I’ll never forget the day I threw together this Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl what started as a simple clean-out-the-fridge meal quickly became a weekly favorite. Creamy, cool, and full of protein, it blends cottage cheese with warm quinoa, smoky BBQ chicken, and crisp vegetables. It’s an easy and satisfying bowl that hits all the right notes. If you enjoy hearty meals like the High Protein BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl or crave something plant-forward like the 8 Chickpea Quinoa Power Bowl, this one gives you the best of both.
Table of Contents
Why Cottage Cheese Deserves the Spotlight
The Star of the Bowl
The creamy base of this Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl isn’t just tasty it’s loaded with nutrients. Cottage cheese is rich in casein protein, which digests slowly and keeps you full longer. It pairs beautifully with bold toppings like chicken, roasted chickpeas, or spicy salsa.
A Harmony of Texture
This bowl layers warm quinoa, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and tender chicken over the soft richness of cottage cheese. Each bite delivers contrast just like the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Healthy Meal, but creamier and even faster to prep.
Smart Ingredients & Simple Assembly
Ingredients You’ll Love
Let’s break down what makes this Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl a favorite:
| Ingredient | Notes or Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Cottage cheese | Use full-fat for richness or low-fat to reduce calories |
| BBQ chicken | Rotisserie or grilled both work well |
| Quinoa | Sub with brown rice or couscous |
| Cucumber & tomato | For crunch and freshness |
| Greek yogurt ranch | Light and creamy dressing alternative |
Pull cooked chicken from your High Protein BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl leftovers or toss in roasted chickpeas like in the 8 Chickpea Quinoa Power Bowl.
Print
Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl: Creamy, Protein‑Packed Comfort
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 bowl 1x
Description
Creamy cottage cheese, BBQ chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables come together in this nourishing protein-packed bowl.
Ingredients
½ cup drained cottage cheese
¼ cup cooked quinoa
¼ cup shredded BBQ chicken
2 tbsp Greek yogurt ranch dressing
¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup diced cucumber
1 tbsp pickled onions (optional)
Fresh cilantro
Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Scoop cottage cheese into a bowl.
2. Mix in cooked quinoa until combined.
3. Top with BBQ chicken and drizzle Greek yogurt ranch.
4. Add chopped vegetables and pickled onions if using.
5. Season with black pepper and garnish with herbs. Serve chilled or lightly warmed.
Notes
Strain cottage cheese before using for better texture.
Use leftover BBQ chicken or swap in grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Great with a squeeze of lime or topped with sliced avocado.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Assembly Steps
- Scoop ½ cup cottage cheese into a bowl.
- Mix in ¼ cup cooked quinoa.
- Top with ¼ cup BBQ chicken.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt ranch.
- Add diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, and optional pickled onion.
- Garnish with herbs, black pepper, or a wedge of lime.
That’s it! A complete Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl in 5 minutes flat.
How to Serve and Store This Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl
Meal Prep-Friendly
This Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl keeps beautifully. Store all components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Quinoa, BBQ chicken, and veggies can be prepped in advance. Just spoon everything together when hunger hits.
Serving Suggestions
Eat it chilled on hot days or slightly warm if you prefer a cozier bowl. Top it with avocado, hard-boiled egg, or swap BBQ for buffalo sauce. For extra inspiration, check out our Mediterranean Power Bowl or serve alongside Greek Chicken Bowls.
👉 More Protein Ideas:
Add this dish to your weekly routine with ideas from the Protein Bowl Rezept or hearty Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl.
Mistakes to Avoid
What to Watch For
- Skipping drainage: Cottage cheese can be watery strain lightly before adding.
- Too sweet BBQ: Look for smoky, tangy sauces for balance.
- Forgetting herbs: A sprinkle of cilantro or green onion adds freshness.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
The Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl is everything I love easy, filling, and full of flavor. It reminds me of mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen, where creamy foods and fresh ingredients came together with joy. Whether you’re prepping lunches, eating solo, or feeding your crew, this bowl is a keeper. If you’ve tried my Crispy Salmon and Rice Bowl – CookTune, you’ll enjoy this just as much.
100‑Word Summary
The Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl blends creamy cottage cheese, smoky BBQ chicken, fresh tomatoes, and warm quinoa into one vibrant, satisfying dish. It’s quick to assemble and endlessly flexible swap your grains, change the sauce, or pile on roasted veggies. Inspired by the High Protein BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl and 8 Chickpea Quinoa Power Bowl, it’s a perfect balance of texture and nutrition. Prep the components ahead for fast lunches or hearty dinners, and enjoy it cold or warm. This bowl’s creamy comfort and high protein punch make it a favorite in my home and soon, maybe in yours.
If this bowl made you smile, I’d love to cook together again. Follow me on Pinterest for cozy recipes like this, or stop by Medium where I share stories, kitchen tips, and what’s really simmering in my heart.
