If you love dishes that combine fresh, vibrant flavors with a satisfying boost of protein, this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s an easy, colorful, and incredibly nutritious pasta salad packed with tender rotini, crunchy veggies, and creamy cottage cheese that adds a luscious texture and protein punch. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a picnic, or just need a delicious lunch option, this salad strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and mouthwatering taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe are wonderfully simple but each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, colors, and textures. From the creamy cottage cheese to the fresh vegetables and zesty lemon, every component makes this salad sing.
- 14 oz Barilla rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the dressing beautifully for each flavorful bite.
- 1.5 cups Good Culture cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and an excellent protein boost to keep you full.
- 1 large cucumber, diced into 1/2-inch pieces: Offers refreshing crunch and lightness.
- 1.5 cups tomatoes, halved or quartered: Bring juiciness and subtle acidity to brighten the salad.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces: Adds a sweet pop of color and crispness.
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion: Provides a gentle sharpness that balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped into 1/2-inch ribbons: Adds a tender leafy green element and a nutrition boost.
- 1 lemon: Freshly squeezed juice lifts the entire salad with vibrant citrus notes.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (Ken’s Steak House recommended): Brings zesty flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 pinch oregano: Imparts an herby warmth that complements the fresh veggies.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle spice kick to round out the dish.
How to Make High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Vegetables
While you’re waiting for the water to boil, begin by chopping all the veggies precisely to about half-inch pieces or ribbons as indicated. Keeping each vegetable separate on your board helps you organize and makes mixing that much easier later. This fresh chopping infuses the salad with texture variety—from crunchy to tender—and ensures every forkful has colorful appeal.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the rotini pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly, then rinse it gently under cold water while tossing with your hands to halt cooking and wash off excess starch. This step prevents the pasta from becoming sticky or clumpy, which keeps the salad fresh and light.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with all your prepped vegetables. Toss everything together carefully to evenly distribute the crunchy, fresh veggies throughout the pasta without bruising their delicate textures. This mixing is the base of the High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe’s fresh flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze its bright, fresh juice into the bowl with the pasta and vegetables. Pour in the Italian dressing and sprinkle a pinch of oregano on top. Gently toss all these together until every bite is coated with this zesty, vibrant dressing. The lemon and dressing add a sunny richness and depth.
Step 5: Fold in Cottage Cheese and Season
Finally, gently fold in the creamy cottage cheese using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Take care to keep the curds intact so your salad stays delightfully creamy and textured. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, folding delicately to blend everything without breaking the curds. This step delivers that signature protein-packed creaminess that defines the High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe.
How to Serve High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
The straightforward charm of this pasta salad shines best with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for an optional garnish. These fresh greens add slight fragrance and a visual pop that makes serving feel special, even for casual meals.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect lunch or light dinner. For a vegetarian meal, enjoy it alongside crusty bread or a light soup to complete the plate without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For picnics or parties, serve the High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe layered in clear jars or glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. You can also spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for elegant lettuce wraps that add a lovely crunch and a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the pasta is fully cooked and cooled, and the cottage cheese is folded in last, the salad holds its texture nicely. Give it a gentle toss before serving leftover portions to recoat ingredients with dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and therefore not recommended for freezing. The cottage cheese and fresh vegetables would lose their ideal texture once frozen and thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled pasta salad, there is no need to reheat. Serve it cold or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the dressing and cottage cheese, you can swap it out for penne, fusilli, or any short pasta shape you prefer.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You could substitute the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative and choose a vegan Italian dressing to make it vegan-friendly, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the protein content and creaminess.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
Yes, prepping the vegetables ahead of time helps save on total cooking time, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What makes this salad high protein?
The Good Culture cottage cheese is the hero ingredient here, adding a substantial protein boost along with creamy texture, which helps make this pasta salad more filling and nutritious.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts or seeds?
Definitely! Adding toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts can add extra crunch and flavor layers, enhancing the salad’s texture and nutritional profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a salad that feels both fresh and hearty, and this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe absolutely delivers. It’s a versatile dish bursting with flavor, color, and texture, all while packing a protein-rich punch that’ll keep you energized. I hope you love making it as much as eating it, and that it becomes a delicious staple in your recipe rotation!
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High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish combining tender rotini pasta with an assortment of fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and creamy cottage cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a satisfying, protein-packed meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 14 oz Barilla rotini pasta
- 1.5 cups Good Culture cottage cheese
- 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)
- 1 pinch oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 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.
- 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 step prevents clumping and ensures the pasta stays fresh in the salad.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 under cold water after cooking stops the cooking process and prevents it from sticking.
- Use fresh vegetables to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
- Gently folding in cottage cheese helps maintain its creamy texture without breaking the curds.
- Feel free to substitute Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette for a personalized flavor.
- This salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh to keep the cottage cheese texture intact.
