Cottage Cheese Chickpea Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Chickpea Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with protein and vibrant flavors, it combines creamy cottage cheese with crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing for a healthy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to mix all ingredients thoroughly, and serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra freshness, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the salad.
- Swap cucumbers for cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to change up the texture and taste.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the dressing before tossing.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
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 crumbled feta can be used as alternatives, but cottage cheese provides a nice creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the salad well.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the salad from becoming watery. It makes a great make-ahead lunch option.
PrintCottage Cheese Chickpea Salad Recipe
A refreshing and protein-packed Cottage Cheese Chickpea Salad combining creamy cottage cheese, hearty chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, and zesty red onion, all tossed in a tangy lemon Dijon dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or a light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, drained chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion until evenly combined.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the cottage cheese mixture, then gently toss to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Serve or Chill: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest flavors or cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
- To make this salad vegan, substitute cottage cheese with firm tofu or a vegan cheese alternative.
- This salad can be prepped ahead of time but is best consumed within 24 hours to maintain freshness.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Keywords: cottage cheese salad, chickpea salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, quick salad
