Dinner

Cottage Cheese Tuna Protein Bowl Recipe

ByMaya Quinn January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Tuna Protein Bowl is a quick, nutritious meal perfect for busy days. Combining creamy cottage cheese with flaky tuna and fresh vegetables, it offers a refreshing balance of flavors and textures.

A white bowl holds a colorful layered salad. The bottom layer is a bed of leafy green lettuce spread evenly on the right side. Next to it are slices of light green cucumber spread on the bottom left. Above those, there are soft-looking pale yellow mango cubes placed in clusters. On the top right, there are light pink chunks of cooked salmon arranged in small piles. Scattered over the salmon and cucumber is a layer of white cottage cheese with a creamy, lumpy texture, topped with small green herb pieces and a sprinkle of black pepper for contrast. The whole bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (lightly mashed for smoother texture)
1 can tuna (drained and flaked)
1 cup cucumber (chopped)
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill (chopped)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: Chili flakes (to taste)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Add 1 1/2 cups of cottage cheese to a medium mixing bowl. Lightly mash it if you prefer a smoother texture.
Step 2: Gently stir the cottage cheese with a spatula to loosen it slightly.
Step 3: Fold in the drained and flaked tuna, chopped cucumber, and corn kernels.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the chopped parsley or dill, along with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: If desired, add lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 6: Gently combine all ingredients until evenly mixed.
Step 7: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes for a chilled bowl.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like dill for a brighter flavor or parsley for a milder note.
Add diced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Swap corn for sweet peas or chopped bell peppers for different crunch.
If you prefer, substitute plain Greek yogurt for some of the cottage cheese to change texture.
Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially when adding optional ingredients.

Storage

Store the protein bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. Best enjoyed chilled but can be eaten at room temperature. Avoid storing with lemon juice or olive oil if you plan to keep it longer to preserve freshness.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a vibrant, layered salad on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of fresh cucumber slices arranged densely on one side, light green with a smooth texture. Next to them, bright yellow corn kernels form a small heap with a glossy, slightly wet look. In the center, there is a generous scoop of white, creamy cottage cheese sprinkled with black pepper and garnished with small, fresh sprigs of green dill. Around the cottage cheese, chunks of light pink shredded salmon are scattered, adding a soft texture to the dish. The salad is bright and fresh, with contrasting soft, firm, and crunchy textures, all presented in a clean, white bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?

Yes, canned salmon works well and adds a slightly different flavor while keeping the protein content high.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge and makes a convenient, protein-packed meal for busy days.

Maya Quinn