Description
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a creamy, refreshing, and protein-packed twist on a classic favorite — perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or easy dinner. Made with farfalle pasta, fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and spinach, and tossed in a simple cottage cheese-based dressing, this salad is as nourishing as it is satisfying. If you’re looking for quick breakfast, easy dinner, healthy snack, or light meal prep ideas, this easy recipe is a winner. It’s colorful, customizable, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
8 oz farfalle pasta
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced into half-moons
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cooks, prep the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, dice the bell pepper, and chop the spinach.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings until smooth.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the dressing bowl and toss to coat.
5. Stir in all chopped vegetables and gently mix until evenly combined.
6. Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld (optional but recommended).
7. Taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with black pepper or herbs, and serve cold.
Notes
For a thicker dressing, drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese before mixing.
Always rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and keep it firm.
To boost protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 13
- Cholesterol: 15