Looking for a light, healthy, and protein-packed salad that’s super easy to make? This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and refreshing flavors! 🥗✨
With fiber-rich chickpeas, creamy cottage cheese, and crisp fresh veggies, this salad is filling, nutritious, and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s a great option for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a light dinner—and the best part? It’s packed with over 20g of protein per serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ High-Protein & Low-Calorie – A perfect healthy meal or post-workout snack.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes, no cooking required!
✔️ Fresh & Flavorful – A delicious mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures.
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- ¾ cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup avocado, diced 🥑
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled 🧀
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds for extra crunch 🌻
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat 🌶️
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Chop the parsley.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cottage cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for even better flavor!
- Garnish with extra parsley or feta.
🔥 Enjoy this refreshing, protein-packed salad! 🥗✨
Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~10 minutes
Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Vegan
- Swap cottage cheese for dairy-free ricotta or mashed avocado.
2. Extra Protein Boost
- Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or quinoa.
3. Mediterranean Twist
- Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki.
4. Spicy Version
- Sprinkle in chili flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Dressing Tip: Add the dressing just before serving for the freshest taste!
How to Serve
- Cold: Enjoy it straight from the fridge.
- On Toast: Serve it over sourdough or pita bread for a fun twist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes! Cook ½ cup dried chickpeas and use them in place of canned.
2. Is cottage cheese healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with calcium and probiotics.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
4. Can I add a grain like quinoa or bulgur?
Absolutely! ½ cup cooked quinoa makes this salad even heartier.
5. What’s the best way to make it creamier?
Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mashed avocado!
Final Thoughts on Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is fresh, filling, and packed with protein—perfect for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a healthy side dish. With its creamy texture, crunchy veggies, and zesty dressing, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal that you’ll want to make again and again!
🔥 Try it today and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed salad in just 10 minutes! 🥗✨
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!