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

Scale

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

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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.