Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad: A Refreshing and Protein-Packed Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick snack. Combining creamy cottage cheese with the nuttiness of chickpeas and crisp vegetables, it balances flavors and textures beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cucumbers, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the cucumbers into small, uniform pieces and thinly slice the red onion. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and sliced red onion.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning and dressing as needed.
4. Step 4: Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients and coat them evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Rinse chickpeas well to remove excess sodium and improve taste.
• Use thin slices of red onion and evenly diced cucumbers for balanced bites.
• Adjust olive oil and vinegar amounts to suit your flavor preference.
• Add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or celery for extra crunch and variety.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers and onions may release moisture over time. If needed, give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of cottage cheese and vegetables will change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with ricotta or creamy feta if you prefer, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the cottage cheese. For a vegan alternative, try using a plant-based cheese or firm tofu.

Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad: A Refreshing and Protein-Packed Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 88 reviews

This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining creamy cottage cheese with hearty chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, and sharp red onion, all tossed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, this salad offers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and customizable with additional veggies.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cucumbers, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the cucumbers into small, uniform pieces and thinly slice the red onion. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium. Having all ingredients prepped will allow quick assembly.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the cottage cheese, chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and sliced red onion to evenly distribute the components without breaking up the cottage cheese too much.
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. The dressing brings out the freshness and balances the flavors.
4. Toss and Serve: Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.

Notes

• Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to reduce excess sodium.
• Dice cucumbers and slice red onion thinly for balanced bites.
• Adjust olive oil and vinegar quantities according to your taste preference.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or celery for additional crunch and variety.

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