Cottage Cheese Lemon Herb Turkey (Printable)

Lean turkey, cottage cheese, lemon and fresh herbs spooned into crisp lettuce cups for a light, protein-packed lunch.

# List of ingredients:

→ Turkey & Cheese Salad

01 - 2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced or shredded
02 - 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or regular)
03 - 1/3 cup celery, finely chopped
04 - 1/3 cup cucumber, finely diced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

→ Dressing

09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ To Serve

15 - 8 large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg)
16 - Extra fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey breast, cottage cheese, celery, cucumber, red onion, parsley, dill, and chives.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and ground black pepper.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the turkey mixture and gently toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - Place the large lettuce leaves on a serving platter or individual plates.
05 - Spoon equal portions of turkey salad into each lettuce leaf.
06 - Optionally garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • If you enjoy salad but find them bland, this cup bursts with creamy, herby tang in every cool lettuce bite.
  • It comes together so quickly that you'll wonder why you ever bothered with more complicated lunches.
02 -
  • If you rush the chopping, especially with onion and celery, you’ll end up with uneven flavors in each cup—I’ve regretted it every time.
  • Letting the dressed salad chill for 10 minutes makes the herbs pop and mingles the flavors even more.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of lemon zest and salt right before serving so the flavors stay lively.
  • Wring excess moisture from cucumber with a paper towel—otherwise, the salad can go watery after a while.

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