Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad: perfect for summer BBQs and pool parties
Summer is the perfect season for BBQs, pool parties, and gatherings with family and friends.
As a mom, I always look for dishes that are not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare.
One of my go-to recipes for these occasions is a refreshing Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad.
It’s packed with vibrant veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and offers a wholesome alternative to heavier BBQ fare.
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Why use Cottage Cheese in Pasta Salad
Cottage cheese is the secret weapon in this pasta salad. It adds a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the crisp vegetables beautifully.
Beyond its taste, cottage cheese is a nutritional powerhouse.
It’s rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it’s also low in fat, making it a healthier choice for those mindful of their dietary intake.
Including cottage cheese in your pasta salad not only enhances the flavor but also boosts its nutritional profile.
Each bite of this salad provides a satisfying combination of textures and tastes, while the protein from the cottage cheese helps keep everyone feeling full and energized for all the summer fun.
Making the Perfect Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
Here’s how to whip up this delicious and healthy dish:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounce cooked pasta (whole grain or protein based options work great)
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 limes juiced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 T Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion.
- Add the cottage cheese and Italian dressing to the bowl, mixing everything until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (though it’s so delicious, that’s unlikely!), store your cottage cheese pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation might occur.
Homemade Italian Dressing
For those who prefer a homemade touch, making your own Italian dressing is a breeze.
Simply whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Adjust the ingredients to your taste, and you’ll have a fresh, preservative-free dressing that adds an extra layer of flavor to your pasta salad.
Make Homemade Italian Dressing
Customize Your Salad with Extra Veggies and Bacon
One of the joys of making a pasta salad is its versatility. You can easily customize this dish by adding a variety of other vegetables.
Cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, and shredded carrots are excellent additions that bring more color and crunch.
If you’re looking to add a bit of a savory twist, consider tossing in some sliced black olives or artichoke hearts.
For those who love a bit of indulgence, crispy bacon bits can elevate this salad to a whole new level.
The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy cottage cheese and the fresh vegetables.
Simply cook a few strips of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and mix them into the salad just before serving. This addition can make the salad even more appealing to those who might be hesitant to try a vegetable-heavy dish.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of health and taste, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings.
It’s easy to prepare, highly nutritious, and incredibly versatile.
Whether you stick to the basic recipe or get creative with extra veggies and bacon, this salad is sure to be a hit at your BBQs and pool parties.
Enjoy the summer with this delightful dish that brings a touch of creamy goodness and a burst of freshness to your table!
Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounce cooked pasta whole grain or gluten-free based options work great
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 orange bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 limes juiced
- ½ cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
- 1 ½ Tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion.
- Add the cottage cheese, lime juice, and Italian dressing to the bowl, mixing everything until well combined.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Nutrition
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
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Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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