Looking for a light yet satisfying snack? These low calorie cottage cheese and tomato basil rice cakes are your answer. They combine healthy rice cake topping ideas with the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, making them the perfect option for anyone craving a quick and nutritious bite. Whether you’re at home or on the go, these rice cakes are a fantastic way to enjoy cottage cheese snacks.
Imagine crispy rice cakes topped with a flavorful blend of fresh tomatoes and basil, drizzled with a hint of olive oil. This simple yet delightful recipe showcases the best of tomato basil recipes while keeping things light and healthy. You can also customize your rice cakes with various cottage cheese toppings for a delightful twist!
A Healthy Snack Option with Cottage Cheese and Tomato Basil
These low calorie rice cakes topped with cottage cheese and fresh tomato basil are not just a treat; they are also a great way to incorporate healthy basil recipes into your diet. Perfect for afternoon cravings or as a light appetizer, they provide a refreshing burst of flavor.
Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy cottage cheese and tangy tomatoes, making these cottage cheese and tomato snacks a must-try for anyone looking for healthy snack ideas.
Ingredients
- 4 rice cakes
- 1 cup low calorie cottage cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the Rice Cakes: Spread a generous layer of low calorie cottage cheese on each rice cake.
- Add the Tomato Basil Mixture: Top each rice cake with the tomato basil mix, ensuring an even distribution.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a refreshing snack, or pack them for a healthy on-the-go option.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 rice cakes
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
Recommended Amazon Products for Making Cottage Cheese Recipes
Here’s a curated list of tools to make your cooking experience easier and more efficient.
1. Mixing Bowl Set
- Why You Need It: A set of nesting mixing bowls with non-slip bases makes it easy to prep ingredients without spills.
- 3GRATER ATTACHMENTS: This bowl set comes with 3 different grater attachments (slicing/grating/shredding) just shred or slice right into the bowl! without making a mess and eliminating the need for a cutting board to clean. 4qt had a removable lid inside the main lid, for adding contents or pairing it with your blender without removing the entire lid to prevent splash. For each cook enthusiast, this is a must in a kitchen! All necessary tools for cutting are very handy, easy to keep things clean around you
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Why You Need It: Accurate measurements are key to perfectly fluffy muffins.
- PERFECT DESIGNED TO LAST A LIFETIME: Our measuring cups and spoons are all made out of one piece of metal so the handles will never bend or break off. We upgraded the material to rust resistant & durable 18/0 stainless steel and thickened the cup body to avoid cracking, easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
3. Shredded Cheese Grater
- Why You Need It: Grating cheese fresh at home ensures better flavor and texture.
- Three Blades: Coarse shredding blade, fine shredding blade with different diameter ; One slicing blades; A pound of cheese is only 30 seconds, avoid contact between fingers and blades
4. Storage Containers
- Why You Need It: Keep your muffins fresh for meal prepping or snacking later.
- Glass Food Storage Containers for Everything! Aside from the obvious fact that JoyFul by JoyJolt glass meal prep containers are healthier for you and your food, you can also go from freezer to oven without breaking, with a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your purpose. What a JoyFul Idea!
- 12 Airtight Food Storage Containers With Lids: Includes Four Rectangle Containers 35oz (8x6in), 21oz (6.75x5in), 12oz (two 4.2×5.5in). 4 Square Containers 27oz (6in), 17.5oz (5.2in), 11oz (two 4.3in). 4 Round Containers 32oz (6.75in). 21oz (5.9in), 13.5oz (two 5.2in). Height ranges from 1.75-2.3 inches.
- All Temp Food Containers: Made from Borosilicate Glass (aka, space shuttle glass), your containers are robust and love extremes! They’re Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe to 1040DegF and Microwave Safe containers (*NOT THE LIDS). Both lids and containers are fridge safe and Freezer Safe to minus 104DegF
Tips, Recipe Enhancements, and Ingredient Swaps for Low-Calorie Cottage Cheese and Tomato Basil Rice Cakes
1. Recipe Enhancements
Upgrade your rice cakes with these tasty additions:
- Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze: Add a touch of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness and depth.
- Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat.
- Herbed Olive Oil: Use garlic- or basil-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle a small amount for added savory flavor.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Add this blend for extra texture and taste.
2. Ingredient Swaps
Explore alternative ingredients while keeping the recipe light:
Base Swap:
- Rice Cakes: Swap for whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, or bell pepper halves for a low-carb option.
Cheese Alternative:
- Greek Yogurt Spread: Use plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative.
- Ricotta Cheese: For a smoother, creamier texture.
Vegetable Swap:
- Tomatoes: Try roasted red peppers, avocado slices, or cucumbers.
Herb Replacement:
- Basil: Substitute with fresh parsley, cilantro, or arugula for different herbaceous flavors.
3. Diet-Friendly Adjustments
| Diet Type | Suggested Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Keto/Low-Carb | Use cucumber slices or lettuce wraps instead of rice cakes. |
| Vegetarian | Keep the recipe as is; it’s naturally vegetarian. |
| Gluten-Free | Ensure rice cakes are certified gluten-free. |
| High-Protein | Use high-protein cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. |
| Vegan | Swap cottage cheese with plant-based cream cheese or hummus. |
| Low-Sodium | Use a no-salt cottage cheese and skip added salt. |
| Mediterranean Diet | Add olives or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist. |
4. Flavor Combinations to Try
- Italian-Inspired: Add olives, roasted bell peppers, and artichoke hearts.
- Greek-Inspired: Use cucumbers, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Southwest-Style: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin.
- Caprese-Style: Use mozzarella pearls and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Bruschetta-Style: Add finely diced tomatoes, onions, and a garlic drizzle.
By applying these tips and adjustments, you can customize this low-calorie cottage cheese and tomato basil rice cake recipe to fit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
