Introduction

Remember those days when you craved something delicious, healthy, and super quick to whip up? Like, yesterday? This Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is exactly that! It’s like a little taste of the Mediterranean sunshine right in your own kitchen, and honestly, it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, this comes together in minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights or a speedy lunch.
Easy: No fancy techniques required here! Just assemble and enjoy.
Giftable: While you can’t exactly gift a bowl of cottage cheese, the idea of this healthy, delicious meal is something you can definitely share with friends needing a quick meal solution.
Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters often find something to love in this vibrant bowl. It’s a lighter take on classic Greek flavors that feels satisfying.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies. These are all pretty straightforward, and you might even have half of them in your fridge right now!

1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced: This is our protein powerhouse! Using pre-grilled chicken makes it a total breeze. If you have leftover roasted chicken, that works perfectly too.
1/2 cup cottage cheese: The creamy, dreamy base! I love using full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor, but use whatever you prefer.
1/2 cucumber, diced or sliced: For that refreshing crunch. English cucumbers are my favorite because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Little bursts of sweetness and acidity. Grape tomatoes work just as well.
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced: These briny beauties are a must for that authentic Greek flair.
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: A little sharp bite that really elevates the flavors. If raw onion is a bit strong for you, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them – it mellows them out nicely.
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: The salty, tangy star! Good quality feta makes a big difference.
2 tablespoons Greek dressing: Your flavor finisher! A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper is perfect. Store-bought or homemade, your choice!

How to Make It

Alright, chef, let’s get this done! This is less of a “recipe” and more of an “assembly project.”

Start with the creamy base: Spoon your cottage cheese into the bottom of your favorite bowl. This creates a nice, cool foundation for everything else.
Layer on the chicken: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breast right on top of the cottage cheese. Make it look pretty!
Add the fresh veggies: Now for the color and crunch! Scatter your diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion all around the chicken. I like to try and get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Feta, please! Sprinkle that glorious crumbled feta cheese over the top. It’s like the confetti of a Greek salad!
Drizzle and done: Finally, give it a good drizzle of your Greek dressing. Get it all over the toppings and into the cottage cheese. That’s it! You’ve just made a masterpiece.

Substitutions & Additions

This bowl is super versatile, and you can totally make it your own. Here are some ideas:

Chicken: No grilled chicken? No problem! Shredded rotisserie chicken, pan-seared chicken thighs, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option work wonderfully.
Veggies: Feel free to add other favorites like chopped bell peppers (any color!), spinach, romaine lettuce, or even some roasted zucchini.
Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh dill, parsley, or mint can add an extra layer of freshness.
Spice: If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce would be delicious.
Grain Boost: For a more substantial meal, add a scoop of cooked quinoa or farro to the bottom of the bowl before the cottage cheese.

Tips for Success

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few pointers. Here are some of my go-to tips for making this bowl perfect every time.

Prep Ahead: If you’re really pressed for time, you can chop your veggies and slice your chicken the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, it’s just a matter of assembling in the morning or for lunch.
Don’t Overcrowd: While it’s tempting to pile everything high, try to distribute the ingredients somewhat evenly so you get a balanced flavor in every bite.
Taste Your Dressing: If you’re using store-bought dressing, give it a taste first. Some can be quite potent, and you might want to adjust how much you use.
Cottage Cheese Consistency: If you find cottage cheese a little… lumpy for your liking, you can give it a quick whirl in a blender or food processor to make it super smooth and creamy.

How to Store It

This bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers or want to prep components:

Assembled Bowl: While it’s not ideal, you can technically store an assembled bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The veggies might get a little softer, and the cottage cheese might release some liquid, but it will still be edible.
Components: The best way to store is to keep the components separate. Store sliced chicken, chopped veggies, feta, and olives in their own airtight containers in the fridge. Your cottage cheese will last in its original container. The dressing can be stored in a small jar or container. This way, you can assemble a fresh bowl whenever the craving strikes!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

A: Yes! The best way to do this is to store all your chopped ingredients (chicken, veggies, feta, olives) in separate containers in the fridge. Then, just assemble your bowl with fresh cottage cheese and dressing when you’re ready to eat.

Q: Is cottage cheese really healthy for this bowl?

A: Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a fantastic source of protein, which makes this bowl incredibly satisfying and keeps you feeling full for longer. It’s a great healthy base!

Q: What if I don’t like Kalamata olives?

A: No worries! You can easily omit them or swap them for another type of olive you prefer, like green olives. Or, you can skip them entirely and enjoy all the other delicious flavors!

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

A: You can! While feta is classic for a Greek flavor, a mild goat cheese or even some shaved Parmesan would offer a different but still delicious cheesy element.

Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

A fast, easy, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bowl featuring grilled chicken, creamy cottage cheese, fresh vegetables, and briny olives, all drizzled with Greek dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Servings 1 bowl

Equipment

bowl

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 cup grilled chicken breast sliced
0.5 cup cottage cheese full-fat recommended
0.5 cucumber diced or sliced
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
0.25 cup Kalamata olives sliced
0.25 red onion thinly sliced
0.25 cup feta cheese crumbled
2 tablespoons Greek dressing

Instructions

Spoon your cottage cheese into the bottom of your favorite bowl. This creates a nice, cool foundation for everything else.
Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breast right on top of the cottage cheese. Make it look pretty!
Now for the color and crunch! Scatter your diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion all around the chicken. I like to try and get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Sprinkle that glorious crumbled feta cheese over the top. It’s like the confetti of a Greek salad!
Finally, give it a good drizzle of your Greek dressing. Get it all over the toppings and into the cottage cheese. That’s it! You’ve just made a masterpiece.

Notes

This bowl is best enjoyed fresh. For meal prep, store components separately. If cottage cheese is too lumpy, blend it until smooth.