Description
This Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is a creamy, high-protein pasta salad packed with bowtie pasta, crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, fresh herbs, feta, and a tangy cottage cheese dressing. It is an easy recipe for quick lunch, healthy dinner, summer meal prep, potluck food ideas, light dinner ideas, and fresh Mediterranean-inspired meals that feel filling without being heavy.
Ingredients
12 ounces bowtie pasta
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 1/2 cups cucumber, sliced into half-moons
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced, optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
2. Drain the pasta, rinse briefly under cool water, and shake off excess water. Let it cool completely.
3. Add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until mostly smooth.
4. Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, red onion, basil, parsley, feta, and olives to a large bowl.
5. Pour the cottage cheese dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
7. Stir again before serving and refresh with a little lemon juice or olive oil if the salad has thickened.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, blend the cottage cheese dressing until smooth before tossing it with the pasta.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding the dressing so the salad stays thick, creamy, and fresh.
If making ahead, refresh the salad before serving with a small spoonful of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: Mediterranean cottage cheese pasta salad, high protein pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch, summer salad, meal prep salad, dinner ideas, food ideas