Cottage cheese topped with marinated tomatoes makes a deliciously flavorful, high-protein, low-carb dish that’s fresh and simple!

If we could eat this every day, we just might do it. We love it that much. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, savory, and perfect for tomato lovers.

This dish truly shines when you use ripe cherry tomatoes or any super-ripe summer tomatoes you’ve got on hand. Marinated tomatoes and cottage cheese are a perfect match, and honestly, way more crave-worthy than you’d expect!

You can serve this as a healthy side dish or enjoy it as a light meal all on its own. Thanks to the cottage cheese, it’s high in protein and still somewhat low in carbs. Split it into two servings for a side, or keep the whole bowl for yourself when you want something filling but not heavy.

Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and most of that time is just letting the tomatoes marinate. Simple, easy, and so worth it for how delicious the end result is!

Key Ingredients

Cottage cheese: Boosts protein and adds a yummy creaminess. We use a low-fat cottage cheese, but you can use full-fat cottage, which only slightly reduces the protein content.

Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and perfect for marinating. However, any ripe summer tomato can be used.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and brings everything together. Avocado oil is a good substitute.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness. You can swap with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if you like.

Garlic: We grate a small clove, but you can use more or less to taste.

Red pepper flakes. Although red pepper flakes are optional, we highly recommend! Just a pinch adds a subtle amount of heat.

Fresh basil: Adds a fresh herby flavor. You can swap with fresh oregano, thyme, or even chives if you prefer.

Preparation Steps

STEP 1: In a small bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with salt, pepper, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, and basil. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes to marinate.

STEP 2: While tomatoes marinate, spread a bed of cottage cheese on a serving plate.

STEP 3: Spoon the tomatoes and their juices over the cottage cheese. Top with extra basil if you like.

Variations

Mediterranean style: Add chopped cucumber, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta along with the marinated tomatoes.

Italian caprese twist: Add fresh oregano and add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Spicy kick: Use extra red pepper flakes or stir in a little harissa or chili crisp.

Herb swap: Use fresh dill, mint, or chives instead of basil for a different flavor.

More protein: Top with grilled chicken strips or shrimp to turn it into a heartier meal.

How to Store

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

The tomatoes will continue to release juices as they sit, so give everything a quick stir before serving again. If you want to prep ahead, you can marinate the tomatoes separately and spoon them over fresh cottage cheese just before eating.

More Cottage Cheese Side Dishes

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

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