Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad Recipe
This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy cottage cheese, protein-packed chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or healthy side, it brings together vibrant flavors with minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of cottage cheese and the drained and rinsed can of chickpeas. These form the protein-packed base of the salad.
- Add fresh vegetables: Incorporate the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion into the bowl to bring freshness, crunch, and color.
- Mix in herbs: Toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, which adds an aromatic herbal note to the salad.
- Prepare dressing: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the salad ingredients, adding bright and smooth flavors.
- Season to taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper according to your preference to enhance the flavors.
- Toss gently: Carefully mix all ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the dressing coats the vegetables and cottage cheese evenly.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese for a tangy and salty flavor boost.
- Mix in arugula or spinach to create a leafy green version of this salad.
- Add kalamata olives or red pepper flakes for a Mediterranean twist and a bit of heat.
- If stored, stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: cottage cheese salad, chickpea salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, vegetarian lunch
