Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Smash Burger Tacos with Dill Pickle Slaw
These taco-style smash burgers are a fun, Mediterranean-inspired twist on two classics. The ground beef patties are smashed thin and crisped up on a skillet, then layered on warm tortillas instead of buns. A creamy cottage cheese sauce brings protein and tang, while a dill pickle slaw adds crunch and freshness. The result is a lighter, flavorful version of the smash burger that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 15–20 minutes cooking)
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
8 small tortillas
1 lb lean ground beef
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
For the Sauce:
¾ cup cottage cheese
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp ketchup
For the Dill Pickle Slaw:
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup finely chopped dill pickles
1 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions
Make the Dill Pickle Slaw:
In a bowl, mix together shredded lettuce, chopped dill pickles, and pickle juice.
Toss well and set aside in the fridge while you prepare the rest.
Prepare the Cottage Cheese Sauce:
Blend or whisk together cottage cheese, mustard, and ketchup until smooth and creamy.
Adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Form the ground beef into 8 small balls.
Place each ball on the hot skillet and smash down firmly with a spatula until thin.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Warm the Tortillas:
Lightly toast or warm the tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable.
Assemble the Tacos:
Spread a spoonful of cottage cheese sauce onto each tortilla.
Top with a smash burger patty.
Add a generous spoonful of dill pickle slaw.
Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Tips
Press firmly when smashing: Use a sturdy spatula or burger press for thin, crispy edges.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook in batches if needed so the patties sear properly.
Creamier sauce: Blend the cottage cheese with a splash of pickle juice for extra tang.
Make ahead: The dill pickle slaw can be made a few hours in advance and chilled until serving.
Extra crisp tortillas: Toast tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for charred edges.
Variations
Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a Mediterranean-style twist.
Cheese upgrade: Mix in feta or shredded cheddar with the cottage cheese for a richer flavor.
Add veggies: Layer on sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions for crunch and freshness.
Spicy kick: Stir a little hot sauce or harissa paste into the cottage cheese sauce.
Low-carb option: Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps to make them lighter.
Mediterranean flair: Add olives and a drizzle of tahini sauce on top for a Greek-inspired finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I use store-bought slaw mix instead of shredding lettuce?
A: Yes, bagged coleslaw mix works well. Just add the chopped pickles and pickle juice.
Q: Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?
A: Blending makes it smooth and creamy, but you can leave it slightly chunky for texture if you prefer.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: The slaw and sauce can be prepped a few hours early, but cook the smash burgers fresh for the best taste and texture.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat the patties in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes. Assemble the tacos fresh with warmed tortillas and slaw.
Nutrition Facts
(per taco, based on 8 tacos)
Calories: ~220
Protein: 16g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Sodium: 420mg
(Values are estimates and will vary with tortilla size, beef fat content, and toppings.)
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Smash Burger Tacos with Dill Pickle Slaw are a clever fusion that delivers the best of both worlds: the crispy, juicy flavor of a smash burger and the fresh, tangy crunch of a taco. The cottage cheese sauce keeps things creamy yet lighter than mayo, while the dill pickle slaw cuts through with zesty brightness. They’re fun to assemble, easy to eat, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.