Berry and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

This salad brings together a rich blend of antioxidants, easy-to-digest protein, and cucumbers that make it cool and refreshing for after a workout or on a hot day.

Be sure to dry the berries before combining them with the dressing ingredients.

Please note: although most people who cannot tolerate dairy products tend to have no problems digesting small amounts of cottage cheese, if you are apprehensive about including any amount of dairy in your diet, this recipe is just as good without the cottage cheese. The combination of balsamic vinegar and lime juice really seems to enhance the natural flavors of the berries.

Ingredients:

12 large ripe strawberries, washed, dried, and halved
1 small carton blackberries (about 5 oz.), washed and dried
Small carton blueberries (about 10 oz.), washed and dried
1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
3-5 tablespoons of cottage cheese (organic, if possible)
Freshly squeezed juice of 1 small lime
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
5 fresh mint leaves, washed and dried
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Directions:

Combine strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cucumber in a large serving bowl.

Combine lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cottage cheese in a separate bowl, and give these ingredients a light "folding" session to incorporate them together without ruining the texture of the cottage cheese.

Add the lime juice and cottage cheese dressing to the berries and cucumbers, give all ingredients a light toss, garnish with fresh mint leaves, and serve. The quantities listed in the ingredients section make 2 large adult servings.

Enjoy this refreshing antioxidant and protein-rich salad.