High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and creamy cottage cheese, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 14 oz pasta (Barilla rotini recommended for 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 (Ken’s Steak House recommended for a zesty flavor)
• 1 pinch oregano
• 1.5 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture preferred for thicker, creamier consistency)
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: While the pasta water comes to a boil, dice the cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces, halve or quarter the tomatoes, dice the bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces, finely dice the red onion, and chop the spinach into 1/2-inch ribbons. Keep all prepped vegetables in separate piles to combine later easily.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly, then rinse it with cold water while tossing gently to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepped vegetables. Toss gently to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the pasta.
4. Step 4: Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly into the bowl. Add the Italian dressing and oregano, then toss everything thoroughly so the dressing coats all the pasta and vegetables evenly.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the cottage cheese into the pasta mixture using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, folding rather than stirring to keep the curds intact. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, firm vegetables to keep the salad crisp and vibrant.
• Swap rotini pasta with penne or farfalle for a different texture.
• For extra protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas.
• Try a vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing for a lighter option.
• To keep the salad creamy, fold the cottage cheese carefully to avoid breaking the curds.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh vegetables and cottage cheese, it’s best enjoyed within this time. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and add more dressing if it seems dry. No reheating needed—serve chilled for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta or feta can be used, but cottage cheese offers a unique creamy texture and higher protein content that complements the salad well.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta salad holds up well for a few days in the fridge, making it a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

A refreshing and high-protein pasta salad featuring creamy cottage cheese, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, this salad combines the satisfying texture of rotini pasta with crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, crunchy bell pepper, and spinach ribbons, all brightened with lemon juice and aromatic oregano.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Dairy

• 14 oz Barilla rotini pasta
• 1.5 cups Good Culture cottage cheese

Vegetables

• 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

Other Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (Ken’s Steak House recommended)
• 1 pinch oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables: While waiting for the pasta water to boil, dice the cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces, halve or quarter the tomatoes, dice the yellow bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces, finely dice the red onion, and chop the spinach into 1/2-inch ribbons. Arrange each vegetable separately on your cutting board for easy mixing later.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then rinse under cold water while tossing gently to stop cooking and remove excess starch. This prevents clumping and ensures the pasta stays fresh in the salad.
3. Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all prepped vegetables. Toss gently to evenly distribute the vegetables without bruising them.
4. Add Flavorings: Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly into the bowl. Add the Italian dressing and a pinch of oregano, then toss until everything is evenly coated. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and the dressing adds a zesty finish.
5. Fold in Cottage Cheese and Season: Gently fold the cottage cheese into the mixture using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to keep the curds intact and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, folding gently to combine without breaking the curds.

Notes

• Rinsing the pasta with cold water is crucial to stop cooking and prevent clumping in the salad.
• Folding in the cottage cheese rather than stirring keeps the curds intact, enhancing the salad’s creamy texture.
• You can substitute Italian dressing with any preferred vinaigrette, but a zesty flavor complements the ingredients best.
• This salad can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to meld flavors.
• For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas if not strictly vegetarian.

Keywords: Pasta salad, high protein, cottage cheese, healthy lunch, rotini pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, Italian dressing, fresh vegetables