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A close-up of a vibrant Cottage Cheese and Veggie Pasta Salad in a clear glass bowl with fusilli, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs, ready to be served with a fork.
Layla

Creamy Cottage Cheese & Herb Pasta Salad

A refreshing and protein-packed pasta salad featuring creamy cottage cheese, crisp fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a light side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta uncooked, e.g., rotini, fusilli, elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups Cottage cheese low-fat or full-fat
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber diced
  • 1 cup Bell pepper any color, diced
  • 1/4 cup Red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Carrots shredded or finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill chopped, optional
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down. Set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cooks, chop all the vegetables (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, carrots) and fresh herbs (parsley, dill).
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs.
  2. Add the cottage cheese to the bowl. Pour the prepared lemon-herb dressing over all the ingredients.
  3. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the cottage cheese too much if you prefer larger curds.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. This step is crucial for the best taste.
  2. Before serving, give the salad another gentle stir and taste. Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon juice) if necessary.

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For an extra boost of protein, consider adding grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas.