ottage Cheese Pasta Salad

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Creamy, refreshing, and filled with wholesome ingredients, this Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish for warm days, easy lunches, or light dinners. It combines tender pasta with crisp veggies, creamy cottage cheese, and a tangy dressing that brings it all together in the most satisfying way.

What makes this salad a standout is its balance—it’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful but not overpowering, and flexible enough to serve as a main dish or side. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making something quick for a summer BBQ, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad

This isn’t your average pasta salad. The cottage cheese adds a protein-packed creamy texture that feels indulgent while staying light. The vegetables provide crunch and freshness, and the dressing ties everything together with a perfect zing. It’s also highly customizable—swap in your favorite pasta shapes or veggies based on what you have on hand. Best of all, it comes together quickly and stays fresh for days, making it ideal for busy schedules.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad?

Short pasta varieties are the best choice here. Think rotini, bowtie, or even elbow macaroni—these shapes do an excellent job of holding onto the cottage cheese and dressing. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta also works if you’re aiming for a healthier twist. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or linguine, which don’t mix as well in cold salads and can clump together.

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Ingredients for the Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad

This pasta salad uses just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a specific role to bring balance in taste and texture.

• Pasta – Choose a short pasta like rotini or penne. It acts as the hearty base and catches the creamy dressing in every twist or tube.
• Cottage Cheese – This is the creamy star of the show. It gives the salad a unique texture and a boost of protein.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Their juicy burst adds brightness and a touch of sweetness to balance the creamy base.
• Cucumber – Brings crispness and a cool flavor that’s essential for any refreshing salad.
• Red Onion – A small amount goes a long way in adding a punchy, savory kick.
• Fresh Dill or Parsley – For a herbaceous, fresh lift that ties the whole salad together.
• Lemon Juice – Offers brightness and helps cut through the richness of the cottage cheese.
• Olive Oil – A touch adds silkiness to the dressing and helps everything blend.

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How To Make the Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. You want it firm enough to hold its shape in the salad. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly and stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the pasta is cooking, chop the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Finely chop your herbs of choice—fresh dill or parsley both work beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly emulsified.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and mix to coat. Fold in the chopped vegetables and herbs, gently stirring until everything is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

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How to Serve and Store This Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad

This pasta salad serves about 4 as a main dish or 6–8 as a side. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just an easy fridge-friendly meal. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it thickens too much over time, simply stir in a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The smoky, charred flavor of grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the cool and creamy salad.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Watermelon, cantaloupe, or grapes are perfect sweet companions to this savory dish.

Garlic Bread or Crostini

Add a crunchy bite on the side to scoop up every bit of that creamy dressing.

Deviled Eggs

For a fun picnic vibe, deviled eggs bring richness and a complementary texture.

Baked Salmon

The richness of salmon contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the salad.

Cold Iced Tea or Lemonade

The ultimate refreshers for this cooling, creamy dish.

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Want More Salad Ideas?

If this Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad hits the spot, you’ll probably love these other vibrant and flavorful recipes too:

• Try this refreshing Apple Salad for a sweet crunch.

• Make your next lunch feel gourmet with Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken.

• Dive into cozy vibes with the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad.

• For something rich and comforting, the Low-Carb Chicken Casserole offers creamy satisfaction.

• Looking for something extra hearty? This Skirt Steak Rice Bowl will do the trick.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for dill or parsley? Any crunchy add-ins like sunflower seeds or chopped nuts?

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Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is creamy, fresh, and everything a quick lunch or summer dish should be. With easy prep and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Keep this one in your weekly rotation—it just might become your new favorite.

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