Southwest Cottage Cheese Bowl
This Southwest Cottage Cheese Bowl is a high-protein, nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a post-workout snack. Combining creamy cottage cheese with bold Southwest flavors, this bowl is topped with black beans, avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, and zesty spices. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dish that’s quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat, low-fat, or dairy-free alternative)
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
½ avocado, diced
¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Juice of ½ lime
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips (optional, for crunch)
Hot sauce or salsa (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
1. Drain and rinse the black beans if using canned.
2. Dice the avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes.
Step 2: Assemble the Bowl
1. Divide cottage cheese between two bowls.
2. Top each bowl with black beans, tomatoes, corn, avocado, bell pepper, and red onion.
3. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for freshness.
5. For crunch, sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa for extra heat.
Mix everything together before eating to combine the flavors!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Vitamin C: 45% DV
Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 15% DV
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Notes & Tips
Make It Vegan: Swap cottage cheese for dairy-free cottage cheese or mashed tofu.
Boost Protein: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or an egg.
Make It Spicier: Use jalapenos, chipotle powder, or extra hot sauce.
Meal Prep Tip: Prep all ingredients except avocado ahead of time. Store separately and assemble before eating.
Swap the Base: Instead of cottage cheese, try Greek yogurt or mashed black beans for variety.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
This Southwest Cottage Cheese Bowl is a quick, protein-rich, and flavorful meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for busy days. Enjoy!