Cottage Cheese & Cherry Balsamic Salad with Walnuts
A Sweet & Savory, High-Protein Salad with Creamy Whipped Cottage Cheese
This Cottage Cheese & Cherry Balsamic Salad with Walnuts is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—sweet, tart cherries, peppery arugula, rich roasted walnuts, and a creamy whipped cottage cheese dressing all tied together with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze.
If you’re looking for a nutrient-packed, high-protein salad that feels light yet indulgent, this dish is a must-try. Whipped cottage cheese serves as a silky, protein-rich base, making it feel like a decadent creamy dressing without the heaviness of mayo or cream. The juicy cherries add natural sweetness, while the roasted walnuts provide crunch and earthy richness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze brings everything together in a burst of bold, sophisticated flavor.
This salad is perfect as a refreshing lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or even a light yet satisfying dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
✔ Whipped Cottage Cheese = High Protein, Low Fat Creaminess – It mimics a rich dressing but keeps it light and packed with protein.
✔ Sweet & Savory Flavor Combo – The juicy cherries contrast beautifully with the tangy balsamic glaze and earthy walnuts.
✔ Crunch & Creaminess in Every Bite – The silky whipped cheese, crisp arugula, and crunchy walnuts make for an exciting texture mix.
✔ Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in 10 minutes with minimal ingredients!
Servings & Timing Summary
- Servings: 2-3 (as a main), 4 (as a side)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Whipped Cottage Cheese Dressing:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ tsp honey (balances acidity!)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Salad:
- 4 cups arugula (or a mix of arugula & baby spinach)
- ¾ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or dried cherries for a chewy texture!)
- ⅓ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, for extra tang!)
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade—see below)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whip the Cottage Cheese Dressing
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy (about 30-45 seconds).
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon juice for tang, or a pinch of salt if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a looser dressing, thin it out with 1 tbsp of water or milk.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
- Heat a dry pan over medium heat.
- Add the walnuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they’re golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
💡 Toasting Tip: Be careful—they can burn quickly! Stir frequently for even toasting.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula with olive oil to lightly coat the leaves.
- Add the fresh cherries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta (if using).
- Dollop or spread the whipped cottage cheese across the salad.
Step 4: Finish with Balsamic Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad for a sweet, tangy finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Now take a bite and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy!
Pro Tips & Variations
✔ Don’t Like Arugula? Use baby spinach, mixed greens, or even massaged kale for a milder flavor.
✔ No Fresh Cherries? Swap for pomegranate seeds, dried cherries, or sliced grapes.
✔ Want More Protein? Add grilled chicken, salmon, or crispy chickpeas on top.
✔ Balsamic Glaze Shortcut: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, just reduce balsamic vinegar with a little honey over low heat until syrupy.
✔ Dairy-Free Option: Skip the feta and use vegan whipped ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 3 Servings)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Sugars: ~8g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~250mg
Light, refreshing, protein-packed, and totally satisfying!
Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Sophisticated Salad!
This Cottage Cheese & Cherry Balsamic Salad with Walnuts is fresh, creamy, crunchy, and packed with protein. Whether you’re making it for a light lunch, a dinner side, or a meal-prep-friendly dish, it’s guaranteed to be a flavorful favorite!
Cottage Cheese & Cherry Balsamic Salad with Walnuts
Ingredients
For the Whipped Cottage Cheese Dressing:
- 1 cup cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp honey balances acidity
- ¼ tsp garlic powder optional, for extra depth
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Salad:
- 4 cups arugula or a mix of arugula & baby spinach
- ¾ cup fresh cherries pitted and halved (or dried cherries for a chewy texture!)
- ⅓ cup walnuts toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta or goat cheese optional, for extra tang
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whip the Cottage Cheese Dressing
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy (about 30-45 seconds).
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon juice for tang, or a pinch of salt if needed.
- 💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a looser dressing, thin it out with 1 tbsp of water or milk.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
- Heat a dry pan over medium heat.
- Add the walnuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they’re golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- 💡 Toasting Tip: Be careful—they can burn quickly! Stir frequently for even toasting.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula with olive oil to lightly coat the leaves.
- Add the fresh cherries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta (if using).
- Dollop or spread the whipped cottage cheese across the salad.
Step 4: Finish with Balsamic Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad for a sweet, tangy finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations ✔ Don’t Like Arugula? Use baby spinach, mixed greens, or even massaged kale for a milder flavor. ✔ No Fresh Cherries? Swap for pomegranate seeds, dried cherries, or sliced grapes. ✔ Want More Protein? Add grilled chicken, salmon, or crispy chickpeas on top. ✔ Balsamic Glaze Shortcut: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, just reduce balsamic vinegar with a little honey over low heat until syrupy. ✔ Dairy-Free Option: Skip the feta and use vegan whipped ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
