High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad – The Amazing Food
Picture this: A sun-drenched afternoon, the air infused with the sweet scent of freshly cut grass, and the sound of laughter floating in from the backyard. It’s a day destined for connection, and nothing brings people together quite like a big bowl of pasta salad. This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a piece of my heart, crafted with bright, inviting ingredients that whisper comfort and warmth. It’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, and the best part? It’s a no-bake wonder that’s ready to serve in just minutes! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip up this delightful pasta salad in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- High in Protein: With the added cottage cheese, this dish packs a nutritional punch, ideal for those seeking a healthy meal option.
- No-Bake: Say goodbye to turning on the oven! This creamy pasta salad comes together without any baking required, keeping your kitchen cool and your stress levels low.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This colorful, satisfying dish is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
- Versatile and Customizable: With a range of add-ins or dressing options, you can make this salad your own time and time again.
- Refreshing and Flavorful: The combination of crisp veggies and zesty Italian dressing brings a burst of flavor that complements the creamy cottage cheese beautifully.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad:
- 14 oz pasta (I always use Barilla rotini for the best texture)
- 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 lemon
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I prefer Ken’s Steak House for a zesty flavor)
- 1 pinch oregano
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese (I use Good Culture for a thicker, creamier consistency)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
Ready to create a comforting dish that sings with freshness and nutrition? Let’s jump into the kitchen:
- Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Opt for al dente for the best texture!
- While the pasta cooks, chop the cucumber, tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and spinach. Place them in a large mixing bowl, and let their vibrant colors brighten your workspace.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step also helps keep the salad refreshing.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of chopped vegetables and give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Italian dressing, juice of the lemon, oregano, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour this luscious dressing over the pasta and veggies, mixing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
Variations & Creative Twists
Want to elevate your salad even further? Here are a few delightful variations to try:
- Creamy Avocado Twist: Add diced avocado for a rich, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Zesty Mediterranean Flair: Toss in some olives, artichokes, or feta cheese for a Mediterranean vibe that bursts with flavor.
- Protein-Rich Add-Ins: Include shredded rotisserie chicken, chickpeas, or even turkey bacon for an extra boost of protein and heartiness.
- Seasonal Delights: In the fall, add diced apples or pears for a crisp touch, while in summer, fresh corn or grilled zucchini can take this dish to the next level.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a roaring success, here are my top tips:
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep! Prepare it a day in advance, and store it in the fridge. The flavors only get better as they mingle!
- Swap Ingredients: Feel free to swap any of the vegetables for ones you love! Bell peppers can be replaced with carrots, or you can skip the spinach entirely.
- Slicing Tricks: For the perfect diced cucumber and bell pepper, cut each piece in half before slicing. It gives you better control and uniform pieces.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving!
Nutrition Information per Serving
This hearty High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is as nutritious as it is delicious! Here’s the breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious minds want to know! Here are some common questions about this delightful pasta salad:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add in proteins like chicken or chickpeas.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- How long does it last? Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge, but trust me, they won’t stick around long!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—a bright, creamy High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. With the ease of preparation and the delightful explosion of flavors, this is a recipe sure to become a staple in your home. Save this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad – The Amazing Food to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, friends!
High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 oz pasta (Barilla rotini recommended)
- 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 lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (Ken’s Steak House recommended) For a zesty flavor
- 1 pinch oregano
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture recommended) For a thicker, creamier consistency
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and spinach; place in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain and rinse under cold water.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of chopped vegetables and stir gently.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Italian dressing, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, mixing gently to coat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
