Light, creamy, and bursting with juicy fruit — this Creamy Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad is the refreshing treat you didn’t know you needed. Sweet mandarin oranges, tropical pineapple, and jewel-like cherries are folded into fluffy cottage cheese with a touch of honey and vanilla. High in protein, ready in 10 minutes, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (or 1 cup fresh)
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or maraschino, drained)
- 2 tbsp honey, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the fruit: Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple very well. Pat the cherries dry so the salad stays creamy, not watery.
- Whip the base: In a large bowl, stir the cottage cheese with the honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and lightly fluffy.
- Fold in the fruit: Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and cherries, being careful not to break the fruit apart.
- Season lightly: Add the cinnamon and shredded coconut if using, and stir once more to combine.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld and the salad firms up.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls or ramekins, drizzle with a little extra honey, and garnish with fresh mint.
Pro tip: For an extra-luxurious texture, blend half the cottage cheese until smooth before folding in the fruit — creamy base, chunky bites.
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Estimated nutrition per serving: 240 calories (est.)
