This high-protein cucumber salad features cottage cheese as its creamy base, replacing the traditional mayonnaise or sour cream. Crisp cucumber slices are folded into the mix for a light yet satisfying texture packed with protein. This salad makes a perfect cooling side dish for summer meals.

High-Protein Creamy Cucumber Salad

Serves 4

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Note: To lessen the bite of the red onion, rinse the slices under warm water or soak them in a bowl of water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 7 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

3 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus fronds for garnish

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1. Toss sliced cucumbers and 1/2 cup onion together in a large bowl.

2. Combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 3 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons chives, 2 tablespoons chopped dill, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a blender; process until smooth and thick, about 1 minute.

3. Transfer to the bowl with cucumbers and onions, stir until well coated. Garnish with dill fronds, if desired.

Recipe nutrition per serving: 88 Calories, Total Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 2 mg, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Fiber: 2 g, Total Sugars: 6 g, Protein: 9 g, Sodium: 298 mg, Potassium: 414 mg, Phosphorus: 138 mg, Iron: 1 mg, Folate: 28 mcg, Calcium: 78 mg, Vitamin A: 342 IU, Vitamin C: 9 mg, Vitamin D: 0 IU.

========

(EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com.)

©2026 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.