Bagels can be a satisfying and delicious addition to your healthy lunches and breakfasts.
I try to keep my bagel breakfast balanced with the addition of fruit, veggies, and protein.
Light cream cheese is great, but one of my favorite combinations is a bagel topped with my homemade Healthy Honey Almond Cream Cheese, which includes cottage cheese as a secret ingredient. It is terrific on English muffins, spooned over Croffles (one of my favorite Korean Recipes), or spread over top of a plain bagel from your local bagel shop.
My favorite is this spread on a blueberry bagel, especially Dave’s Killer Bread cinnamon raisin Bagels.
Ingredients and Tips
Cottage Cheese – I prefer a full-fat cottage cheese for the most flavor.
Honey – In a pinch, you can swap for maple syrup.
Almonds – I prefer to use toasted almonds. It will give the spread more flavor. If you have food allergies to almonds, you can use sunflower seeds.
Vanilla Extract – You could swap for almond extract
Salt – I use flakey sea salt or kosher salt
Step-By-Step Instructions
In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
Add the chopped almonds, honey, vanilla, and salt to the food processor. Blend well.
Taste the mixture and adjust the honey to your liking.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade honey almond cream cheese spread on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.
Creating a Balanced Breakfast
You may have heard breakfast is “the most important meal of the day” for many, and this is true. Numerous studies have found eating a balanced breakfast regularly is associated with a range of health benefits including reducing the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, and better school performance in children and adolescents.
A balanced breakfast includes a variety of nutrients in appropriate proportions to provide energy while promoting satiety.
I like to start my day with a balanced breakfast because it kickstarts my healthy eating for the rest of the day. You might be thinking, but Sarah, bagels are NOT healthy. Au contraire, my friend.
Bagels have carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. But most of all, I love the taste! I especially love bagels because I engage in regular exercise. Bagels are a convenient and tasty way to fuel my workouts.
Tips On Creating a Balanced Breakfast
Here are some tips for creating a balanced breakfast.
The Cinnamon Raisin Remix and Boomin’ Berry Bagels pair oh so well with this recipe. It’s important not to get too hung up on the numbers but here are a couple of reasons why I love to include Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Bagels in my diet.
With 11 to 12g of protein and 12 to 14g of whole grains, these bagels are baked to keep you fuller longer. Pair The Cinnamon Raisin Remix Bagel with a heaping 1/4 cup of my Honey Almond Cream Cheese and you are eating 18g of protein.
Pair that combo with a piece of fruit and you’ve got yourself a balanced breakfast or healthy lunch any dietitian would be proud of! Fruit adds additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals making it a smart addition to a balanced breakfast.
More Healthy Recipes
Enjoy these other breakfast recipes that are vibrant, nutritious, and tasty.
This Honey Almond Cream Cheese is sweet, creamy, and delicious. Compared to Panera's Honey Walnut Cream Cheese, this recipe is a awesome alternative because it contains higher levels of protein and lower amounts of both fat and sugar. Enjoy your homemade "cream" cheese on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.
My Healthier Version of a Peanut Paradise Smoothie
Enjoy this Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Copycat recipe anytime! I love this popular smoothie recipe because it is:
Simple to make
Contains easy ingredients
Super nutritious
A quick breakfast
Pleases my taste buds
This smoothie is a delicious and less expensive version of Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Peanut Paradise Smoothie. It is just as good, if not better.
Why You Will LOVE This Recipe
I drink a lot of protein-fortified smoothies while training for marathons and half marathons. These protein shakes ensure I am achieving my protein goals week by week.
Smoothies are a quick and easy way for me to get the essential nutrients I need to ensure adequate nutrition while I train.
Ingredients and Tips
Milk: Chose the type of milk based on your preferences. I enjoy soy milk. However, dairy-free options include coconut milk, almond milk, or option to use cow’s milk..
Ripe Bananas: I prefer to use frozen banana chunks for creamy texture smoothies.
Creamy Peanut butter: Option to use chunky or smooth. This is an essential flavor in this smoothie and provides a dose of healthy fats. If you don’t have peanut butter you can create another easy recipe variation with nut butters.
Non-fat Greek Yogurt: I usually have unflavored, Greek Yogurt in my fridge. I like to add this for boost of extra protein and thickness If keeping this smoothie vegan, the option to omit the yogurt and swap for plant-based milk or yogurt.
Vanilla: Vanilla Extract for extra flavor
Optional: Vanilla protein powder ( chocolate protein powder will work too for a chocolate peanut butter smoothie) Also, check out this smoothie if you love peanut butter and chocolate.
Dates: Feel free to use more or less dates based on your sweetness preference. I like to limit the added sweetness to my smoothies and adding dates allows me to eliminate added sugar in my smoothie recipes. If you want an even sweeter smoothie or don’t have dates on hand, maple syrup works well.
Optional – Ice cubes: I say ice cubes are optional because I don’t usually use them. The frozen bananas and yogurt keep this smoothie thick and flavorful.
How to Make This Smoothie
Add Ingredients
Starting with the Milk, add all ingredients to a blender.
Blend
In a high-speed blender, blend the ingredients on high speed until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste the smoothie and adjust the flavors to taste. I.e. add more peanut butter 1 tsp at a time, vanilla, or dates for sweetness. This ensures you have a tasty smoothie suited to your preferences.
Serve and Garnish
Once you are satisfied with the taste and consistency, pour your smoothie into a glass. Garnish with date caramel, crushed peanuts, whipped cream, a sprinkle of turbinado sugar, or warmed peanut butter drizzle. Enjoy!
Note: Other Add-ins include flax meal, collagen powder, or chia seeds. This smoothie is best consumed day of but if you do have leftover smoothie, you can freeze it in ice cube trays to add to your next peanut butter smoothie creation! This smoothie is very similar to my variation of Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie recipe, another delicious drink with cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder for chocolatey goodness!
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)
What is in a peanut paradise at Tropical Smoothie?
Typically this smoothie has Peanut butter, bananas, yogurt, milk, and ice. My version of this recipe incorporates dates, vanilla extract, and protein powder too!
Is Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie healthy?
Yes, A peanut paradise tropical smoothie is healthy! It is always important to consider portion sizes, added sugars, and ingredients customized based on an individual’s nutrition needs, allergies, and intolerances.
How many calories are in the Peanut Paradise Smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café?
Supposedly, the Peanut Paradise smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café has 600 to 700 calories in a 24-ounce smoothie.
My variation of this smoothie includes 366 calories per serving and 21g of protein. The beauty about making your copycat smoothies from home is you can customize the ingredients to exactly what you want. Not only is the smoothie super delicious but it is also way less expensive to make the smoothie from home!
Enjoy This Smoothie Recipe? Try These Smoothies Too!
Starting with the Milk, add all ingredients to a blender.
Blend
Blend the ingredients on high until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste the smoothie and adjust the flavors to taste. I.e. add more peanut butter 1 tsp at a time, vanilla, or dates for sweetness.
Serve and Garnish
Once you are satisfied with the taste and consistency, pour your smoothie into a glass. Garnish with date caramel, crushed peanuts, whipped cream, or warmed peanut butter drizzle. Enjoy!
Notes
Other Add-ins include flax meal, collagen powder, or chia seeds.
Today, I am unveiling a homemade marvel, an irresistible blueberry drop biscuit. These better-than-Bojangles blueberry biscuits are bursting with the natural sweetness of blueberries and buttery flakey love. Furthermore, they are so much better than a copycat recipe.
Why I Made This Recipe
There is a special place in my heart for biscuits. In fact, during my undergraduate years, I dedicated my experimental foods project to exploring dairy milk alternatives in drop biscuit recipes. You could say I’m a true “biscuit enthusiast.”
However, my reasons for creating this recipe go beyond my love for biscuits.
Blueberry Season: Blueberries are in season! What a great way to use up some of your latest summer blueberry hauls. However, when blueberries are not in season, I always have a bag of frozen blueberries in the freezer (it’s Jacob’s absolute favorite food). And, frozen blueberries work just as well in this recipe.
Easy: Perhaps it’s the countless times I made drop biscuits during that undergraduate experimental foods class, but making biscuits is a breeze. They are ready in under an hour with zero proofing time, chilling time, or any lengthy waiting time.
Even after devouring a multitude of biscuits that year, my love for them remains unwavering.
Comfort food Perfect for Sharing: Few things can rival the comfort of a warm biscuit slathered with butter.
Sure you could share a plate of box brownies, or break and bake cookie dough, but sharing a batch of made-from-scratch, freshly baked biscuits takes sharing to a whole new level of “caring”. Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. I would know, I’ve shared these biscuits on numerous occasions.
Ingredients For Bo Berry Biscuits with Lemon Glaze
Biscuits
Bread Flour or all purpose flour
Baking Powder
Kosher Salt
Sugar
Cold Butter
Fresh or Frozen blueberries
2% milk or buttermilk
Lemon Zest
Vanilla extract
Sweet Lemon Glaze
Lemon juice
Powdered sugar
How to Make Bojangles Blueberry Biscuits Recipe with Lemon Glaze
Blueberry Biscuits
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs the size of peas.
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients into the bowl. Gradually pour the wet ingredients with the dry and gently mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon just until the dough starts to come together. The dough will be sticky and lumpy.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
Using a large spoon, or a 2” ice cream scoop, drop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave 2 inches of space between each biscuit.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are lightly golden on the tops.
The Lemon Glaze
While the biscuits are baking, mix lemon juice and powdered sugar together.
Once the biscuits are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly, perhaps on a wire rack or a separate plate.
Using a spoon drizzle the glaze over the biscuits before serving you homemade biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
In this recipe, I change things up by adding a mouth-puckering lemony icing glaze. Here are some other easy ways to serve up these .
Served simply, unglazed, with butter and honey
Paired with blueberry preserves
Alongside fresh blueberries or berries
Served with a plain or sweet cream cheese
Crumbled over a yogurt parfait
The biscuit for a breakfast sandwich
Unglazed alongside some golden brown fried chicken
Before storing these biscuits, allow them to cool completely.
At room temperature, you can store the biscuits in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
For refrigeration, keep them in the fridge for 4-5 days, maintaining their delightful taste and texture.
Freezing is the best bet for extended storage. These biscuits can be frozen for up to 6 months.
When you are ready to enjoy, take as many biscuits out as you would like and let them thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. If desired you may reheat in the oven at 350degrees F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Enjoy This Recipe? Try These Wonderful Sweet Recipes
From their buttery and flaky texture to the burst of blueberries in every bite to the mouth-puckering sweet glaze, these biscuits effortlessly blend comfort and indulgence in one bite.
Below are some other breakfast recipes you will love.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs the size of peas.
In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients into the bowl. Gradually pour the wet ingredients with the dry and gently mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon just until the dough starts to come together. The dough will be sticky and lumpy.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
Using a large spoon, or a 2” ice cream scoop, drop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave 2 inches of space between each biscuit.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are lightly golden on the tops.
Lemon Glaze
While the biscuits are baking, mix lemon juice and powdered sugar together.
Once the biscuits are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly, perhaps on a wire rack or a separate plate.
Using a spoon drizzle the glaze over the biscuits before serving.
I love Oreos. I love Oreo desserts. And, I have a sweet tooth. Moreover, I love a cold beverage after a long and intense workout on a hot summer day.
This is how I landed on this easy Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream recipe as a hot day, post-workout snack, no vanilla ice cream or heavy cream needed.
Just simple ingredients and no added sugar for the most delicious milkshake perfect for chocolate lovers. The best part, this is healthier and less expensive than a creamy milkshake you might purchase from your local ice cream shop!
Let’s dive into why you will love this protein Oreo shake.
Why You Will Love This Protein Oreo Shake
Not only are these delicious oreo milkshakes great after an intense workout due to its ratio of carbohydrates to protein, but it also helps with hydration. This shake is the perfect combination of post-workout snack fuel and sweets-craving satisfaction.
Taste: Oreo Shakes like this Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream are rich, sweet, and full of creamy texture. It tastes like the nostalgic Oreo many of us have enjoyed since our childhood!
Comfort/Indulgence: Oreos are a popular and beloved cookie. They are one of my favorite go-to comfort foods. Enjoying familiar and beloved flavors can enhance your protein shake drinking experience! Additionally, and maybe the best part about this recipe, you might have positive feelings associated with drinking this protein Oreo shake!
Protein/satiety: Protein is the key here. Protein promotes feelings of fullness, especially in the morning. This shake will keep you feeling satisfied for a long time. Moreover, protein is essential for muscle repair and growth!
For the parents and caregivers!
Do kids that are picky eaters? This shake is a great way to add some fruit and protein to your little one’s diet making this a terrific recipe for the whole family.
In this article, I review the Oreo Protein Shake Ingredients, some nutritional information about why I choose to drink this after a strenuous workout, and most importantly how to make this easy oreo milkshake recipe no vanilla or chocolate ice cream required.
Oreo Protein Shake: Ingredients
Banana: Frozen Banana is the base for this shake. It replaces the ice cream and provides a smooth, velvety sweetness. No ice cubes needed if you use frozen bananas!
Soy Milk: Option to use any other milk of choice such as another non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Note, that the nutritional content will change in the homemade shakes because not all dairy-free milk alternatives have the same nutritional elements.
MCT powder: MCT powder is a terrific dairy-free powder that adds creaminess to smoothies, coffee, and teas.
Cookies and Cream protein powder: This is the protein element of this smoothie. It also contributes to the cookies and cream flavor.
Old-fashioned oats: This ingredient bulks up the shake while also adding fiber and protein.
Cocoa nibs: I enjoy adding these at the end of my shake-making process. I love the bite and texture added by the nibs.
Oreo Cookies: I add one broken-up Oreo to each shake and one over the top to garnish. Feel free to add an extra cookie if you desire. You could even dunk an Oreo in your Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream!
Optional: Add a little vanilla extract or additional sugar/honey/dates to taste.
Garnishes are also optional, consider whipped cream, chunks of cookies, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup, chocolate sauce or other melted chocolate.
How to make Oreo Protein Shake
This simple Oreo Milkshake recipe can be completed in 2 steps.
Add the bananas, almond milk, MCT powder, protein powder, and oatmeal to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Add cacao nibs and a broken Oreo cookie. Pulse until the cookie is broken up and nibs are incorporated throughout.
That’s it!
Why I Love This Shake After A Strenuous Workout
Last year I trained for the Willamette Valley Marathon. This shake was one of my go-to post-intense workout fuel options.
As a dietitian, I am looking for 2 big things for my post-workout fuel.
Hydration
A 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein
Below I will dive a little deeper into the importance of hydration and fueling after long endurance training.
A Tiny Introduction: The importance of hydration and proper nutrition with endurance exercise
Hydration
Endurance athletes should hydrate throughout the day to replace fluids lost during exercise but also it’s important to consume fluids immediately after exercise. Not only does proper hydration replace lost fluids, but it also:
Supports recovery
Helps to regulate body temperature
Can aid in improving the athlete’s overall cognitive function
Functional beverages, like chocolate milk and this Oreo Milkshake without Ice cream, provide hydration while also reintegrating electrolytes, carbohydrates, and other nutrients that are lost during long endurance activities (such as running, cycling, or a strenuous hike).
The Carbohydrate to Protein Ratio
A 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein consumed as a post-exercise meal or snack can be effective in:
Promoting glycogen resynthesis
Aiding muscle repair and growth
Reducing muscle soreness and damage
Helps to aid the body’s immune function
Bottom Line
I enjoy replenishing your hydration and nutrients all in one swoop with this Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream.
I have found (with experimentation) that consuming a shake like this makes my life a little simpler. This method of replenishing fluids and nutrients is also easier on my belly.
For example, I find it is easier for me to gulp down a cold beverage after a 2+ hour long run rather than eat a sandwich and drink water. However, everyone is unique. Every single person has their own nutrient needs and physical and physiological differences. Experiment with what works best for you!
This Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream is also a delicious protein shake! I use frozen ripe bananas to sweeten and thicken the shake combined with a cookies and cream protein powder for a protein boost.
optional: extra Oreos, Greek yogurt, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream
Instructions
Preparation
Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
Add Ingredients
In a blender, add the banana, soy milk, protein powder, old fashioned oats, cocoa nibs (optional), and oreo cookies.
Blend Until Smooth
Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Adjust Consistency
Depending on your preference, you can adjust the consistency of the milkshake by adding more milk for a thinner texture or more frozen bananas, greek yogurt, or ice for a thicker texture.
Serve & Enjoy
Pour the Oreo milkshake into glasses.
Optionally, top each milkshake with whipped cream, chocolate syrup drizzle, or additional crushed cookies.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Oreo milkshake without ice cream!
Notes
An approx. 1:3 or 1:4 ratio of protein to carbohydrates, this protein shake is a great fuel option after long endurance exercise. You can customize your Oreo milkshake by adding ingredients like peanut butter, caramel sauce, or mint extract for different flavors.
Health and Easy 5 Ingredient Peach Cobbler Protein Shake
This shake recipe is inspired by Peach crisps, cobblers, and crumbles. I love fruit crisps, cobblers, and crumble but sometimes I just want a healthier version, you know? Oh, and high protein to keep me fuller for longer!
I especially love this healthy peach cobbler smoothie when it is peach season! Fresh fruit smoothies are THE BEST with seasonal produce.
Moreover, this shake is gluten-free, healthy, and can be made 100% plant-based. Whether you call this a peach smoothie or a protein peach cobbler shake, it is delicious, full of healthy fats and protein, and a great way to ensure a balanced diet.
Why You Will Love Making This Peach Cobbler Protein Smoothie
This peachy-inspired shake is decadent yet comforting and easy! It is a delicious summer dessert and loaded with nutrition!
Best of all, this simple recipe is super easy.
Just throw all the ingredients into a blender and you have a delicious and nutritious protein smoothie in minutes.
Ingredients In This Peach Smoothie Recipe
Fruit: Peaches & Bananas. Peaches are the star ingredient of this shake. I find that frozen fruit works best. But, no need to purchase frozen fruit from the grocery store, just freeze your own fresh peaches when they are in season!
Liquid: I prefer Soy Milk but you can use almond milk, cow’s milk, or any other milk you prefer or have on hand. If using dairy and you are looking for a lower fat “healthier option” you can use skim milk.
Nut Butter: Cashew Butter. It’s a 50/50 shot on whether I’ll use cashew or almond butter in a smoothie. It all depends on the flavors I am going for. For my Peach Cobbler Shake, I chose cashew butter because it’s nutty, buttery, and rich with creaminess. It’s no wonder vegan bakers use cashews in so many desserts!
Sweetener: Dates. The only “added sugar” in this smoothie comes in the form of Medjool Dates. A wonderful concentrated sugary fruit, I love using Medjool Dates in many smoothie creations.
Interested in learning more about dates? Check out my Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe recipe. In my Sharper Nutrition Fix, I discuss the nutritional benefits of dates!
Optional additional flavors: Vanilla Extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or more sweetener of choice such as dates or brown sugar.
Protein Supplement: I choose a whey protein powder for taste. Option to use a vegan protein powder.
For this recipe, I recommend vanilla protein unflavored protein powders. I often use creamy vanilla protein powder for extra flavor and its a healthy way to bump up the protein in your diet. This is especially delicious and hydrating as a post-workout shake.
My Favorite Protein Supplements
I have no affiliation with these protein supplement companies. I just love the taste and they are more tightly regulated compared to some other supplements on the market!
In a high speed blender, combine smoothie ingredients including the soy milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen peaches, nut butter, dates, and any other flavorings you choose like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Blend the ingredients until the peach is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Adjust taste and consistency
If the shake is too thick, you can add more soy milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Want a colder shake? You can also add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
For a sweeter shake, add more dates, date sugar, or other sweetener of choice.
Garnish This Protein Shake
Optionally, garnish with sliced peaches, shortbread cookies, graham cracker crumbles, a pinch of cinnamon, a sprinkle of cacao nibs, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Protein Shake Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting the sweetness level with additional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, if desired.
You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or cardamom for added flavor complexity.
FAQs (Ask a Dietitian!)
What can I put in my smoothie for protein?
Many ingredients work well to boost the protein content in your smoothie. Some of my favorites include protein powder, Greek yogurt, silken tofu, cottage cheese, nut butter, seeds, and milk or plant-based milk.
Do peaches (or any other frozen fruits) lose nutrients when frozen?
Not really, no. Actually, some research shows that frozen fruits and vegetables might have more nutrients when compared to fresh ones.
Benefits of freezing fruits like peaches include minimal nutrient loss, retention of antioxidants, preservation of fiber, convenience, and versatility, and they make for super thick and creamy smoothies!
Are nectarines peaches?
Yes, nectarines are essentially a type of peach, both belonging to the same species, Prunus persica.
Among the three types of peaches, Freestone, Clingstone, and semi-clingstone, there are thousands of different varietals. From Harko to Harbelle to Canadian Harmony Peaches, each peach has its own delicious texture, flavor, and appearance.
Nectarines are sweet, with juicy flesh, and lack the fuzz on the fruit surface.
optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla protein powder, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, additional sweetener of choice
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients listed above.
Blend
In a blender, combine the soy milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen peaches, nut butter, dates, and any other flavorings you choose like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Blend the ingredients until the peach is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Adjust taste and consistency
If the shake is too thick, you can add more soy milk to achieve your desired consistency.
For a colder shake, you can also add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
For a sweeter shake, add more dates, date sugar, or another sweetener of choice.
Garnish
Optionally, garnish with sliced peaches, shortbread cookies, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Additional protein add-ins include Greek yogurt, silken tofu, cottage cheese, or seeds!You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or cardamom for added flavor complexity.
Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Spring and summer offer the perfect opportunity to savor the refreshing flavors of this Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with a tangy Balsamic Dressing.
This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a terrific weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic. Moreover, this is a quick recipe that requires no cooking and has minimal clean-up.
My Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe has protein, good fats, calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy eating and meat-free option for all eaters, even those not following a vegetarian diet.
The Star Ingredients for This Tomato and Herb Salad
Not only is my Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I often have inspiration from a recipe like this and change the ingredients based on what I have in my refrigerator, pantry, and garden!
Tomatoes: Fresh, local juicy tomatoes are excellent in this recipe.
It goes well with large slices of tomatoes, but you can use smaller, bite-sized tomato halves such as cherry tomatoes.
Arugula: Peppery arugula is delicious in this cottage cheese salad recipe. Any left arugula can be used in a future arugula salad!
Cottage Cheese: I prefer full-fat cottage cheese for this recipe. However, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe, too. You could substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella cheese. One of my favorite collage cheese brands is Good Culture but use your favorite!
The Other Ingredients in This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad
Green onion: Green onion is so delicate and “oniony”, it’s perfect raw in a salad! Another fantastic addition to this salad could be pickled red onions!
Fresh Herbs: Basil is a fantastic herb to serve alongside tomatoes. Moreover, basil grows well alongside tomatoes in the garden.
Fresh or dried oregano, fresh flat-leaf parsley, marjoram, mint, and cilantro would go nicely alongside the tomatoes and onion.
Salt & Pepper: I use flakey sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
Optional ingredients: Option to use pine nuts, parmesan cheese, thinly sliced bell peppers, chicken breast, or sunflower seeds.
Salad Dressing
Basil Balsamic Dressing: Check out my recipe and article about this Basil Balsamic Dressing!
Step – By – Step Instructions
You can finish this recipe with lots of fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make The Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and kosher salt.
Assemble The Salad
Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, adjusting thickness to personal preference, and arrange them around the plate. Sprinkle tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Layer arugula over the tomatoes and place cottage cheese in the center of the platter. Scatter green onions and fresh herbs over the top.
Dress The Salad and Serve
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
Serving Companions for Tomato and Herb Salad
Eat this recipe as a meal or side dish.
This salad is excellent alone or with crackers, pita, or pita chips. It also pairs well as a side, with a cup of soup, sandwich, or grilled meat or fish.
In addition, this creamy Arugula and Cottage Cheese Salad would also make a wonderful dish at a cookout or summer picnic with family and friends! Perhaps even pair this salad with some Squash Blossom Fritters!
This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a wonderful and quick weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic.
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