This Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish filled with tasty bits of chicken and colorful veggies. The creamy cottage cheese adds a fun twist!
It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and I love how quick it is to whip up. Just mix everything together, and you’re ready to go. Who wouldn’t enjoy a meal that’s both easy and yum? 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for this salad since its twists hold the dressing well. If you’re out of it, any spiral or short pasta like fusilli or penne works too.
Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken is my go-to, but you can use rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken if you’re short on time. For a vegetarian twist, consider chickpeas.
Cottage Cheese: I love the creaminess of full-fat cottage cheese, but low-fat or even Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version.
Vegetables: Use whatever veggies you like. Bell peppers, carrots, or even avocados can add nice colors. Don’t have cucumbers? Try celery for a nice crunch!
Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but dill or basil would work wonderfully too. Pick your favorite for a personal touch!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a creamy pasta salad lies in mixing the ingredients properly. To do this, be sure to allow the cooked pasta to cool completely! Rinsing it under cold water stops the cooking process and helps avoid sogginess.
- Cook your pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Rinse it under cold water to cool it down and remove excess starch, which can make it gummy.
- Once cooled, combine it gently with the chicken and veggies. Then, drizzle the cottage cheese mixture evenly over everything before tossing.
Stay gentle while tossing to keep the pasta intact. Enjoy making this salad the right way!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow is great!)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the pasta and chopping the veggies—it’s a quick and easy dish! If you prefer the flavors to meld together, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the shredded chicken, halved tomatoes, cucumber slices, and sliced red onion. Mix everything gently to start bringing those delicious flavors together!
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will be the dressing that ties everything together.
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and chicken. Gently toss everything until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Go slow and steady; you want to keep the pasta intact!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your flavor preferences.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh look. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor!
7. Enjoy Your Creation:
This salad can be served right away, or you can let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. It’s the perfect healthy lunch or light dinner option—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even bowtie pasta. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! This salad tastes even better after the flavors meld together. Prepare it a few hours in advance, or the night before, and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
How Long Can I Keep Leftovers?
Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you notice the pasta absorbing too much of the dressing, feel free to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the salad before eating!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning. You could also toss in some chopped bell peppers, olives, or even avocado for more texture and taste.
