Push aside decades-old visions of cottage cheese adorned by slices of canned peaches and maraschino cherries, served on the “ladies plate” at diners. Cottage cheese is making a comeback, and it’s modern, healthy and delicious.

Swipe through to learn why and how to add cottage cheese to your diet now.

From a health perspective, there are about 100 calories in a half-cup of full-fat cottage cheese. Compare that to the 140 calories in a half-cup of full-fat Greek yogurt or the 190 calories found in a half-cup of whole milk ricotta cheese. Cottage cheese also contains selenium, riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium, all important minerals our bodies need. It’s high in protein, too.

Be sure to choose the most healthful cottage cheese. Look for a cottage cheese with a lower fat content, and try to stay away from those that have artificial sugars or emulsifying agents. Stick with those that have just a few ingredients that you recognize.

One of the simplest ways to eat cottage cheese is with a wispy drizzle of honey or agave nectar. Don’t overdo it—just a small bit of the sweet sauce will elevate the cheese to new heights.

Because of cottage cheese’s tame flavor profile, it makes a terrific base for other flavors. Whip it up in the blender with, oregano, onion powder, coriander, salt and lemon juice to make a fantastic dip for carrots and celery.

Photography: Pinterest/The Firey Vegetarian

Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in recipes such as lasagne or stuffed shells. To get a texture closer to that of ricotta, instead of cottage cheese’s distinctive blobs, simply dump the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor before adding it to your recipe.

Try cottage cheese in scrambled eggs. Cook two eggs in a tablespoon of butter, and then near the end, plop in about a half cup of cottage cheese along with salt, pepper and chopped chives. Serve on sourdough toast.

Photography: Instagram/@feelgoodfoodie

For a quick, delicious and healthful lunch, build a sandwich made with cottage cheese, sliced tomatoes, and sliced avocados. Toast the bread of your choice and then pile everything on. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper!

Photography: Pinterest/Food Faith Fitness