1. 1. Prepare Your Base: Spoon the cottage cheese into a medium-sized bowl. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can briefly blend the cottage cheese in a food processor for about 30 seconds until it’s creamier, then transfer it to your bowl.

2. 2. Arrange the Banana: Take your sliced banana and artfully arrange the pieces around the edges or down the center of the cottage cheese. Think of it like the banana in a classic banana split.

3. 3. Add the Berries: Scatter the sliced fresh strawberries over the cottage cheese, nestling them among the banana slices. Their vibrant red color adds a beautiful contrast and a burst of sweetness.

4. 4. Incorporate the Pineapple: Distribute the pineapple chunks evenly over the bowl. If using canned pineapple, ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess liquid from making the cottage cheese watery.

5. 5. Sprinkle the Nuts: Generously sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over all the fruit and cottage cheese. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

6. 6. Drizzle with Chocolate: Take your chocolate syrup and drizzle it artfully over the entire bowl. You can make zig-zag patterns or just a simple swirl.

7. 7. Garnish and Serve (Optional): For that authentic banana split look, add a dollop of whipped cream in the center and top it with a bright red maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and nutritious protein bowl!