Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl, evenly distributing all fresh produce.
- Incorporate Herbs: Toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, which adds a bright, herbal note to the salad.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the salad for a zesty, light dressing.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper according to your preference, enhancing the flavors.
- Mix Gently: Carefully toss all ingredients together ensuring they are well combined but without breaking the cottage cheese.
- 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