Summer is a time for pool parties, barbecues, and delicious in season produce. Whether you’re in the backyard, at a park, or at the beach, celebrate summer with easy, nutritious and delicious sweet & savory food pairings.

No need to fire up the stove, the focus here is cottage cheese! Yes, cottage cheese can be the foundation to a nutrient-rich meal.

One serving of low fat cottage cheese contains 13 grams of protein and only 90 calories! That’s sweet news for muscle and your waistline. Cottage cheese can improve the overall nutrition profile of a recipe by increasing the protein content, decreasing calories and lowering the fat content, especially when substituted for other cheese choices.

Savory Pairings:

• Red Peppers, Sunflower Seeds + Cottage Cheese
• Kale and Rosemary Almonds + Cottage Cheese
• Tomatoes with Cilantro & Avocado + Cottage Cheese
• Marinated Artichokes & Sun-dried tomatoes + Cottage Cheese
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hazelnuts + Cottage Cheese

Sweet Pairings:

• Mandarin Oranges & Toasted Almonds + Cottage Cheese
• Bananas & Pecans + Cottage Cheese
• Granny Smith Apples & Cinnamon + Cottage Cheese
• Grapefruit with Mint & Honey + Cottage Cheese
• Dried Figs with Pistachios & Cardamom + Cottage Cheese