If you are looking for a vibrant, nourishing dish that fills you up without weighing you down, this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe is the answer. It combines tender Barilla rotini pasta with creamy Good Culture cottage cheese and a rainbow of fresh veggies, all brought to life with zesty lemon juice and Italian dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the senses but also packs a powerhouse of protein and flavors that make it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. I love how every bite holds a lively balance of textures and tastes, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe, you just need a handful of simple ingredients that play crucial roles in delivering flavor, texture, and color. Each element enhances the dish perfectly, making it wholesome and visually inviting.
- 14 oz Barilla rotini pasta: The spiral shape perfectly holds dressing and cottage cheese, ensuring every mouthful is flavorful.
- 1.5 cups Good Culture cottage cheese: A creamy, high-protein ingredient that adds richness and a smooth texture without heaviness.
- 1 large cucumber, diced: Provides a refreshing crunch and subtle moisture for balance.
- 1.5 cups tomatoes, halved or quartered: Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity brighten the salad.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and beautiful golden color that makes the salad pop.
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion: Offers a sharp, savory edge that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped: Brings a hint of earthiness and vibrant green hues for an extra nutrient boost.
- 1 lemon: Its fresh juice adds a lively zest that ties all flavors together wonderfully.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (Ken’s Steak House recommended): Infuses a savory, herbaceous tang and easy creaminess that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 pinch oregano: Enhances the salad with a subtle aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the full complexity of the salad.
How to Make High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Vegetables
Start by dicing the cucumber and yellow bell pepper into half-inch pieces for a satisfying crunch in every bite. Halve or quarter the tomatoes to release their natural juices without making the salad soggy. Finely dice the red onion to disperse bursts of savory sharpness throughout. Lastly, chop spinach into half-inch ribbons, adding a soft texture and vibrant green color that livens up the dish. Arranging each veggie separately on your cutting board makes mixing them later so much easier and ensures perfect distribution.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Barilla rotini according to the package instructions until al dente — tender but still with a bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water while gently tossing. This crucial step stops further cooking and washes away excess starch, which helps the pasta maintain its shape and prevents clumping when mixed with the dressing and veggies.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Vegetables
In a sizeable mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with all your prepped vegetables. Toss everything gently to combine, being careful not to bruise delicate ingredients like the tomatoes or wilt the spinach. This ensures every forkful boasts an even blend of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
Cut your lemon in half and squeeze its fresh juice directly into the bowl. The acidity cuts through the richness, brightening the entire salad. Pour in the Italian dressing and sprinkle a pinch of oregano for an added herbaceous note. Toss everything together so the dressing coats the pasta and veggies evenly, delivering a zesty and refreshing finish.
Step 5: Fold in Cottage Cheese and Season
Gently fold in the cottage cheese using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, taking care to keep the curds intact for that satisfying creamy texture. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, folding just enough to mix seasonings without mashing the cottage cheese. This final step brings all the flavors and textures into harmonious balance, completing your High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe.
How to Serve High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and elegance, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top. A few halved cherry tomatoes or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate both the look and flavor. These garnishes add subtle layers of aroma and visual appeal that make the salad feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete, protein-packed meal. For a vegetarian twist, serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or a bowl of roasted vegetable soup. The cool, creamy salad acts as a refreshing counterpoint to heartier side dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mason jars layered with extra cottage cheese and veggies for a grab-and-go option. Alternatively, stuff this salad into pita pockets or hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful and portable lunch. Presentation matters, and thinking outside the bowl can make this protein-rich salad even more enticing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days. Because you rinse the pasta and fold in fresh cottage cheese at the end, the salad maintains its freshness without becoming mushy. Give it a gentle toss before serving leftovers to redistribute any dressing that has settled.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate texture of cottage cheese and fresh vegetables, which tend to become watery and lose their crispness upon thawing. To enjoy this salad at its best, prepare only as much as you plan to eat within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If desired, let refrigerated leftovers sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before eating to allow flavors to mellow and textures to soften slightly. Reheating in a microwave is not advised, as heat can break down the cottage cheese and wilt the fresh vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While Barilla rotini works great because its spirals hold onto dressing and cheese well, you can swap in penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente to maintain texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
You can try replacing the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative such as tofu or vegan ricotta to keep the salad creamy and protein-rich, but the flavor and texture will differ a bit from the original. Adjust seasonings to balance accordingly.
How can I make this salad more filling for a main course?
Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs boosts the protein and makes it a heartier meal. Tossing in some nuts or seeds also contributes crunch and healthy fats.
What’s the best way to keep the salad from becoming watery?
Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water is key to remove starch that causes clumping and sogginess. Also, fold in the cottage cheese last and keep tomatoes and cucumbers diced to a moderate size to avoid excess moisture.
Can I prepare this salad the night before?
Yes, you can prepare most components the night before, but it’s best to add the cottage cheese just before serving to preserve its creamy texture and freshness. Store the dressing separately and toss everything together when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a care package to your taste buds and your body. Easy to make, packed with nutrition, and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s destined to become a favorite go-to in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
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 fresh, vibrant, and protein-packed dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Featuring Barilla rotini pasta, creamy Good Culture cottage cheese, and a medley of crisp vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and spinach, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing and fresh lemon juice. This salad combines wholesome ingredients to deliver a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
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
Flavorings
- 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 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 pasta under cold water after cooking stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing the pasta from clumping in the salad.
- Be gentle when folding in the cottage cheese to keep the curds creamy and intact for the best texture.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper gradually to tailor the salad to your preference.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; flavors will meld and improve slightly overnight.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds before serving.
