Name: Grilled Chicken with Cottage Cheese & Cherry Salsa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts ((or thighs)); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried oregano (or fresh chopped oregano); 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped); ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat); ¼ cup red onion (finely diced); 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped); ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one came about because I had a bowl of cherries and no real plan, and it turned out to be one of my favorite summer chicken recipes. The cottage cheese and cherry salsa sounds unusual but it works – the cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein without being heavy, and the cherries bring a sweetness that cuts through the char on the chicken really well. The whole thing comes together in about 45 minutes including marinating time and looks considerably more impressive than the effort involved.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Grilled Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano (or fresh chopped oregano)

For the Cottage Cheese & Cherry Salsa:

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken (10 minutes prep + 30 minutes marinating time)

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
Place the chicken breasts in a dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).

2. Make the Cherry Salsa (10 minutes prep)

In a medium bowl, combine chopped cherries, cottage cheese, diced red onion, lime juice, honey, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper.
Stir gently to mix. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Grill the Chicken (15 minutes cooking time)

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

4. Assemble & Serve

Place grilled chicken on plates and spoon the cherry cottage cheese salsa generously on top.
Garnish with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of honey if desired.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

If you’re building a full summer spread, these hot honey garlic butter shrimp tacos work well alongside for a mixed grill situation.

Timings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (including marinating)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~12g
Fats: ~12g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~8g

(Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls (for marinade and salsa)
Grill or grill pan
Tongs (for flipping chicken)
Cutting board & knife (for chopping ingredients)
Meat thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)

For another high-protein chicken dinner that’s just as quick, the chicken shawarma bowls are a good one to have in the rotation. Or if you want to switch to fish, the miso and honey glazed salmon has the same quick-dinner energy.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, and they actually work really well here. Thaw them fully and drain off any excess liquid before chopping – frozen cherries release more juice than fresh and the salsa will go watery if you skip that step. The flavor is slightly less bright than fresh but still good, and it means you can make this outside of cherry season.

I can’t find fresh cherries – is there anything else that works?

Strawberries are the closest substitute and work well with the same dressing. Diced peaches or nectarines are also good in summer. The key is something sweet and slightly acidic to balance the cottage cheese and the savory chicken – stone fruits in general work better than berries here.

Does the cottage cheese melt or go weird when it hits the hot chicken?

It softens slightly from the heat of the chicken but it doesn’t melt completely. Spoon it onto the chicken just before serving rather than while the chicken is still very hot from the grill and it holds its texture better. Full-fat cottage cheese holds up better than low-fat.

Can I make the salsa ahead?

Yes – up to a few hours ahead is fine. Any longer than that and the cherries start to bleed into the cottage cheese and it loses the contrast. Make it the same day you’re serving it and keep it covered in the fridge until you need it.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Thighs are actually better for grilling – they stay juicier and are more forgiving if you go slightly over on the cooking time. Boneless thighs cook in about the same time as breasts, bone-in thighs need a few extra minutes. The salsa works just as well with either.

What goes well alongside this?

It’s quite light so it works well with something substantial on the side. Flatbreads or grilled pita are good for scooping up the salsa, or a simple couscous with lemon and herbs. For a lower-carb option, it’s good over a bed of arugula dressed with a little olive oil and lemon.

Grilled Chicken with Cottage Cheese & Cherry Salsa