High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors and hearty satisfaction of this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a light dinner, this salad combines protein-packed cottage cheese with crunchy, fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing and a hint of lemon, each bite is refreshing yet filling. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Say goodbye to bland salads and hello to a nutritious dish that offers both taste and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz pasta (preferably rotini)
- 1 large cucumber (diced)
- 1.5 cups tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While pasta cooks, dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion; halve or quarter tomatoes; chop spinach.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with vegetables.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture; add Italian dressing.
- Gently fold in cottage cheese until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 15mg