High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad – Easy Creamy Meal Prep Favorite

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a creamy, satisfying, and veggie-packed dish that delivers serious flavor and fuel in every bite. This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, sweet yellow bell pepper, and fresh spinach with zesty Italian dressing and bright lemon juice. The star ingredient—cottage cheese—adds rich creaminess and a powerful protein boost without feeling heavy. Perfect for meal prep, summer gatherings, post-workout lunches, or a hearty side dish, this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad recipe balances freshness, texture, and bold flavor. Ready in just 37 minutes, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad that tastes even better as it chills.

Introduction

There’s something timeless about a good pasta salad. It’s comforting, versatile, and endlessly customizable. But this High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad takes the classic concept and gives it a nourishing twist.

Instead of relying solely on traditional creamy bases, this recipe folds in cottage cheese for a boost of protein and a luscious texture that clings beautifully to every spiral of rotini. Combined with crunchy vegetables, bright lemon juice, and zesty Italian dressing, the result is a pasta salad that feels fresh yet substantial.

Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, feeding a hungry group, or looking for a balanced dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this recipe delivers. It’s colorful, creamy, and packed with textures that make every forkful interesting. And because it serves six, it’s perfect for sharing—or enjoying throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein thanks to cottage cheese
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Balanced textures: creamy, crisp, tender
• Bright, zesty flavor from lemon and Italian dressing
• Beginner-friendly and straightforward
• Ready in just 37 minutes

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Calories: 850 kcal per serving

Pasta & Vegetables

• 14 oz pasta (Barilla rotini recommended for best texture)
• 1 large cucumber (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1.5 cups tomatoes (halved or quartered)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/2 cup spinach (chopped into 1/2-inch ribbons)

Dressing & Seasoning

• 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (Ken’s Steak House preferred for zesty flavor)
• 1 pinch oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Protein Boost

• 1.5 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture recommended for thicker consistency)

All ingredient amounts must remain exactly as listed.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Optional:

• Citrus juicer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta water comes to a boil, dice the cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces, halve or quarter the tomatoes, dice the yellow bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces, finely dice the red onion, and chop the spinach into 1/2-inch ribbons. Arrange the vegetables in separate piles on your cutting board for easy assembly later. Preparing everything in advance ensures the pasta won’t sit and cool too long after cooking.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 14 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then rinse with cold water while gently tossing. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing clumping—an essential step for pasta salad.

3. Combine Pasta and Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepped vegetables. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly without crushing the ingredients.

4. Add Lemon and Dressing

Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly into the bowl. Add 1/2 cup Italian dressing and a pinch of oregano. Toss thoroughly so every piece of pasta and vegetable is evenly coated. The lemon adds brightness while the dressing provides bold, zesty flavor.

5. Fold in Cottage Cheese

Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in 1.5 cups cottage cheese. Fold rather than stir to keep the curds intact and maintain the creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine.

6. Serve or Chill

Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to meld further.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian: Already vegetarian as written.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
• Extra Herb Flavor: Add more oregano if desired.
• Spice Boost: Add cracked black pepper generously.
• Extra Lemon Brightness: Add additional squeeze before serving.

Original recipe remains intact.

Flavor Profile

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is creamy yet fresh. The cottage cheese adds richness without heaviness. Lemon juice brightens the entire dish, while Italian dressing provides tangy herbs and acidity.

The vegetables offer crisp contrast against tender pasta. Spinach ribbons soften slightly in the dressing, and red onion gives a subtle bite. The result is balanced, satisfying, and full of texture.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 850 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 8g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian. Contains dairy and gluten unless modified.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Best stored in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
• Add fresh lemon juice before serving if needed.
• Keeps texture well thanks to cold-rinsed pasta.

FAQs

Why rinse the pasta?
It stops cooking and prevents clumping.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, but rotini holds dressing well.

Does it taste strongly of cottage cheese?
No, it blends smoothly and adds creaminess.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, flavors improve after chilling.

How long does it last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
10 mins	25 mins	37 mins	6

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in a large bowl with extra cracked pepper on top. Garnish with additional spinach ribbons for color. Ideal for potlucks, meal prep containers, or family dinners.

Recipe Variations

1. Extra Creamy Version: Fold in cottage cheese slightly more thoroughly.
2. Zesty Boost: Increase lemon slightly at serving time.
3. Veggie-Loaded: Add more bell pepper and cucumber.
4. Herb-Forward: Increase oregano for stronger herbal notes.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cottage Cheese

Choose a thick, creamy variety for best texture. Higher-quality brands hold their curds better and create a richer salad.

Rotini Pasta

Its spiral shape captures dressing and small vegetable pieces, ensuring flavor in every bite.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Salt pasta water generously for better flavor.
• Don’t overcook pasta—al dente is crucial.
• Fold gently to keep cottage cheese texture intact.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor development.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight container.
Freezer: Not recommended due to texture changes.
Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	850 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbs	95g
Fat	35g
Fiber	8g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, high-protein, contains dairy and gluten unless substituted.

Expanded Conclusion

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad transforms a classic comfort dish into a nourishing, flavor-packed meal that satisfies both cravings and nutritional goals. It’s creamy without being heavy, fresh yet filling, and ideal for busy schedules.

Whether you’re prepping lunches, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a hearty pasta salad with a protein boost, this recipe delivers every time. Save it, share it, and make it a regular in your rotation—you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it brings bold flavor and wholesome ingredients together in one satisfying bowl.

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