Cottage Cheese and Pinto Bean Salsa

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Cottage Cheese and Pinto Bean Salsa is inspired by A Dish of Daily Life’s Cottage Cheese Salsa with Black Beans.  It’s cool and creamy salsa that will surprise and delight your family and guests.

 

Since I’ve been team cottage cheese, I was looking for a cottage cheese recipe.  I’ve been riding that wave of popularity for cottage cheese again.  It was never unpopular to me.  Ever.  I grew up eating it and still love it to this day. 

 

That might be why I found myself with three containers of that cheesy goodness.  Yes.  I said three containers of cottage cheese.  So, you can see why I wanted to make a cottage cheese recipe.  I stumbled on a cottage cheese salsa recipe so when I was craving tacos recently I decided to make a cottage cheese and pinto bean salsa instead of the usual rice and beans.  Even the hubs like it which is surprising.  I didn’t think he liked cottage cheese.

 

 

What is Cottage Cheese?

 

Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese curd product with a mild flavor and a soft, creamy texture. Unlike many other cheeses, cottage cheese is not aged and is typically made from pasteurized cow’s milk. You can find it in small or large curds that are surrounded by a liquid known as “cream dressing” that is creamy. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from savory to sweet, and is enjoyed worldwide.  Hungarians use it to make a delicious spread called Körözött with sour cream, feta, onions, and paprika.

 

Cottage cheese has recently seen a surge in popularity, thanks to its high protein content and low-calorie count. Health enthusiasts and fitness experts have started incorporating it into their diets as a nutritious snack or meal component. Some have either swapped the avocado in their toast with cottage cheese or added a layer of cottage cheese under their avocado before topping with an egg.  I will say that the cottage cheese toast I took for breakfast did keep me satisfied until lunch.

Anyway.

What are some health benefits of cottage cheese?

 

Cottage cheese is packed with essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.  These are vital for bone health, cellular function, and antioxidant protection. It is also rich in B vitamins that can aid in energy metabolism. The high protein content supports muscle repair and growth which is why it is a favorite among athletes and fitness aficionados. Finally, it is low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those watching their weight.

 

Ingredients Needed for This Cottage Cheese, Salsa, and Pinto Bean Recipe

These are simple ingredients that you should have on hand.  You might need the cottage cheese, but I always have some in my fridge.

 

Refrigerator ingredients – cottage cheese, green onions, avocado, radish

Pantry ingredients – pinto beans, garlic salt, ground cumin, chili powder, salsa

 

 

Instructions for Making This Salsa Recipe

 

First, you want don’t all that “cream dressing” to make your salsa too wet, so put it in a fine mesh strainer to drain some of the liquid out of the cottage cheese.  Save this for your smoothies or add to soups and sauces to make them creamy.  Put the cottage cheese into a bowl and set it aside.

 

Combine the pinto beans with the garlic salt, ground cumin, and chili powder stirring to combine.  Spoon the mixture on top of the cottage cheese then layer the pinto beans with the salsa, avocado, green onions, and finally the radish.  It’s a layered dip making it fun and delicious.

 

 

Cottage cheese, salsa, and pinto beans together create a delightful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and versatile enough to be used in various recipes. By incorporating these tips and ideas, you can enjoy the many benefits and delicious flavors that cottage cheese and pinto beans have to offer.

 

Different ways to serve this Cottage Cheese and Pinto Bean Salsa

 

Of course you can use it as a dip.  It’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and tangy salsa makes it a delightful snack or appetizer.  You can use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It adds a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals.  Spoon this salsa on top of tacos or taco salad.  It adds an extra layer of creamy goodness to both.

 

 

Try it on top of a baked potato instead of your typical sour cream!  The heat of the potato and the coolness of the cottage cheese are a great combination of flavors.  These cheese and onions are a perfect pair with the potato and the avocado, salsa, and radish just elevate the flavors of your potato.  Spoon some on top of pasta or grain bowls.  Stir it into your macaroni and cheese or add it to a tabbouleh salad for added flavor. 

 

Finally, just try stuffing some peppers with the salsa or use it as you would cream cheese for jalapeno poppers.  Cooked cottage cheese maintains its creamy and rich texture, while its mild flavor becomes slightly more pronounced. Sometimes called poor man’s ricotta, it’s often used in lasagna to replace or enhance the creaminess of ricotta.  When combined with ingredients like salsa and pinto beans, it creates a delightful fusion of tangy and creamy flavors. Its versatility allows it to enhance various dishes, providing a satisfying and flavorful experience.

 

 

What does this cottage cheese and pinto bean salsa taste like?

 

Combining the cottage cheese with salsa creates a delightful fusion of creamy and tangy flavors. Cottage cheese adds a rich texture and protein boost to the salsa, enhancing its nutritional profile. This combination is perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer, providing a satisfying and flavorful experience.

 

And then there’s the pinto beans that are known for their creamy texture and earthy flavor.  They complement the cottage cheese and salsa beautifully. They add fiber and iron to the dish making this salsa more filling and nutritionally balanced. Not to mention, they also enhance the overall taste of this salsa recipe.

 

 

It’s a rather interesting combination of flavors, for sure. The cool, creamy cottage cheese, the spicy salsa, the rich avocado, and then the hearty pinto beans all combine to make a fun and unique salsa.  I added diced bits of radish for extra crunch.  I think we devoured half the bowl before dinner even started.  It was that good.  So, if you’re looking for an interesting and different salsa that will blow your family or your guest’s minds, this cottage cheese salsa with pinto beans.

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