- Servings: 2
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories per Serving: 165 kcal
- Macros: 24g Protein / 9g Carbs / 2.5g Fat / 2g Fiber
- WW Points: 1–3 Points (depending on fat % of cottage cheese)
Intro
If you are looking for the ultimate Weight Watchers lunch that feels like a cheat meal but keeps you well within your daily points, look no further. This Loaded Cottage Cheese Salad is a high-volume, high-protein powerhouse designed to keep you full and satisfied until dinner. By loading up on zero-point vegetables and using lean protein, you get a massive portion size without the “point heavy” guilt.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. We’ve taken the classic diet staple—cottage cheese—and reimagined it into a savory, crunch-filled experience that actually tastes indulgent. It’s the perfect low-point snack or light dinner for those busy days when you need a quick win.
This healthy cottage cheese recipe is a game-changer for anyone on a weight loss journey. It’s refreshing, salty, and packed with fiber and protein, making it one of the most effective Weight Watchers recipes to have in your digital recipe box.
Look at the Recipe
- Sensory Appeal: A creamy, thick base studded with vibrant, colorful veggie “jewels” for a satisfying crunch.
- Flavor Highlight: A savory, herbaceous profile with a salty kick from Everything Bagel seasoning.
- Key WW Benefit: High-volume “zero-point” ingredients help you feel full while staying low in points.
Ingredients Needed
The Base
- 2 cups Fat-Free or 1% Cottage Cheese: Using fat-free is the secret to keeping this recipe extremely low in WW points while maintaining a massive 24g of protein.
The Zero-Point Mix-Ins
- ½ cup English Cucumber: Finely diced (English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds).
- ¼ cup Red Bell Pepper: Chopped small for color and crunch.
- 2 tbsp Red Onion: Finely minced.
- ¼ cup Cherry Tomatoes: Halved or quartered.
- 1 Radish: Thinly sliced or diced (optional, for extra peppery crunch).
The Flavor
- 1 tsp Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a huge punch of flavor for very few calories.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chives or Parsley: Chopped fresh.
- A squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice: To brighten the flavors.
How to Make Our Loaded Cottage Cheese Salad
- Prep your “Zero-Point” Veggies: Wash and finely dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. For the best mouthfeel, try to keep the vegetables roughly the same size as the cottage cheese curds.
- Mix the base: Place your low-fat cottage cheese into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Give it a quick stir to loosen it up.
- Combine: Add all the chopped vegetables into the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together. The cottage cheese acts as the dressing, coating every bit of the crunchy vegetables.
- Season: Add the Everything Bagel seasoning, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon juice helps thin the “dressing” slightly and adds a gourmet freshness.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately in a bowl or use it as a dip for even more vegetables!
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Meal Prep & Storage
This is a fantastic meal prep recipe. You can chop all the vegetables up to 3 days in advance and store them in a separate container. For the best texture, mix the cottage cheese with the vegetables just before serving. If you do mix them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Serving Pairings
- The “Zero-Point” Dipper: Use celery sticks or mini bell pepper halves as scoops to keep the points at a minimum.
- The Hearty Version: Serve over a bed of baby spinach or massaged kale for an even larger volume meal.
- The Wrap: Use a large lettuce leaf (butter or romaine) to create high-protein lettuce wraps.
Tips & FAQs
How many WW points is this salad?
If you use fat-free cottage cheese, the base and vegetables are essentially zero points on most plans (check your specific app for brand-specific data). The primary points come from the Everything Bagel seasoning (seeds) and the fat content of the dairy.
Can I blend the cottage cheese?
Yes! If you aren’t a fan of the curd texture, you can blend the cottage cheese first until it’s smooth like Greek yogurt, then stir in the vegetables. It makes for a wonderful “whipped” salad.
What are some other low-point additions?
Feel free to add pickles, pickled jalapeños, or even a spoonful of salsa. These all add massive flavor with zero to very few points.
Why is my salad watery?
If you use cucumbers with large seeds, the salt in the seasoning can draw out water. I recommend using “seedless” English or Persian cucumbers and dicing them right before you eat.
