Go Back

Cottage Cheese Protein Pasta Salad - Creamy, Fresh, and Satisfying

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta: 12 ounces short pasta (rotini, shells, bow ties, or penne)
  • Cottage cheese: 1 1/2 cups (2% or 4% milkfat for best creaminess)
  • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (optional for extra tang and silkiness)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon: Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic: 1 small clove (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Fresh herbs: 1/2 cup chopped (dill, parsley, basil, or a mix)
  • Veggies: 2 cups total, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and spinach or arugula
  • Protein add-ins (optional): Grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, edamame, or turkey pepperoni
  • Parmesan or feta (optional): For extra flavor
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water.
  2. Prep the veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, slice a little red onion thinly, and roughly chop greens if using.
  3. Blend the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt (if using), olive oil, lemon zest and juice, Dijon, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper. Blend until very smooth and creamy.
  4. Taste and adjust: Add more lemon for brightness, olive oil for silkiness, or salt and pepper to your liking. If too thick, splash in 1–2 tablespoons cold water.
  5. Toss it together: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, veggies, and herbs. Pour on the dressing and toss until everything is coated.
  6. Add extras: Fold in your protein of choice and a small handful of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta if you like. Finish with red pepper flakes.
  7. Chill or serve: It’s great right away, but 20–30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld. Give it a quick stir before serving.