Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups are a fresh and simple treat that’s perfect when you want something light and crunchy. Thick slices of cool cucumber act like little bowls holding dollops of creamy cottage cheese, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. The combination is crisp, smooth, and just a little tangy thanks to the cottage cheese.
I love making these snack cups for a quick pick-me-up or as a fun appetizer when friends come over. They’re so easy to put together, and you can add a sprinkle of herbs like dill or chives to give them an extra pop of flavor. I always find that pairing the mild cucumber with the soft cottage cheese makes for a cool contrast that feels fancy but takes almost no effort.
These snack cups are great to keep in the fridge for days because the cucumber stays crisp and the cottage cheese stays fresh. I like to enjoy them as a light afternoon snack or as a little side on a picnic day. If you’re looking for a quick bite that’s not heavy but still filling, these are a perfect go-to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the snack cups, bringing creaminess and a mild tang. If you want a smoother texture, try small-curd cottage cheese. For a dairy-free option, use tofu ricotta or a plant-based cheese.
Cucumber: Fresh and crisp, cucumbers add crunch and lightness. English or Persian cucumbers work great because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. If you prefer, you can peel regular cucumbers to reduce bitterness.
Greek Yogurt: I add Greek yogurt to make the mix creamy with a slight tang. You can swap this for plain yogurt or a little sour cream if you like. For dairy-free versions, coconut or almond yogurt works well.
Dill and Garlic: Dill adds a fresh herbal note; fresh is best but dried dill works in a pinch. Garlic is optional, adding a bit of zing. You can skip it if you want a milder taste or use garlic powder for less intensity.
Chickpeas and Nuts: Chickpeas add protein and a soft bite contrast. You can swap them for toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Pine nuts bring a rich, nutty flavor, but chopped almonds or walnuts are great alternatives.
How Do I Layer Cucumber and Cottage Cheese to Make Snack Cups Look Nice?
Setting up these snack cups so they look good takes just a bit of simple layering:
- First, spoon in a smooth layer of the cottage cheese and yogurt mixture at the bottom — this forms a nice base.
- Next, gently press cucumber slices against the inside edge of your cup or bowl. This makes a pretty border that shows through the glass.
- Add another layer of the cottage cheese mix inside, filling most of the cup but leaving room on top.
- Top with a loose sprinkle of cottage cheese curds, chickpeas, and nuts for texture and color.
- Drizzle a little olive oil if you want a glossy, rich finish.
The key is to handle cucumber slices gently so they stick to the glass and stand upright. Using a small spoon or even your fingers helps place them carefully. This simple step turns a basic snack into something special-looking without extra effort.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small glass or bowl – I like clear glasses to see the colorful layers and make it look appealing.
- Mixing bowl – for blending the cottage cheese, yogurt, and seasonings easily.
- Knife and chopping board – to slice cucumbers thinly or chop herbs neatly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to measure ingredients consistently.
- Small spoon or spatula – for layering and filling the cups smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dill for a different aroma.
- Mix in diced cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cumin to the cottage cheese for a smoky flavor.
- Top with sliced olives or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavor boost.
Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess and slight tang)
- 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for layering)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill or 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fresh snack only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required! You can enjoy it right away or chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days to let the flavors meld together nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Then, grate or finely chop about half of the cucumber and fold it into the mixture. Add dill, garlic (if you like), salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as you prefer.
2. Create the Cucumber Border:
Take a small glass or bowl for each serving. Spoon a layer of the cottage cheese mixture into the bottom. Press thin cucumber slices gently along the inside edge of the glass to make a pretty decorative border that shows through.
3. Assemble and Finish:
Add another generous layer of the cottage cheese mixture to fill about two-thirds of the cup. Sprinkle some loose cottage cheese on top for texture. Scatter chickpeas and your choice of nuts over everything. If you like, drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra flavor and richness. Enjoy immediately or chill before serving!
Can I Use Frozen Cucumbers for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cucumbers for this snack since frozen ones tend to become watery and mushy. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain excess water before assembling to avoid soggy cups.
How Long Can I Store These Snack Cups?
You can refrigerate the assembled snack cups for up to 2 days. Keep them covered tightly to maintain freshness, but note the cucumbers might soften slightly over time.
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a smoother texture, try ricotta cheese or blended cream cheese. For dairy-free options, try mashed tofu or a plant-based yogurt alternative.
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Try swapping dill for fresh basil or parsley, add diced tomatoes for extra color, or sprinkle with paprika for a smoky twist. You can also top with olives or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to change up the flavor.