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Cottage Cheese Balls with Salted Salmon
Looking for a quick, nutritious, and elegant appetizer? These Cottage Cheese Balls with Salted Salmon are a fantastic option! Featuring protein-rich cottage cheese and omega-3-packed salmon, this dish is both delicious and healthy. The creamy texture of the cheese perfectly complements the savory, slightly briny salmon, while cucumber slices add a fresh crunch. Ready in just 10 minutes, this is the ultimate no-cook appetizer for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Mixing and Assembling
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 oz (200 g) cottage cheese, well mashed
- 2.5 oz (70 g) salted salmon fillet, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 pinch fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Mash the cottage cheese with a fork or blend it until smooth.
- Finely chop the salted salmon fillet.
- Mince the garlic.
Step 2: Mix and Shape
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, salmon, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Using wet hands, form the mixture into small balls.
Step 3: Assemble and Garnish
- Place each ball on a cucumber slice.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh basil for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free yogurt.
- Instead of salted salmon, try smoked salmon or grilled shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Do not freeze, as the texture will change.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
- Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Mixture too runny? Add a little more cottage cheese to firm it up.
- Too salty? Rinse the salted salmon under cold water before chopping.
Variations & Dietary Adaptations
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh dill or chives for extra flavor.
Dietary Adaptations
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the cucumber and serve with avocado slices.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with whole-grain crackers for added crunch.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
