Name: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl with Capers, Dill, and Soft-Cooked Egg Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup 1% low-fat no-salt-added small-curd cottage cheese; 1½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1½ teaspoons lemon juice; 1½ tablespoons drained capers, coarsely chopped; 1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1½ tablespoons lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup halved cherry tomatoes; ⅔ cup chopped seedless cucumber; ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion; ⅓ cup rinsed canned chickpeas; 2 soft-cooked large eggs, halved lengthwise; Additional thinly sliced chives, for garnish; Additional ground black pepper, for garnish; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a delicious, nourishing breakfast that truly fuels your morning, the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl with Capers, Dill, and Soft-Cooked Egg Recipe is an absolute gem to try. This vibrant bowl combines the creamy tang of cottage cheese with the briny pop of capers, fresh herbal notes from dill, and the luxurious richness of a perfectly soft-cooked egg. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers a bright Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile paired with a satisfying protein boost that keeps your energy steady and your taste buds delighted. Whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a relaxed weekend brunch, this bowl transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting yet elevated meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a wooden board filled with fresh ingredients arranged neatly. In the center, there is a white bowl with a rough blue outer edge filled with white cottage cheese, with a silver spoon resting inside. Surrounding the bowl are two whole brown eggs, a bunch of bright red cherry tomatoes on the vine, half a lemon cut open showing its yellow inside, and a small sprig of green dill. On the board, there are also two peeled garlic cloves, several green chives, and several thick slices of red onion. Around the board, on the white marbled surface, are small white and blue bowls with black pepper and salt, chopped green capers, chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, and a small bowl with green olive oil. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is like assembling a little team of flavors that each play a crucial role—from creamy to crunchy, fresh to savory. These simple, wholesome components come together beautifully to create a balanced dish that looks as good as it tastes.

1 cup 1% low-fat no-salt-added small-curd cottage cheese: The foundation of the bowl, offering creamy texture and high protein content.
2½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel while boosting healthy fats.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided: Provides a bright, herbaceous flavor that lifts the dish.
2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided: Brings fresh, zesty acidity to balance the richness.
1½ tablespoons drained capers, coarsely chopped: Imparts a delightful salty tang that adds depth.
1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives, plus more for garnish: Adds mild onion notes and a burst of color.
⅛ teaspoon salt plus ¼ teaspoon, divided: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Delivers subtle warmth and complexity.
¼ teaspoon ground pepper, plus more for garnish: Offers a gentle spicy kick to round things out.
⅔ cup halved cherry tomatoes: Adds juiciness and vibrant color for freshness.
⅔ cup chopped seedless cucumber: Provides cool crunch and watery lightness.
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion: Balances sweetness and bite for textural interest.
⅓ cup rinsed canned chickpeas: Adds earthiness, fiber, and hearty texture.
2 soft-cooked large eggs, halved lengthwise: Crown jewel that brings creamy yolk and extra protein.

How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl with Capers, Dill, and Soft-Cooked Egg Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Base

In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese with 1½ teaspoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of chopped dill, 1½ teaspoons lemon juice, chopped capers, sliced chives, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Stir everything together thoroughly, so all the flavors meld and the mixture becomes beautifully creamy with a little tang and herbal brightness. Dividing this base evenly into two bowls lays the groundwork for all the other ingredients to shine on top.

Step 2: Toss the Vegetables and Chickpeas

Next, whisk the finely chopped garlic with ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, remaining dill, lemon juice, and salt in a separate bowl until well-combined. This savory dressing will be the perfect dressing for the veggies. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and rinsed chickpeas, then toss gently so every bite is coated with this fresh, garlicky mixture full of texture and zestiness. This vibrant vegetable mix contrasts wonderfully against the creamy cottage cheese base.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowl

Spoon half of the vegetable and chickpea mixture over each cottage cheese base in the bowls. Place two halves of the soft-cooked eggs on top, their luscious yolks adding richness and making each bite more decadent. Garnish generously with additional chives and a sprinkle of black pepper for that final flourish. To finish, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil all over the bowls, enriching every element with golden smoothness.

How to Serve High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl with Capers, Dill, and Soft-Cooked Egg Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden cutting board and striped cloth nearby. The salad has several layers: the base layer is light beige chickpeas scattered around, followed by bright red cherry tomato halves and thick slices of fresh green cucumber. On top, there are thin slices of purple onion fanned out from the center, sprinkled with small green dill sprigs and a touch of black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation and extra flavor layers, garnish with fresh chives, a few capers scattered on top, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes can work beautifully here. A small sprig of dill adds elegance and highlights the herbaceous notes within.

Side Dishes

This bowl pairs perfectly with warm, crusty whole-grain bread or a lightly toasted pita to scoop up every creamy, tangy bite. For a fuller breakfast, a side of fresh fruit like berries or citrus segments adds a refreshing contrast. If serving for lunch, a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil keeps the meal light and Mediterranean-inspired.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bowl in pretty, shallow ceramic dishes that allow the colorful components to shine. Layer the vegetable mixture so the reds, greens, and purples are visible for maximum visual appeal. For an Instagram-worthy twist, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch. You can also turn this dish into a wrap by spreading the cottage cheese base on a whole-grain tortilla and piling on the veggies and eggs, folding it up for a portable delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers—the cottage cheese mixture in one, and the vegetable topping in another—to maintain the best textures. The soft-cooked eggs are best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 day without drying out.

Freezing

This bowl is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the dairy and egg components. If needed, you can freeze the vegetable mix alone without dressing and thaw it overnight in the fridge, then toss with fresh dressing before serving.

Reheating

Because this is a cold and fresh bowl, reheating is not recommended. However, you can bring refrigerated leftovers to room temperature and add a freshly soft-cooked egg when ready to enjoy for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use full-fat cottage cheese instead of 1%?

Absolutely! Full-fat cottage cheese will create an even richer bowl with creamier texture and a more indulgent mouthfeel. Just keep in mind it will raise the calorie content slightly.

How do I soft-cook eggs perfectly for this recipe?

Place eggs in a pot of boiling water and cook for exactly 6-7 minutes for soft, slightly runny yolks. Then transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.

Are there any good substitutions for capers if I don’t have them?

If you don’t have capers, chopped green olives work well to introduce a similar briny note. Otherwise, a small amount of finely chopped pickles or a squeeze of extra lemon juice can also provide some brightness.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish and relies on dairy and eggs for protein. It works well for lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese with a high-protein plant-based yogurt or tofu, omit the eggs or use a poached avocado wedge, and ensure your olive oil and seasonings are vegan. The flavors will be different but still tasty and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a vibrant, protein-packed, and utterly delicious meal that’s ready in no time. The High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl with Capers, Dill, and Soft-Cooked Egg Recipe is a personal favorite for good reason: it balances simplicity with bold flavors and offers a satisfying start to your day. Give it a whirl, and I promise your mornings will never be the same!

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl with Capers, Dill, and Soft-Cooked Egg Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need