Grandma’s Cottage Cheese Salad is one of those dishes that brings everyone back to the kitchen table. It’s creamy, a little sweet, and full of crunch—something she always made when the weather got warm.
You’d find it chilling in the fridge, ready to be scooped next to whatever was hot off the grill. It’s quick, no-fuss, and still feels special in that old-fashioned, comforting kind of way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick to make, doesn’t cost much, and uses ingredients you probably already have. The mix of sweet pineapple, creamy cottage cheese, and crisp veggies hits all the right notes.
You can throw in whatever extras you’ve got lying around, and it’ll still work. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or putting it on the table at a backyard dinner, it’s the kind of dish everyone goes back for seconds.
What You’ll Need
- 1½ cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained if canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion or green onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Optional add-ins: shredded carrots, chopped celery, sliced radishes
Pro Tips
- Drain pineapple and tomatoes well to avoid extra liquid pooling in the salad.
- Use small curd cottage cheese for a creamier, more cohesive texture.
- Chill before serving to let the flavors meld and create a refreshing, cohesive bite.
- Taste before seasoning—some cottage cheese brands are saltier than others.
- Customize it based on the season or what’s in your fridge—this is a very forgiving recipe.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Small colander (for draining pineapple and tomatoes)
Substitutions & Variations
Fruit Swap: Use mandarin oranges, grapes, or diced apple instead of pineapple.
Veggie Boost: Add shredded carrots, celery, or baby spinach for extra crunch or greens.
Herb Options: Swap parsley with fresh dill, basil, or even a dash of dried Italian seasoning.
Tangy Option: Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier finish.
Low Sodium: Choose no-salt-added cottage cheese and rinse canned pineapple before using.
Make-Ahead Tips
- This salad tastes better after 30–60 minutes in the fridge.
- Can be made up to 1 day in advance—just stir before serving.
- If making ahead for a party, keep the tomatoes separate and mix them in before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
How to Make Grandma’s Cottage Cheese Salad
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Drain the pineapple tidbits and pat them dry. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
Step 2: Combine in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and onion.
Step 3: Season and Mix
Add lemon juice (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Gently fold everything together until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Stir before serving, as cottage cheese may release some liquid.
- Not freezer-friendly—this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Use leftovers in wraps, pita pockets, or over a bed of greens for lunch the next day.
Wholesome, Simple, and Straight from the Heart
Grandma’s Cottage Cheese Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a bite of tradition, a taste of home, and a reminder that good food doesn’t need to be fancy to be special.
With its creamy cottage cheese base, juicy pineapple, crisp veggies, and nostalgic charm, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, sunny picnics, or those moments when you’re craving something fresh and familiar.
It’s quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly flexible—just the kind of recipe Grandma would’ve wanted you to keep on hand.
I hope it brings a little joy and comfort to your table, just like it did at mine. Try it out, and don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your memories, your own twists, or who you shared it with—I’d love to hear how this humble dish fits into your story.