This Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of creamy cottage cheese, tender chicken, and colorful veggies. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner!
I love how this salad brings together flavors in a fun way. Plus, it makes me feel good knowing I’m sneaking in protein and veggies on a busy day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its fun curls that hold onto the dressing. If rotini isn’t available, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works just as well.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for a quick meal! However, you can use leftover chicken, canned chicken, or even swap in beans for a vegetarian version.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese gives the salad a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using silken tofu blended smooth or a vegan yogurt.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of color. You can substitute diced bell peppers or even sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer something different.
Cucumber: I enjoy the crunch of cucumbers, but if you don’t have any, diced bell peppers or shredded carrots can provide a nice crunch too!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Full of Flavor?
Getting the right balance of flavors is key in a pasta salad. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Cook pasta just until it’s al dente; this helps it hold up in the salad.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking and cool it quickly.
- Mix the dressing thoroughly before adding other ingredients so each bite is flavorful.
- Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or acidity from lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (about 2 cups dry)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the pasta. After that, to get the best flavor, it’s best to chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, bringing the total time to about 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to let it finish draining.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Then, toss in the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and chopped parsley. Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Taste and Chill:
Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once you’re happy with the flavors, cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a final toss and check for seasoning one last time. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley if you like. Enjoy your refreshing, protein-packed Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute traditional rotini with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach would make great additions. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to mix well with the other ingredients.
Is This Salad Good for Meal Prep?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a few days in advance, and it holds up well in the fridge. Just keep in mind that some veggies may lose their crunch over time, so consider adding them fresh before serving if you prefer that texture!
