- In a serving bowl, spread the cottage cheese evenly as the base.
- Top with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
- Drizzle with Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for extra texture, if using.
- Serve immediately and enjoy as a fresh, protein-packed snack or meal!
Recipe Course: Salads & Bowls
Dense Bean Salad
- Combine ingredients
- Toss with vinaigrette
- Serve fresh and save leftovers for meal prep, packaged in Tupperware or deli containers
Halloumi with Marinated Roasted Red Pepper and Caper Salad
- In large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper and hot pepper flakes; add peppers, capers, shallots and parsley, tossing gently to coat. Transfer to shallow serving dish. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat; cook halloumi, flipping as needed, for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towel–lined plate. Scatter over roasted red pepper salad. Serve immediately.
Tip: Serve with toasted, crusty bread for dipping.
Honey Balsamic Roasted Onion and Fennel
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut onions in half, leaving root end intact, so layers remain attached. Cut each half through root end into 4 wedges. Repeat with fennel bulb.
- In large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, honey, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper; add onion and fennel, tossing gently until evenly coated. Arrange in single layer on parchment paper–lined baking sheet.
- Bake, turning halfway through, for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender and browned around edges. Transfer to shallow serving platter; top with goat cheese, walnuts and parsley.
Tip: Serve as a side dish with beef, lamb or pork, or serve over baby arugula for a hearty warm salad.
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Feta
- In large bowl, gently toss together olive oil, watermelon, cucumber, mint, basil, salt and pepper.
- Transfer to shallow serving dish; sprinkle feta over top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze; serve immediately.
Tip: Add 1 cup thinly sliced fennel to the salad for a fresh flavor – similar to black licorice. Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon.
Kale Tabbouleh Salad
- Simple Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper.
- Tabbouleh Salad: Stir together bulgur, kale, tomatoes, parsley, mint and red onion. Toss with vinaigrette.
Tips:
- For added protein, stir in 1 cup drained and rinsed lentils or sprinkle with 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- If desired, chop herbs in food processor.
- To get 1 1/2 cups of cooked bulgur, start with 1/2 cup raw and cook according to package directions.
- Substitute quinoa for bulgur if desired.
Greek-Style Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad: Preheat oven to 400˚F. Whisk together oil, vinegar, oregano, mint, garlic, salt and pepper; toss with potatoes until well coated. Arrange in single layer on parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and tender.
- Red Wine Dressing: Meanwhile, whisk together oil, vinegar, parsley, honey, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Arrange sweet potatoes on serving platter. Top with lettuce, tomato and olives; drizzle with dressing.
Tips:
- For traditional Greek flavor, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
- Alternatively, cut sweet potatoes into wedges.
Creamy Broccoli and Grape Salad
- Creamy Yogurt Dressing: Whisk together yogurt, 1 tbsp raspberry balsamic glaze, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk in olive oil.
- Salad: Toss together broccoli, grapes, walnuts and red onion; arrange on platter. Drizzle dressing over top; toss to coat. Drizzle with remaining raspberry balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with chives.
Tip: Add dried sour cherries if desired.
Brown Rice Falafel Bowl
- Falafels: In food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, flour, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, baking powder and salt; pulse until mixture is just starting to come together. Roll into sixteen 1-inch balls; flatten slightly.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in saucepan set over medium heat until instant-read thermometer reaches 325°F. Fry falafel, in batches, for 2 or 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel–lined tray.
- Falafel Bowl: Divide rice among 4 bowls or portable containers. Top with falafel, cucumbers, tomato and red onion. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, tahini and lemon juice until smooth; stir in salt, pepper and cumin. Drizzle over falafel bowls.
Tips:
- To spice up falafel bowls, serve with your favorite hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to falafel mixture.
- Substitute quinoa, farro or barley for brown rice.
- To make ahead, freeze falafels in airtight container for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen in moderate oven until heated through.
Green Bean, Asparagus and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
- Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: Whisk together white wine vinegar, shallot, tarragon, mustard, honey, salt and pepper; whisk in olive oil.
- Green Bean, Asparagus and Goat Cheese Salad: In steamer basket, steam green beans and asparagus for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Rinse under cold water and drain well. Transfer to large bowl; add arugula and goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss salad with vinaigrette. Garnish with sundried tomatoes and chives.
Tip: If you’re a fan of asparagus, omit the green beans and double the asparagus.