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 high-protein, flavor-packed dish is perfect for summer grilling and weeknight dinners alike. If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Juicy, tender grilled chicken is paired with a refreshing cherry salsa, made even more unique with creamy cottage cheese, a touch of honey, and bright lime juice.

Cherries add a natural sweetness that complements the richness of the grilled chicken, while the basil and lime juice bring fresh, zesty notes that tie everything together beautifully. The added protein from the cottage cheese makes this dish an excellent option for those looking to keep their meals both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re grilling outdoors for a summer barbecue or using a grill pan indoors, this dish is quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful

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.

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)