If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and nourishing dish that truly satisfies, the High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This salad isn’t just your everyday pasta bowl; it’s bursting with colorful veggies, creamy cottage cheese for a protein punch, and zesty Italian dressing that brightens every bite. It brings the perfect balance of hearty textures and refreshing flavors to the table, making it ideal for quick lunches, potlucks, or a light but fulfilling dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together, so you get wholesome goodness without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in creating this delightful and colorful salad. From the perfectly textured rotini pasta to the crisp veggies and creamy cottage cheese, every component works together to bring you a dish that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.
- 14 oz pasta (Barilla rotini): This spiral pasta holds dressing beautifully and provides great bite and texture.
- 1 large cucumber (diced into 1/2-inch pieces): Adds a refreshing crunch and hydrating freshness.
- 1.5 cups tomatoes (halved or quartered): Juicy bursts of sweetness brighten the salad naturally.
- 1 yellow bell pepper (diced into 1/2-inch pieces): Its mild sweetness and vibrant color make the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion: Gives a slight sharpness and depth without overpowering other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped into 1/2-inch ribbons): Adds a subtle earthiness plus a splash of green nutrition.
- 1 lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens and balances the flavors with zesty acidity.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (Ken’s Steak House recommended): The zesty dressing ties everything together with herbs and tang.
- 1 pinch oregano: A simple herb to enhance the Mediterranean vibe and aroma.
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture preferred): Creamy, protein-packed, and thick for the best texture and nutrition boost.
- Salt to taste: Essential for rounding off all flavors perfectly.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle kick to the mix.
How to Make High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 14 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. This texture is key to making sure your salad isn’t mushy but still tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, dice your cucumber, yellow bell pepper, and onions into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for a balanced bite. Halve or quarter your tomatoes depending on size, and chop the spinach into thin ribbons. Getting the veggies prepped now makes assembling the salad a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing and Seasonings
In a separate bowl, squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon and whisk it together with your 1/2 cup Italian dressing and a pinch of oregano. This mixture is where the salad really comes alive with a tangy, herbaceous flair that brightens every bite.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta and all your prepped vegetables. Pour the lemon-Italian dressing over and mix gently to coat everything evenly. Now fold in the creamy 1.5 cups of cottage cheese, carefully so you don’t break up the curds too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one final gentle toss and your High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to wow.
How to Serve High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salad with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color. A few cracked black peppercorns on top add a little extra spice and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a crusty baguette to round out a meal. It also works wonders alongside barbecue fare or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or scoop it onto large lettuce leaves for individual salad cups. Layering it in clear glass jars for picnics or lunches on the go adds a charming presentation and keeps everything fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors have time to meld even further, making leftovers taste just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate texture of cottage cheese and fresh vegetables, which can become watery or mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be reheated, as the cottage cheese and veggies lose their ideal texture when warmed.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can work as a substitute. It will provide a similar creamy texture with plenty of protein, but the flavor profile will be tangier. Make sure to use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for best results.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe keeps well in the fridge and makes a fantastic meal prep option. Keep it stored in airtight containers and enjoy a protein-packed lunch ready to go for several days.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even roasted veggies like zucchini for extra bulk and flavor. The versatile base makes it easy to customize.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this salad, swap out the cottage cheese for a plant-based creamy alternative like cashew cheese or silken tofu blended with lemon and nutritional yeast for that tangy consistency.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini is great for holding onto the dressing and mixing well, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Just avoid very delicate pastas that could become mushy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant, nutritious, and deeply satisfying dish that fills you up without weighing you down. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, feeding a family, or bringing something special to your next potluck, this salad is sure to earn a spot as a favorite. Give it a whirl and enjoy every colorful, creamy bite!
Print
High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy side. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and loaded with fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and spinach, it combines vibrant flavors with satisfying textures. Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing with a hint of oregano and lemon juice, this salad offers a delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and crisp elements. Ideal for meal prep or to enjoy on warm days, it’s easy to make and fulfilling.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 14 oz Barilla rotini pasta
- 1 large cucumber, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1.5 cups tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped into 1/2-inch ribbons
- 1.5 cups Good Culture cottage cheese
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Ken’s Steak House Italian dressing
- 1 lemon (for juice)
- 1 pinch oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, dice the cucumber and yellow bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces, halve or quarter the tomatoes depending on size, finely dice the red onion, and chop the spinach into 1/2-inch ribbons to ensure even bite-sized pieces for the salad.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the Italian dressing and add a pinch of oregano. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and spinach. Add the cottage cheese and pour the dressing mixture over the salad. Toss everything gently until well mixed and the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
- Season and chill: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. Enjoy this high protein, flavorful pasta salad chilled as a standalone meal or a side dish.
Notes
- Use Barilla rotini or your preferred pasta that holds dressing well.
- Good Culture cottage cheese is recommended for its thicker, creamier texture, but any brand can work.
- Adjust the amount of Italian dressing based on your taste preference for more or less tanginess.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe gluten free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
