This Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy, tasty dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies. The cottage cheese adds a fun twist and lots of protein!
Making this salad is a breeze! I like to whip it up on busy days—it’s quick, easy, and perfect for lunch or dinner. You can even pack it for a picnic. Yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I like rotini for its shape, which holds the dressing nicely. If you’re out of rotini, any pasta will do—try penne, fusilli, or farfalle!
Cooked Chicken: Using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier. If you’re vegetarian, swap it out with chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Cottage Cheese: This lends creaminess and protein to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a plant-based cottage cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Mayonnaise adds richness, while Greek yogurt is a healthy twist. You can also swap with avocado for a creamy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. Feel free to use any type of tomato you have or even bell peppers for crunch.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Chicken for This Salad?
Cooking chicken for your salad is simple, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano for great flavor.
- Cook on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy, then slice or shred.
Enjoy making this Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad—it’s easy and oh-so delicious!
Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (mixed colors such as red and yellow), halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking chicken
- Optional: freshly ground black pepper for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken. So in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes to have a delicious, fresh Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. While it’s heating, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Cook the chicken in the hot skillet until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center—this should take about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Once cooked, let the chicken cool for a few minutes and then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Give it a good mix to evenly distribute the ingredients!
4. Make the Cottage Cheese Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
5. Combine and Toss:
Pour the cottage cheese dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss everything gently until it’s well coated. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed for your taste.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your salad with some extra chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper if you like. You can serve it right away or chill it in the refrigerator for a bit—it tastes great either way! This salad also keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, making it perfect for leftovers!
Enjoy your fresh, protein-packed Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Can I Use Different Pasta Types?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can substitute it with any type of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole grain options.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or even roasted vegetables for added flavor and protein.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving as the dressing may thicken a bit upon sitting.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together.