High-Protein Cottage Cheese Snack Jars

This isn’t just another bland snack; it’s a little powerhouse that keeps you feeling good. It’s got that creamy comfort from the cottage cheese, a refreshing coolness from the cucumber, and a satisfying crunch from the chickpeas. Plus, it’s perfect for those of us trying to make smarter choices without sacrificing flavor.

Why should you give these little jars a try?

• Crazy Simple: We’re talking minimal prep and no cooking required. Perfect for busy bees!
• Flavor & Texture Party: The combination of creamy, cool, and crunchy is seriously addictive.
• Grab-and-Go Goodness: These jars are fantastic for meal prepping healthy snacks for the week.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:

• Sea salt roasted chickpeas (1 cup): These provide the perfect salty crunch. You can find them pre-roasted in most grocery stores.
• 2% milkfat, no-salt-added small curd cottage cheese (2 cups, about 450 g): The creamy base of our snack. Opt for no-salt-added to control the sodium.
• Persian cucumbers (1 ¾ cups diced, about 3 cucumbers): These are great because they have fewer seeds and a nice crispness.
• Fresh dill (2 tablespoons chopped): Adds a lovely fresh, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If you don’t have fresh, about 1 teaspoon of dried dill will do in a pinch, but fresh is definitely better!
• Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get these jars assembled!

1. Prepare the Produce: On a clean cutting board, give those Persian cucumbers a fine dice. Mince the fresh dill until you have about two tablespoons.
2. Season the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, smoked paprika, and minced fresh dill. Stir until everything is nicely distributed and the cottage cheese has a light dusting of paprika.
3. Fold in the Veggies: Add the diced cucumbers to the seasoned cottage cheese. Gently fold them in, being careful not to mash them. You want to keep their lovely texture.
4. Portion into Jars: Divide the cottage cheese and cucumber mixture evenly among three 12-ounce glass jars. Smooth the top of each portion so they look nice and tidy.
5. Plan for Crunch: If you’re planning to enjoy these right away, go ahead and top each jar with about ⅓ cup of those delicious roasted chickpeas.
6. Pack for Later: For meal prepping, it’s best to hold off on the chickpeas until just before serving. Seal the jars with the cottage cheese base and pop them in the fridge. Store the roasted chickpeas separately in a small container or bag to maintain their crunch.

Expert Tips

• Crunch Factor: Don’t add the chickpeas too early if you’re making these ahead! They’ll lose their delightful crispness.
• Herb Swaps: Not a fan of dill? Fresh chives or even some finely chopped parsley would also be delicious alternatives.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to experiment with other crunchy veggies like diced celery or red bell pepper instead of cucumber.
• Storage Savvy: The cottage cheese and cucumber base will happily hang out in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These Savory Cottage Cheese & Cucumber Jars are fantastic on their own for a quick breakfast, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a light lunch. They’re also great:

• Alongside some whole-wheat crackers or vegetable sticks for extra texture.
• As a light and refreshing side to a simple sandwich or wrap.
• Paired with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a bit more flavor.