Savory Cottage Cheese Cucumber Mint Cream Snack

Enjoy this refreshing cottage cheese and cucumber snack, perfect for a light bite or appetizer.

This easy recipe combines creamy cottage cheese with crisp cucumber and fresh mint for a delightful flavor. It’s a fantastic option for a quick, healthy snack that comes together in minutes. Each serving provides about 18 grams of protein.

Refreshing Cottage Cheese and Cucumber Mint Snack

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• Total Time: 10-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy this refreshing cottage cheese and cucumber snack, perfect for a light bite or appetizer. This easy recipe combines creamy cottage cheese with crisp cucumber and fresh mint for a delightful flavor. It’s a fantastic option for a quick, healthy snack that comes together in minutes. Each serving provides about 18 grams of protein.

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Ingredients

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1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

1/2 English cucumber, finely diced

2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumber: Start by washing your English cucumber thoroughly. There’s no need to peel an English cucumber, but if using a regular cucumber, peel it and scoop out the seeds. Finely dice the cucumber into small, even pieces. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch in size so they mix well and provide a pleasant texture.

2. Chop the mint: Wash the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry. Stack the leaves and finely chop them. You want about two tablespoons of chopped mint, which adds a burst of freshness.

3. Combine the main ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the 1 cup of cottage cheese. Make sure it’s well-drained if there’s any excess liquid.

4. Add the fresh flavors: To the bowl with the cottage cheese, add the finely diced cucumber and the chopped fresh mint.

5. Season the mixture: Pour in the fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle in the sea salt and black pepper.

6. Gently mix everything together: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some of the cottage cheese’s texture and the cucumber’s crispness.

7. Taste and adjust: Take a small taste of the mixture. If needed, add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

8. Serve immediately or chill: You can serve this snack right away, perhaps with crackers or vegetable sticks. For the best flavor and a slightly firmer texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: snack
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Protein: 18

Keywords: cottage cheese, cucumber, mint, snack, healthy, easy, appetizer, vegetarian, quick, refreshing

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This savory cottage cheese, cucumber, and mint cream snack is a true lifesaver for busy families and anyone looking for a wholesome, delicious bite without a lot of fuss. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for a last-minute appetizer when friends drop by, a nutritious after-school snack for kids, or a light lunch component. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, refreshing cucumber, and bright mint creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both satisfying and light. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can whip this up, leaving you more time to enjoy your day.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this snack is straightforward, requiring just a few common items you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh flavors it brings to your table.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 English cucumber, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

When selecting your cottage cheese, feel free to use either full-fat for a richer, creamier texture or low-fat for a lighter option. Both work wonderfully in this recipe. For the cucumber, an English cucumber is preferred because it has fewer seeds and a thinner skin, meaning less prep work, but a regular cucumber will also do if you peel and deseed it first. If fresh mint isn’t available, you can try a tiny pinch of dried mint, but the fresh herb truly makes this dish sing. For the lemon juice, fresh is always best to give that vibrant, zesty lift to the flavors.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, perfect for when you need a delicious snack without a long wait.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Chill time (optional but recommended): 15 minutes
• Total time: 10-25 minutes

The actual hands-on time is minimal, mostly involving chopping and mixing. The optional chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste, but if you’re in a hurry, it’s perfectly enjoyable right away.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this savory cottage cheese and cucumber mint cream snack is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Prepare the cucumber: Start by washing your English cucumber thoroughly. There’s no need to peel an English cucumber, but if using a regular cucumber, peel it and scoop out the seeds. Finely dice the cucumber into small, even pieces. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch in size so they mix well and provide a pleasant texture.
2. Chop the mint: Wash the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry. Stack the leaves and finely chop them. You want about two tablespoons of chopped mint, which adds a burst of freshness.
3. Combine the main ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the 1 cup of cottage cheese. Make sure it’s well-drained if there’s any excess liquid.
4. Add the fresh flavors: To the bowl with the cottage cheese, add the finely diced cucumber and the chopped fresh mint.
5. Season the mixture: Pour in the fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle in the sea salt and black pepper.
6. Gently mix everything together: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some of the cottage cheese’s texture and the cucumber’s crispness.
7. Taste and adjust: Take a small taste of the mixture. If needed, add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
8. Serve immediately or chill: You can serve this snack right away, perhaps with crackers or vegetable sticks. For the best flavor and a slightly firmer texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This cottage cheese and cucumber mint snack is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions.

For a kid-friendly twist, you might want to reduce the amount of mint slightly if your children are not keen on strong herbal flavors, or even omit it and add a pinch of garlic powder for a different savory note. Serving it with mild crackers or small scoops on apple slices can make it more appealing to younger palates.

To elevate it for a party or buffet, consider serving it in small individual ramekins or shot glasses for an elegant presentation. A sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving can add a gourmet touch. You could also offer a variety of dippers, such as pita chips, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, celery sticks, or even cucumber rounds for a double-cucumber crunch.

Flavor variations are easy to implement. For a touch of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred in. If you enjoy a hint of garlic, a very small amount of minced fresh garlic or garlic powder would be delicious. A tablespoon of finely chopped chives or dill could also be added alongside or in place of the mint for a different herb profile. You could also stir in a tablespoon of finely grated red onion for a sharper, more piquant flavor.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even the simplest recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes will help you achieve the best results with your savory cottage cheese and cucumber mint cream snack.

One frequent mistake is over-mixing the cottage cheese. While you want everything combined, vigorous stirring can break down the curds of the cottage cheese too much, leading to a watery or overly smooth texture that loses its appeal. Gentle folding is key to maintaining that delightful texture.

Another common issue is not draining the cottage cheese properly, especially if it’s a brand with a lot of liquid. Excess liquid can make your snack watery and dilute the flavors. If your cottage cheese seems particularly wet, you can place it in a fine-mesh sieve for a few minutes to let some of the liquid drain off before mixing.

Using old or wilted herbs is another slip-up. Fresh mint is crucial for the vibrant flavor of this snack. If your mint is past its prime, it won’t contribute the bright, refreshing notes needed. Always use fresh, vibrant mint for the best taste.

Finally, skipping the taste test before serving can lead to an under-seasoned dish. Salt, pepper, and lemon juice are essential for balancing the flavors. Always taste a small spoonful and adjust the seasonings to your liking. What tastes perfect to one person might need a little more zest or salt for another.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This savory cottage cheese and cucumber mint cream snack is best enjoyed fresh, but it can certainly be prepared ahead of time and stored properly.

To store any leftovers, transfer the snack to an airtight container. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture before sealing the container with a lid. This helps prevent a skin from forming and minimizes air exposure, which can cause the cucumber to soften too much. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While it will still be safe to eat after this, the cucumber may lose some of its crispness and the mint flavor might mellow.

For making it ahead, you can prepare the entire mixture up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors will actually meld and deepen slightly, which can be a pleasant enhancement. However, be aware that the cucumber will soften a little over time. If you prefer a crisper cucumber, you can chop the cucumber and mint, and mix the lemon juice, salt, and pepper with the cottage cheese, storing them separately. Then, combine everything just before serving. This ensures maximum freshness and crunch. This snack does not freeze well due to the high water content of the cucumber and the texture of cottage cheese, which tends to become grainy after thawing.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions about making this savory cottage cheese and cucumber mint cream snack:

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh? While fresh mint is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, you can use a very small amount of dried mint (about 1/2 teaspoon) as a substitute. Be aware that the flavor will be less bright and more concentrated.

What kind of cottage cheese works best? Any type of cottage cheese works well, whether it’s full-fat, low-fat, or even fat-free. Choose your preference based on desired creaminess and dietary needs. Just ensure it’s well-drained if it

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.