Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups are a fresh, light, and super simple treat that combines crisp cucumber slices with creamy cottage cheese. These little cups are perfect if you’re craving something cool and refreshing with a bit of protein. The crunch of the cucumber pairs perfectly with the smooth, slightly tangy cottage cheese, making it such a satisfying bite.
I love making these snack cups when I want something quick to prepare but still feel like I’m eating something special. They’re easy to customize, too—sometimes I sprinkle a little black pepper, chives, or even a tiny bit of paprika on top just to give them that extra flavor kick. I keep these on hand for afternoon snacks because they really hit the spot without being heavy or messy.
One of my favorite ways to serve these is at casual get-togethers or as part of a light lunch. They’re great on a summer day when you want something cool and nourishing without turning on the oven. Plus, they look cute on a plate and always seem to disappear quickly until the last crumb. If you’ve never tried cottage cheese with cucumber before, give these snack cups a go—you might find your new go-to snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups
Cucumber: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers so your cups hold their shape well. English cucumbers work great because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, but regular cucumbers are fine too. If you want a less watery snack, try peeling the cucumber before slicing.
Cottage cheese: I prefer small-curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture, but large-curd works if you enjoy a bit more bite. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with vegan ricotta or silken tofu seasoned with lemon and herbs.
Roasted chickpeas: These add a lovely crunch and a bit of spice if you season them with paprika. You can swap roasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, or crunchy granola if chickpeas aren’t your favorite.
Herbs & seasonings: Fresh dill or chives brighten up the flavor beautifully. You could also use mint or basil. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper—they enhance the mild tastes perfectly.
How Can I Make Cucumber Snack Cups That Hold Their Shape Without Getting Soggy?
The secret to sturdy cucumber cups is choosing thick slices and removing the seeds carefully. Here’s how:
- Slice cucumbers about ½ inch thick so they’re firm but easy to eat.
- Use a small spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out seeds from the middle, leaving a cup shape. Avoid going all the way through the slice.
- Work gently so you don’t crack the edges.
- Assemble the cups right before serving to keep cucumbers crisp—waiting too long can cause the cheese moisture to soften them.
- If you want to prep in advance, store cucumber slices and cottage cheese separately and combine just before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small serving cups or jars – I like clear ones to show off the layers and make the snack look appealing.
- Sharp paring knife or melon baller – helps to scoop out the seeds and create the perfect cucumber cups.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace tidy and protects surfaces while slicing cucumbers.
- Mixing bowl – for preparing seasoned cottage cheese or any additional toppings.
- Snack spoon or small spatula – makes filling the cucumber cups neat and simple.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roasted chickpeas for chopped nuts or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil into the cottage cheese for extra flavor.
- Mix in a dash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to give the cottage cheese a tangy twist.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika on top before serving.
Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Snack Cups:
- 1 large cucumber, sliced thinly and some slices cut thick for cups
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup roasted chickpeas (seasoned with salt and paprika or your choice)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, e.g., dill or chives)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick, no-cook snack, perfect for when you want something fresh and easy. If you prefer, you can chill the snack cups for 10-15 minutes before serving for an extra cool treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumber Base:
Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Use these to line the bottom and sides of small serving cups or jars. This makes a nice decorative layer for your snack cups.
2. Add the Cottage Cheese:
Add a generous scoop of cottage cheese on top of the cucumber slices in each cup, filling it about halfway.
3. Make and Place Cucumber Cups:
Take thicker cucumber slices and carefully cut or scoop out a small hole in the center to create little “cups.” Place these cucumber cups vertically on top of the cottage cheese layer, packing them closely together.
4. Top with Roasted Chickpeas:
Spoon the roasted chickpeas on top of each cucumber cup to add a crunchy contrast.
5. Season and Garnish:
Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh herbs like dill or chives if you like. Serve immediately or chill briefly before enjoying your refreshing snack!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small serving cups or jars (clear ones work great to show the layers)
- Paring knife or melon baller (to scoop out cucumber centers)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl (optional, if you want to mix cottage cheese with herbs or seasoning)
- Small spoon or spatula (for filling)
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roasted chickpeas for chopped nuts or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Mix fresh chopped herbs like mint or basil into the cottage cheese for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to the cottage cheese for tanginess.
- Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper on top for a little heat.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with vegan ricotta or seasoned silken tofu.
Can I Use Frozen Cucumber for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cucumber since frozen ones become watery and lose their crisp texture when thawed. Fresh cucumbers help the snack cups hold their shape and stay crunchy.
How Do I Store Leftover Snack Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The cucumber may release some water over time, so it’s best to enjoy these snacks soon after assembling.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cucumber slices and cottage cheese separately ahead of time, but assemble the snack cups just before serving to keep cucumbers from getting soggy.
What If I Don’t Like Chickpeas?
No problem! You can replace roasted chickpeas with toasted nuts, seeds, or even crunchy granola to add texture and flavor to your snack cups.
