Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and protein-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Combining creamy cottage cheese with hearty chickpeas and fresh vegetables, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese and chickpeas.
2. Step 2: Add diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
3. Step 3: Toss in fresh parsley.
4. Step 4: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Gently mix all ingredients until well combined.
7. Step 7: Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the salad.
• Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or dill depending on your taste preference.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier texture.
• Add toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy element.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently stir it before serving if ingredients separate. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cottage cheese and vegetables will change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, cooked fresh chickpeas work well. Be sure they are fully cooked and cooled before adding to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?

This salad is moderately low in carbs due to the chickpeas. You can reduce carbs further by using fewer chickpeas and adding more cucumber and herbs.

Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 64 reviews

A refreshing and protein-packed Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and bright lemon dressing, perfect as a light meal or side dish.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Cottage Cheese and Chickpeas: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of cottage cheese and 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Mix gently to start the salad base.
2. Add Fresh Vegetables: Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl, evenly distributing all fresh produce.
3. Incorporate Herbs: Toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, which adds a bright, herbal note to the salad.
4. Add Dressing: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the salad for a zesty, light dressing.
5. Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper according to your preference, enhancing the flavors.
6. Mix Gently: Carefully toss all ingredients together ensuring they are well combined but without breaking the cottage cheese.
7. Chill Before Serving: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best taste.

Notes

• This salad can be served as a light lunch or a side dish to complement grilled meats or sandwiches.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute cottage cheese with firm tofu or omit it altogether.
• Adding a sprinkle of cumin or paprika can give the salad an extra layer of flavor.
• Ensure the chickpeas are well rinsed to remove excess sodium if using canned.
• Chilling enhances the taste but the salad can be eaten immediately if needed.

Keywords: cottage cheese salad, chickpea salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, Mediterranean salad, no-cook salad