🍕 Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl (Mediterranean Style)
🌿 Description
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a healthy, high-protein twist on classic pizza, inspired by bold Mediterranean flavors. Creamy cottage cheese replaces heavy cheese blends, while olives, tomatoes, herbs, and lean protein bring that familiar pizza satisfaction—without the crust. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or a post-workout lunch.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 1–2)
Base
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1½ cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
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½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (no sugar added preferred)
Mediterranean Toppings
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¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
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2 tbsp kalamata olives, sliced
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2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
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¼ cup cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas
Cheese & Herbs
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¼ cup shredded mozzarella (or part-skim)
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2 tbsp crumbled feta
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried basil
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
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Fresh spinach or arugula
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Mushrooms or zucchini
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Fresh basil for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe bowl or ramekin. -
Create the base
Spread cottage cheese evenly into the bowl. Spoon marinara sauce over the top. -
Add toppings
Layer tomatoes, roasted peppers, olives, onion, and protein of choice. -
Cheese & season
Sprinkle mozzarella and feta on top. Add oregano, basil, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. -
Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden. -
Finish & serve
Garnish with fresh basil. Let cool slightly before eating.
🥗 Serving Ideas
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Eat as-is with a spoon
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Scoop with whole-grain pita or flatbread
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Serve alongside a Greek salad
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Add over roasted veggies for a fuller meal
❓ Q & A
Q: Does this really taste like pizza?
A: Yes! The marinara, herbs, and melted cheese give classic pizza flavor—just lighter and protein-packed.
Q: Can I blend the cottage cheese first?
A: Definitely. Blending makes it ultra-creamy and more “ricotta-like.”
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: Absolutely. It’s high in protein, low in refined carbs, and very filling.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: You can use dairy-free cottage cheese and vegan cheese, though texture and flavor will vary.
Q: Can I microwave it instead of baking?
A: Yes—microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot and melty.
Q: How much protein is in this bowl?
A: Roughly 30–40g of protein, depending on cottage cheese and toppings.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! Assemble ahead and bake when ready, or store cooked bowls in the fridge for up to 3 days.
