Why Make This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad is a light and tasty meal perfect for warm days. It’s easy to make, and packed with protein and veggies, making it a nutritious choice. This dish is refreshing, filling, and can be prepared in just a short amount of time. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or a quick lunch.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup diced vegetables (like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and diced vegetables.
- Add the chopped herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy as a refreshing summer dish.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
This salad is best served chilled. You can scoop it into bowls or plate it up as a side. It pairs well with bread or can be enjoyed on its own. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a simple dinner option.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 days. However, make sure to give it a good stir before serving again to mix in any settled ingredients.
Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
- For added flavor, try using flavored cottage cheese.
- You can mix in some cheese like feta or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Feel free to add more veggies to customize the salad to your taste.
Variation
You can switch up the proteins by adding tuna or shrimp instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad.
2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just make sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
3. What type of pasta is best to use?
Any type of pasta works, but small shapes like rotini or bowties hold the dressing well.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A light and tasty meal perfect for warm days, packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup diced vegetables (like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and diced vegetables.
- Add the chopped herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy as a refreshing summer dish.
Notes
This salad is best served chilled and pairs well with bread or can be enjoyed on its own. Store leftovers in an airtight container; it lasts about 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 40mg