Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups are a fresh and light treat that’s perfect for any time you want something cool and a little crunchy. They combine crisp cucumber slices, creamy cottage cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs or spices for a simple, healthy snack that feels both refreshing and satisfying.
I love making these snack cups when I need a quick bite that’s not too heavy but still keeps me going. They come together in no time, and the cucumber acts like a little cup that holds the cottage cheese just right. It’s fun to mix in things like a dash of black pepper or some chopped dill to give it a little extra flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies and protein all in one mini snack.
These cups are perfect for packing in lunches or serving at gatherings when you want something easy and light. I like to keep a batch ready in the fridge so I can grab a few whenever I need a little pick-me-up. They always bring a fresh vibe to the table and make snacking feel a bit more special without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the creamy base of the snack cups. I like using small curd cottage cheese for texture. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cottage cheese or plain hummus—it adds a nice creaminess too.
Cucumber: Choose fresh, firm cucumbers for crispness. English cucumbers work great because their skin is thin and less bitter. If you can’t find English cucumbers, regular cucumbers peeled well also do the job.
Chickpeas: These add protein and a little bite on top. Use canned chickpeas for convenience, just rinse them well. Roasting the chickpeas with a pinch of paprika or cumin makes the topping more flavorful.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a bright, herbal note. If you don’t have dill, parsley or chives work nicely as substitutes and still keep the fresh vibe.
How Can I Make My Cucumber Cups Stand Up Nicely?
Getting the cucumber slices to stand upright like little cups can be tricky but here’s how to do it easily:
- Slice your cucumber into rounds about 1/2 inch thick for stability.
- Remove the seed section if it’s watery by gently scooping it out with a spoon. This helps the cucumber pieces hold shape better.
- Cut the thick rounds into smaller cylinders so they fit inside your jar or cup tightly.
- Press the cucumber cylinders firmly into the cottage cheese base so they stick in place.
- Chill the cups for 15 minutes to help everything set nicely before adding your toppings.
These tips will keep your snack cups looking neat and easy to eat, adding a fun textured layer to the fresh cottage cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – I use it to slice the cucumber into neat rounds and cylinders easily.
- Cutting board – keeps the workspace clean and provides a stable surface for slicing.
- Small spoon or melon baller – helps scoop out seed sections if you want less watery cucumber cups.
- Serving jars or small cups – perfect for assembling and presenting the snack cups neatly.
- Mixing bowl – for mixing the chickpeas with herbs or spices if desired.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace chickpeas with diced cherry tomatoes or avocado slices for a different texture and flavor.
- Mix herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro into the cottage cheese for more fresh flavor.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness or tang.
- Sprinkle with your favorite spices like paprika, chili flakes, or Everything Bagel seasoning for extra punch.
Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 medium cucumber
- ½ cup cooked chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed works great)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare, plus 15-30 minutes chilling time for a cool, refreshing snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumber:
Wash and peel your cucumber if you like. Slice it into rounds about half an inch thick. For easier assembly, cut some of the thicker cucumber slices into smaller cylinders to stand upright and form cozy “cups.”
2. Assemble the Cups:
Place the cottage cheese evenly at the bottom of each serving jar or cup. Arrange the cucumber slices upright around the inside edge, pressing them slightly into the cottage cheese so they stay in place. Layer the cucumber cylinders on top neatly.
3. Add Chickpeas and Seasoning:
Top the cucumbers with the cooked chickpeas. Sprinkle fresh dill over the chickpeas for a burst of flavor—this is optional but adds a nice touch. Finish with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Chill and Serve:
Put your assembled snack cups in the refrigerator and chill for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend and gives you a refreshing, cool snack to enjoy.
Can I Use Frozen Chickpeas for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to your snack cups. This keeps the texture just right.
How Long Can I Store These Snack Cups?
They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days when kept refrigerated in an airtight container. After that, the cucumber may get a bit watery.
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese are great alternatives if you want a different texture or flavor. Just keep the creamy base to hold those cucumbers upright.
What’s a Good Way to Add Extra Flavor?
Try mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or everything bagel seasoning on top for a tasty twist.