High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and protein-packed cottage cheese pasta salad featuring colorful vegetables, zesty Italian dressing, and a bright lemon finish. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious side dish with creamy, curd-rich texture and fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 14 oz Barilla rotini pasta
- 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
Dressing and Flavoring
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (Ken’s Steak House preferred for zesty flavor)
- 1 pinch oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Creamy Element
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture brand for thicker, creamier consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare All Vegetables: While bringing pasta water to a boil, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into 1/2-inch pieces, halve or quarter the tomatoes, and chop the spinach into 1/2-inch ribbons. Arrange each vegetable in separate piles on a cutting board to keep them organized and fresh for easy combining once the pasta is cooked.
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water, tossing gently to stop cooking and remove excess starch. This ensures the pasta does not overcook or clump together when combined with other ingredients.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepped vegetables. Toss gently to evenly distribute the ingredients without crushing the vegetables or the pasta.
- Build the Dressing and Flavor Base: Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly into the bowl with the pasta and vegetables. Add the Italian dressing and a pinch of oregano, then toss thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats everything evenly, adding brightness and a zesty flavor.
- Add Cottage Cheese and Final Seasoning: Fold the cottage cheese gently into the pasta salad with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Folding, rather than stirring vigorously, maintains the curds’ texture and creamy consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper, folding gently to combine all flavors.
Notes
- Using Barilla rotini pasta gives the best texture and helps hold the dressing well.
- Cold rinsing cooked pasta stops further cooking and prevents clumping, which is key for pasta salads.
- Folding cottage cheese gently preserves its curds for a creamy, textured bite.
- Any Italian dressing can be used but a zesty brand like Ken’s Steak House adds brightness.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Keywords: cottage cheese pasta salad, high protein pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, italian dressing pasta salad, summer pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad
