High-Protein Loaded Cottage Cheese Salad
High-Protein Loaded Cottage Cheese Salad
Creamy cottage cheese loaded with bacon, cheese, peas, and green onions — low-carb, sugar-free, and ready in 15 minutes
This high-protein loaded cottage cheese salad is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. Cottage cheese is mixed with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, sweet peas, and green onions for a quick high-protein meal or side. Every serving delivers 22 g of protein and only 6 g net carbs.
Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for a fast lunch or protein-packed snack.
Why you’ll love this salad
- 22g protein per serving — a high-protein meal or side
- Only 6g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- No cooking required if bacon is pre-cooked
- Creamy, savory, and customizable
- Great for meal prep or quick lunches
Health notes
- High protein: Cottage cheese is the protein star of this dish.
- Low carb: Peas are used sparingly to keep net carbs low.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar of any kind.
- Fast: Mix and serve in minutes.
Key element — drain excess liquid
If your cottage cheese is very wet, drain a little of the liquid so the salad stays thick and creamy instead of watery.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese
- 4–5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup frozen peas, thawed (or fresh)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 Tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
- Optional: garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning
Swaps
- Higher protein: Stir in diced cooked chicken or turkey.
- No bacon: Use turkey bacon or omit and add extra cheese.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
- Extra crunch: Add diced cucumber or celery.
Instructions
| 1 | Prep the ingredients. Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble. Thaw the peas if using frozen. Slice the green onions and shred the cheese if needed. |
| 2 | Mix the base. Place the cottage cheese in a medium bowl. If it seems very liquidy, drain off a little of the excess whey. |
| 3 | Add the mix-ins. Stir in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, peas, and green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. |
| 4 | Adjust and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning. For a creamier texture, fold in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes. |
Pro tips
- Full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest result.
- Cook the bacon until very crisp so it stays crunchy in the salad.
- Thaw peas under cool water and pat dry so they don’t water down the mixture.
- This tastes even better after sitting for 10–15 minutes in the fridge.
- Make a double batch for easy high-protein lunches all week.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Net carbohydrates | 6g |
| Total carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 16g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Estimates based on full-fat cottage cheese, bacon, cheddar, and peas. Exact numbers vary with brands and portion size.
Variations
Everything bagel style
Add everything bagel seasoning and a little extra green onion.
Buffalo chicken
Mix in diced cooked chicken and a drizzle of buffalo sauce.
Avocado loaded
Fold in diced avocado just before serving.
Spicy version
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store covered; stir before serving |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Texture of cottage cheese changes |
| Make-ahead | 1 day | Best flavor after a short chill |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this loaded cottage cheese salad
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. Why drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Best way to keep the bacon crispy?
