No-Cook Costco Cottage Cheese Salad for a Quick and Healthy Meal

Saturday morning, pre-coffee and still in my pajamas, I stood in front of the fridge with the door open way too long. I had a giant tub of Costco cottage cheese, some cherry tomatoes teetering on the edge of questionable, and no desire whatsoever to turn on the stove. That’s how this no-cook salad was born — out of laziness, mild hunger, and way too much cottage cheese in Costco-sized quantities.

Quick Recipe Overview

This salad is creamy, crunchy, a little tangy, and takes maybe 7 minutes total — chopping included if you’re not too fussy. It’s my go-to when I buy that ginormous Costco cottage cheese tub and then realize, whoa, it’s just me eating it. Bright veggies + cool cheese + zippy vinaigrette = a weirdly filling meal that tastes like summer in a bowl. Honestly, it’s become my go-to lunch after yoga or during a hectic workday, more often than I care to admit.

Ingredients & Smart Swaps

• 1 cup Costco cottage cheese — I use the Kirkland brand, 4% milkfat (the good stuff, more flavor and it doesn’t go watery)
• 1/2 cup English cucumber, diced — I don’t bother peeling, the crunch is
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved — the wrinkly ones are sweeter, trust me
• 1/4 red onion, thin-sliced — or soak it in cold water for 5 mins if raw onion gives you aggression flashbacks
• 1/2 avocado, diced — optional, but if it’s sitting there ripe and ready, why not?
• 1 tbsp olive oil — extra virgin, if you’re feeling fancy
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar — or apple cider vinegar, both work!
• Cracked black pepper — go heavy with it, balances the creaminess
• Salt to taste — I start with a pinch and add more after mixing

Bonus: toss on some fresh herbs (dill, parsley, basil) if you’ve got them dying in your produce drawer.

Smart Substitutions:

• No red onion? Use scallions or shallots if those are whispering to you from the back of the fridge.
• Vinegar too harsh? A squeeze of fresh lemon does the trick, especially if you’re pairing with fish.
• Skinny on veggies? I’ve thrown in chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, even leftover grilled corn. It’s forgiving.

Timing & Difficulty

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0
• Total Time: 10 mins

Difficulty: Basically foolproof. No stove, no blender—not even a can opener required. Just chopping and a bowl.

Compared to traditional salads drowned in mayo or the ones that need cooked grains, this skips all that mess and focuses on stuff you probably already have.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chop everything

Grab your cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and avocado if you’re using it, and just chop it all roughly the same size. Doesn’t need to be Instagram-perfect unless that’s your thing.

Mini tip: Don’t use the food processor — everything turns to mush and the cottage cheese turns sad.

Step 2: Add the Costco cottage cheese

Scoop that thick cottage cheese right into the bowl. I like about a cup per person, but eyeball it depending on your vibe (hungry? stressed? grazing?).

Mini tip: Stir it first in the container if it’s separated — that’s totally normal and not gross, promise.

Step 3: Dress it up

Drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper—keep it simple—and toss everything to coat evenly. You’re not aiming for emulsified perfection, just well-distributed flavor.

Cautionary tale: I once used balsamic because I was out of red wine vinegar… big mistake unless you like your salad tasting vaguely like dessert.

Step 4: Taste and tweak

Now’s your moment. More salt? Pepper? A splash more vinegar? Do what feels right. And if you’ve got fresh herbs, throw a handful in now.

Mini tip: Chill it in the fridge for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors blend and soften the sharpness of the onion.

Chef’s Tips & Tricks

• Mix gently — too rough and the avocado turns guacamole-ish
• The cucumber and onions stay crisp best if you eat it fresh, so don’t assemble hours ahead
• Layering ingredients (cheese first, then veggies) makes it easier to stir without splattering your walls
• A tiny pinch of smoked paprika adds heat and color — weird but delicious

Nutrition & Healthier Alternatives

• Calories: Around 250 per serving (depending on the toppings)
• Protein: 20g (thanks cottage cheese )
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 8g

Healthier swaps:

• Try low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat, though be warned — the texture is wetter and it just feels less… satisfying.
• Add extra veggies for bulk — shredded zucchini or cabbage gives it a slaw-like twist.
• Skip the oil and use lemon juice with chopped olives for built-in richness.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Scoop it into lettuce cups if you want to pretend it’s summer and you’re eating light
• Eat it straight out of the mixing bowl standing at the counter while your cat stares at you — no judgment
• Pair with a lemony sparkling water or, if it’s after 5, a chilled pinot grigio

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Used watery low-fat cottage cheese? Just drain some liquid before mixing — it’s not quite Instagram-beautiful, but it’ll help.
• Added too much vinegar? Shake in a pinch of sugar, seriously, it balances fast.
• Onions too strong? Soak slices in water or add them last after a quick fridge rest.

Storage & Leftovers

• Good for about 24 hours in the fridge, though the onion gets a little wild after that
• I store it in a mason jar if I’m taking it to work — give it a shake before eating
• Freezing? Nah. Cottage cheese gets weird, watery, and not in a good way. Eat it fresh-ish.

FAQs

1: What brand is the cottage cheese in Costco?
Costco sells their Kirkland Signature brand — I personally go for the 4% milkfat tub. It’s rich and not watery like some others.

2: How much is the cottage cheese at Costco?
Prices vary, but I usually get the massive tub (3 lb!) for under $6 — way cheaper than buying the tiny grocery store ones.

3: What can I make with Costco cottage cheese besides smoothies?
This salad, for one. Also I use it in pancakes, lasagna, mac and cheese, and even mixed with pesto for toast. It’s criminally versatile.

4: Is the cottage cheese in Costco healthy?
Yeah, especially the plain, full-fat kind. High in protein, low in carbs, and no weird additives. Good for bulking meals without much effort.

5: Can I substitute cottage cheese Costco sells with another brand?
Totally, but some store brands are thinner or saltier. Just taste and adjust as needed when using a different type.

Final Thoughts

If you’re staring at the huge tub of Costco cottage cheese in your fridge wondering what possessed you to buy it (been there), this salad is the answer. It’s fast, flexible, and honestly pretty addictive once you get your ratios right.

Drop me a comment if you try it or — better yet — show me your chaotic fridge salads on Insta. My favorite part? When the vinegar hits the onion just right and it gets that tangy, almost pickled bite. Pure magic in a bowl.

Anyway, I hope this dish brings just as much cheesy joy to your table as it always does to mine.