Growing up, summer days in our house were filled with laughter, sunshine, and the tantalizing aroma of mom’s cooking wafting through the open windows. One dish that always brought us together was her refreshing Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad. It was the perfect answer to hot afternoons when all we wanted was something light yet satisfying. The blend of creamy cottage cheese with tender chicken and al dente pasta reminds me of lazy picnics in the park, and each bite feels like a warm hug from a cherished memory.

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors, ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering. Let’s dive into this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to throw together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Budget-friendly, as it uses affordable ingredients that pack a nutritious punch.
• A comforting blend of flavors that’s satisfying without being too heavy.
• Great for meal prep; tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape you like; fusilli or rotini are particularly fun!)
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (opt for low-fat if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (colors of your choice add a fun flair!)
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for creaminess, but you can reduce this and increase cottage cheese for a lighter touch)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a nice tang!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley, chopped (optional, but they elevate the flavor!)

Note: If you can, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a punchier flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps the pasta from sticking together.
2. Prep the Chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you have a rotisserie chicken, simply pull the meat off and shred it; this saves a ton of time!
3. Chop the Veggies: While the pasta is cooling, chop up the bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onion. Aim for bite-sized pieces for a good mouthfeel!
4. Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will be the delightful dressing that coats all your ingredients.
5. Combine: Into the dressing, add in the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and herbs (if using). Gently fold everything together, making sure that the creamy dressing envelops every morsel.
6. Season to Taste: Taste your salad and add salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes, a sprinkle of extra herbs can make all the difference in flavor!
7. Chill: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious.

Pro Tips & Variations

If you want to jazz this salad up a bit or cater it to specific tastes, here are some fun twists you can try!

• Add a Crunch: Toss in some sunflower seeds, nuts, or crispy bacon bits before serving for a delightful crunch.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Change the Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil, cilantro, or even mint for a new flavor profile!
• Different Dressings: Try swapping the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a thick, creamy twist!

Serving Suggestions

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad is best served chilled, making it a brilliant addition to summer gatherings, potlucks, or a simple lunch at home. I love serving it alongside crispy garlic bread for dipping—you simply can’t beat that combination. If you’re feeling extra fancy, pair it with a light green salad drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing combo. And don’t forget a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea to wash it down—pure bliss!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! You can refrigerate this salad in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors continue to deepen as they sit, making them even tastier! However, I’d recommend not freezing this salad, as the texture of the cottage cheese can change. When ready to enjoy, just give it a good stir and perhaps add a tiny splash of mayo or cottage cheese if it needs a little reviving as it can get a bit thick in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and let the flavors develop. Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge.

What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shape will work! I especially recommend shapes like fusilli or rotini because they hold onto the dressing beautifully. However, feel free to use whatever you have on hand!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap out the chicken for chickpeas or even a mix of your favorite veggies. Adding some beans is a fantastic way to boost the protein and keep it filling!

Is this salad gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, then yes! There are many wonderful gluten-free options available now that taste fantastic.

Conclusion

I hope you find as much joy in making and eating this Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad as I do. Whether it’s for a sunny afternoon picnic or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to delight both you and anyone else who gets to share in it. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing how yours turned out—I’d love to hear your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even just how you enjoyed it! Here’s to delicious food and cherished memories!

Delicious Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe to Try Now

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Try this tasty cottage cheese chicken pasta salad recipe Perfect for quick meals or gatherings its a healthy blend of flavors Enjoy today

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cooked pasta

1 cup cooked and shredded chicken

1 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup diced bell peppers

1/2 cup chopped cucumbers

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs like dill or parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

If you're using leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, or use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Chop up the bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth.

Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and herbs (if using) to the dressing. Gently fold everything together.

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

A refreshing Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad that combines creamy cottage cheese, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, perfect for summer gatherings or busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad, summer salad, easy recipe, healthy salad