Strawberry Cottage Cheese Panna Cotta: Healthy Indulgence

Looking for a healthy yet indulgent dessert? This Strawberry Cottage Cheese Panna Cotta is just what you need—smooth, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. It’s a beautiful single-serve treat that’s ideal for parties or just a cozy evening at home.

Last month, I shared a high-protein moong dal and cottage cheese dosa. Today, I’m switching gears and bringing you a simple, no-fuss dessert featuring the same powerhouse ingredient—cottage cheese—paired with the natural sweetness of strawberries. This recipe requires just five ingredients, one of which is water. The only specialty item you’ll need is agar agar, a vegetarian gelatin alternative.

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Agar Agar | China Grass – A Vegetarian Gelatin Substitute

Agar agar (also called China grass) is derived from seaweed and is a wonderful plant-based alternative to gelatin. It comes in powder, flake, or strip form, and is commonly available in Asian grocery stores or online. For this panna cotta, I used agar agar strips.

The setting strength of agar agar can vary, especially between powder and strips. For this recipe, you can dissolve 1 to 1.5 tsp of agar powder or about 1 tbsp of strips in 1 cup of water and test the firmness after setting. I’ve explained this in more detail in my rose jello post—feel free to check that out if you’re new to working with agar agar.

What You’ll Need

• Water and agar agar for the setting base
• Fresh, ripe strawberries
• Cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
• Your choice of sweetener: agave nectar, honey, or a sugar substitute

For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.

Dietary Info & Storage Tips

This dessert is vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free. I haven’t tested it with vegan cheeses yet. Once prepared, refrigerate the panna cotta and consume it within two days. For storage, cover the glasses with foil to keep them fresh and avoid contamination.

How to Make Strawberry Cottage Cheese Panna Cotta

1. Bring the water to a gentle boil. Add agar agar and stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, clean and halve the strawberries.
3. In a blender, combine the strawberries, cottage cheese, and the slightly cooled agar agar mixture. Add sweetener as needed, based on the strawberries’ sweetness.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into serving glasses. Tap gently to remove bubbles.
6. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours or until fully set.
7. Garnish with fresh strawberries or chopped nuts before serving.

Recipe Tips

• You can use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer texture.
• Adjust sweeteners based on the natural tartness of the strawberries.
• Paneer can be used as an alternative to cottage cheese.
• Note: If you prefer a sweeter panna cotta, don’t skimp on the sweetener—strawberries and cottage cheese can have a slight tang when unsweetened.

More Recipes Using Agar Agar

PS:  If you try this cottage cheese strawberry panna cotta, please don’t forget to comment and rate this recipe. If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and I will get to it A.S.A.P.  Make sure to follow me on my Pinterest for more healthy and delicious ideas! Follow me on Instagram or join my Facebook Group for more gardening and recipe updates! You can also sign-up for my newsletter for weekly updates.

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