a touch more seasoning.
- Stale seasoning: Everything seasoning loses punch over time. Keep it sealed and fresh for the best crunch and aroma.
Recipe Variations
- Caprese Twist: Add torn basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Swap everything seasoning for flaky salt and cracked pepper.
- Bagel Vibes: Add sliced cucumber, red onion, and smoked salmon. Finish with extra everything seasoning and lemon zest.
- Spicy Crunch: Mix in chili crisp or crushed red pepper flakes. Add roasted pepitas for texture.
- Avocado Upgrade: Cube half an avocado and fold it in with the tomatoes.
Squeeze fresh lemon on top.
- Herb Garden: Stir chopped dill, parsley, and chives into the cottage cheese before topping. Finish with olive oil and pepper.
- Grain Bowl: Serve over warm quinoa or farro for a more substantial meal. Add arugula and a squeeze of lemon.
- Roasted Tomato Option: Use slow-roasted cherry tomatoes for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Great when tomatoes are out of season.
FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes. Thick Greek yogurt works well, especially full-fat. It will be tangier and less salty than cottage cheese, so adjust seasoning and consider a small pinch of salt.
Which cottage cheese should I buy?
Choose a brand with curds you like—some are small and creamy, others are larger and firmer.
For flavor and texture, 2% or full-fat is best. If sodium is a concern, look for low-sodium versions and season to taste.
What if I don’t have everything seasoning?
Make a quick blend: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and a pinch of flaky salt. Even just garlic powder, pepper, and sesame seeds will do in a pinch.
How can I make this more filling?
Add a slice of toasted sourdough, whole-grain crackers, or a scoop of cooked quinoa.
Avocado or a soft-boiled egg also makes it heartier.
Is this good for meal prep?
Prep the components separately. Store cottage cheese in one container, halved tomatoes in another, and assemble right before eating. Keep the seasoning dry until serving so it stays crunchy.
Can I use grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes?
Absolutely.
Grape tomatoes work just like cherry tomatoes. For regular tomatoes, remove the watery core and seeds to prevent a soggy bowl.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt made from almond, cashew, or coconut. Keep in mind the flavor will be different; adjust with extra lemon, olive oil, and seasoning.
Does it need olive oil?
No, but a little oil adds richness and helps the seasoning bloom.
If you’re keeping calories down, skip it and add extra herbs and lemon for flavor.
Can I pack this for lunch?
Yes. Pack the cottage cheese and tomatoes in separate containers and assemble when you’re ready to eat. Bring the seasoning in a small pinch jar to keep it crisp.
How do I boost the protein even more?
Use a larger serving of cottage cheese or add sliced hard-boiled eggs, edamame, or hemp seeds.
You can also stir in a spoonful of plain protein powder, though that may change the texture.
Wrapping Up
This Cottage Cheese Bowl with cherry tomatoes and everything seasoning is proof that simple food can be seriously satisfying. It’s fast, fresh, and endlessly adaptable to what’s in your kitchen. Keep it minimal or dress it up with herbs, lemon, and a few extras.
Either way, you’ll have a protein-packed bowl that tastes great any time of day—and takes less time to make than your coffee brews.
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