Smoked Salmon Cottage Cheese Bowl

This smoked salmon cottage cheese bowl combines creamy, protein-rich cottage cheese with flavorful smoked salmon and fresh vegetables for a nutritious, no-cook meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. The everything bagel seasoning adds a final punch of flavor that brings the dish together beautifully.

I started making this bowl during hot summer months when I wanted something satisfying but couldn't bear to turn on the stove. It quickly became my go to lunch option that feels indulgent yet keeps me energized all afternoon.

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese: With 4% milkfat offers a creamy texture and richness that makes this bowl truly satisfying. The higher fat content delivers both flavor and keeps you fuller longer.
• Cold smoked salmon: Provides omega 3 fatty acids and a delicate smoky flavor. Look for deep pink color and avoid packages with excessive liquid.
• Grape tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and bright acidity. Choose firm tomatoes with vibrant color for the best flavor.
• English cucumber: Contributes refreshing crunch and hydration. The thin skin and minimal seeds make it perfect for this bowl.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Creates the perfect flavor finish with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. A little goes a long way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Spoon the cottage cheese into a medium bowl, creating a thick, creamy foundation. Use the back of your spoon to spread it slightly, forming a shallow well in the center for your toppings.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Chop the grape tomatoes into quarters or halves depending on size for easier eating. Dice the cucumber into small, bite sized pieces about the same size as the tomato pieces for even distribution throughout the bowl.

Arrange the Toppings:

Layer the chopped cucumber and tomatoes over the cottage cheese, placing them side by side rather than mixing for visual appeal. Gently drape the smoked salmon in loose folds over the vegetables, creating height and texture in your bowl.

Season and Serve:

Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly across the top of the bowl. Start with just a quarter teaspoon as it can be quite potent, and serve immediately while all components are fresh and at the perfect temperature.

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The combination of salmon and cottage cheese reminds me of the breakfasts my grandmother would serve when we visited her lake house. She always believed in starting the day with protein and something colorful from the garden. This bowl captures that same spirit but with modern convenience.

Make Ahead Options

This bowl works beautifully for meal prep if you keep the components separate until serving time. Store the cottage cheese in a container with chopped cucumber and tomatoes in a separate container. Pack the smoked salmon in its own wrapper and bring the everything bagel seasoning in a tiny container. Assemble just before eating for the freshest experience. This method keeps everything at its best texture for up to three days.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different texture, try using Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier base with similar protein benefits. For a dairy free option, silken tofu seasoned with a pinch of salt and nutritional yeast makes a surprisingly good substitute.

The smoked salmon can be replaced with smoked trout, flaked canned salmon, or even sliced avocado for a vegetarian version. For those avoiding fish altogether, thin slices of roasted turkey breast or a soft boiled egg provide alternative protein sources while maintaining the bowl's satisfying nature.

Nutrition Highlights

This bowl delivers approximately 250 calories with an impressive 25g protein, making it an excellent option for active individuals. The combination of healthy fats from the salmon and 4% cottage cheese promotes satiety while providing essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. The fresh vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while keeping the carbohydrate content low, making this bowl appropriate for many dietary approaches including low carb and Mediterranean style eating patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I substitute for everything bagel seasoning?

If you don't have everything bagel seasoning, you can use a mixture of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried onion flakes, and coarse salt. Alternatively, try other seasonings like fresh dill, capers, cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

→ Can I prepare this bowl in advance?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store cottage cheese, chopped vegetables, and salmon separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before eating to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

→ What type of cottage cheese works best?

The recipe specifies 4% milkfat small curd cottage cheese for optimal creaminess. However, you can substitute with 2% or nonfat varieties if preferred. Small curd generally works better than large curd for this bowl's texture.

→ How can I make this dish more filling?

To make a more substantial meal, add avocado slices, a soft-boiled egg, microgreens, or a sprinkle of nuts like toasted pine nuts or walnuts. You can also serve with toasted whole grain bread or bagel slices on the side.

→ Is this bowl keto-friendly?

This bowl is relatively keto-friendly, especially with full-fat cottage cheese. Tomatoes contain some carbs, so you might reduce the quantity or substitute with lower-carb vegetables like radishes or additional cucumber if following a strict keto diet.

→ What are good alternatives to smoked salmon?

Good substitutes include smoked trout, canned tuna, cooked and chilled shrimp, flaked canned salmon, or for vegetarian options, try avocado, marinated tofu, or a soft-boiled egg.