High-Protein Greek Cottage Cheese Bowl with Jammy Eggs
Fresh, salty, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes—this Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl is the reigning champion of savory bowls for a reason. There is something so satisfying about the contrast between the cold cottage cheese and the crunch of cucumbers, peppers, and briny capers. Top it off with a perfect, jammy egg, and…
Fresh, salty, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes—this Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl is the reigning champion of savory bowls for a reason. There is something so satisfying about the contrast between the cold cottage cheese and the crunch of cucumbers, peppers, and briny capers. Top it off with a perfect, jammy egg, and you’ve got a high-protein lunch that actually tastes like a Mediterranean vacation. It’s bright, it’s effortless, and it’s about to become your new weekday staple.
Get ready to discover your new favorite lunch, a recipe so simple, nutritious, and flavorful, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Why This Cottage Cheese Bowl is a Game-Changer
You are going to be completely amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such a sophisticated and satisfying meal. This bowl is a true powerhouse. Here’s why:
- A True High-Protein Hero: Loaded with protein from cottage cheese, a jammy egg, and Greek yogurt (if you use it in place of sour cream), this meal is designed to build muscle and keep you full for hours.
- Incredibly Fresh and Flavorful: This isn’t a boring diet meal. It’s a vibrant, crunchy, and delicious Greek salad with salty olives, briny capers, and a zesty za’atar-lemon dressing.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: This is the ultimate fast and fresh meal. While the eggs boil, you can chop the salad, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a light, healthy dinner.
- The Perfect Jammy Egg: The recipe includes a foolproof method for a perfect 8-minute jammy egg, which adds a rich, saucy element that ties the whole bowl together.
- A Beautiful, Vibrant Meal: The rainbow of colors from the fresh vegetables, creamy white cottage cheese, and golden egg yolk makes for a stunning, Instagram-worthy bowl.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | 386 kcal per serving |
| Course | Lunch, Light Dinner, Main Course |
| Cuisine | Greek-Inspired, Mediterranean |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Stovetop |
Your Shopping List for This Fresh & Healthy Bowl
This impressive dinner comes together with a beautiful array of fresh, powerful ingredients.
→ For the Bowl & Toppings
- 4 large eggs → For the perfect, jammy soft-boiled topping.
- 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese → The creamy, high-protein base of our bowl.
- 2 Persian cucumbers → Halved and chopped. They have a great crunch and thin skin.
- 1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper → For a sweet, crisp crunch and a pop of color.
- Whole grain pita chips → For serving and scooping!
→ For the Zesty Dressing
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil → The rich, flavorful base of our vinaigrette.
- 2 Tbsp capers → Drained. They add a wonderful, tangy, briny pop.
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice → For a bright, acidic kick.
- 1 tsp za’atar → Optional, but this Middle Eastern spice blend adds a fantastic, herby, and tangy flavor. Plus more for serving!
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper → To season everything perfectly.
Let’s Get Assembling! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready for the most delicious and satisfying power bowl of your life? Let’s get to it!
Part 1: The Perfect Jammy Eggs
- Cook the Eggs: Place the eggs in a small pot and cover them with about 2 inches of cold water. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a simmer.
- The 8-Minute Secret: As soon as the water simmers, cover the pot and remove it from the heat completely. Let the eggs sit in the hot water, covered, for exactly 8 minutes.
- Ice Bath!: After 8 minutes, drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool for about 3 minutes until they’re cold to the touch. This stops the cooking and makes them easy to peel. Peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise.
Part 2: The Crunchy Greek Salad
- Combine the Salad: While the eggs are cooking, prepare your salad. In a medium bowl, toss together the chopped cucumbers, bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives.
- Dress It Up: Add the olive oil, capers, lemon juice, and za’atar (if you’re using it) directly to the bowl. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper.
- The Final Toss: Stir in the fresh, torn mint or parsley leaves and toss everything together until well combined.
Part 3: Build Your Power Bowls
- Create the Base: Divide the cottage cheese evenly among four bowls.
- Top It Off: Spoon the vibrant, crunchy tomato salad mixture over the cottage cheese.
- The Grand Finale: Place two of the jammy egg halves on top of each bowl. Sprinkle with a little more za’atar, if desired, and serve immediately with crispy pita chips on the side for scooping!
Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl with Jammy Eggs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small pot, cover eggs with 2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let sit for exactly 8 minutes.
- Drain the eggs and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool completely. Peel and halve lengthwise.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers, bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, oil, capers, lemon juice, and za’atar (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the fresh mint and/or parsley leaves.
- To serve, divide the cottage cheese among four bowls. Top with the tomato salad and two reserved egg halves per bowl.
- Sprinkle with more za’atar (if using) and serve with pita chips alongside for dipping.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for a Perfect Bowl
These simple secrets will ensure your cottage cheese bowl is a flawless, flavorful triumph.
- Don’t Skip the Ice Bath for the Eggs. Plunging the hot eggs into ice water is a crucial step. It immediately stops the cooking process, guaranteeing that perfect, jammy (not hard-boiled) yolk, and it also makes the shells shrink slightly, making them much easier to peel.
- Use Good Quality Cottage Cheese. Since it’s the base of your bowl, the texture and flavor of your cottage cheese really matters. A good quality, low-fat cottage cheese will be creamy and not overly watery.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Huge Difference. The final addition of fresh mint or parsley is not just a garnish! It adds a burst of bright, fresh, herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness and ties the whole bowl together.
- Za’atar is a Flavor Bomb. While it’s listed as optional, I highly recommend finding some za’atar! It’s a Middle Eastern spice blend, typically of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, and it adds an incredible, tangy, and savory layer of flavor that is perfect with these ingredients.
- Chop Your Veggies Uniformly. For the best eating experience, try to chop your cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes into similar, bite-sized pieces. This ensures you get a little bit of everything in each perfect spoonful.
Keep It Fresh! Storing & Meal Prep Instructions
This bowl is a meal prepper’s dream. Here’s how to store the components for fresh bowls all week.
- Meal Prep Storage: For the best results, store all the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the jammy eggs (unpeeled is best), the chopped vegetable salad (undressed), and the cottage cheese all separate. Make the dressing and store it in a small jar.
- Assembly: When you’re ready to eat, just peel and halve your egg, toss the salad with the dressing, and assemble your bowl for a fresh, delicious lunch in seconds.
FAQs: Your Cottage Cheese Bowl Questions, Answered!
Can I make this with a different kind of egg?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of jammy eggs, a regular hard-boiled egg would be delicious. A crispy fried egg on top would also be a fantastic, and equally protein-packed, alternative.
Can I add more protein to this bowl?
Yes! This bowl is a great base. To up the protein even more, you could add some shredded rotisserie chicken, a scoop of canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), or even some leftover grilled salmon.
What if I don’t have za’atar?
No problem. You can get a similar herby flavor by just using a good pinch of dried oregano in your dressing instead.
Can I blend the cottage cheese first?
If you’re not a fan of the curd texture of cottage cheese, a great trick is to blend it in a food processor or with a hand blender until it’s completely smooth and creamy, like a thick yogurt, before you build your bowl. It’s delicious that way too!
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Power Lunch
There is nothing more empowering than finding a meal that is a true powerhouse of nutrition and also happens to be incredibly delicious and easy to make. This Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl is the perfect example of a balanced, satisfying, and beautiful dish that will make you feel amazing from the inside out. It’s a taste of the fresh, vibrant Mediterranean in a bowl, and I hope it becomes a new staple in your healthy eating routine. Happy Cooking!
