Hey y'all! If you’re looking for a salad that’s creamy, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is your new best friend. It's loaded with protein, packed with vibrant veggies, and comes together in just minutes—making it a fantastic choice for a speedy lunch, colorful side, or a potluck crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding hungry guests, this tasty creation will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
- Protein-rich and filling, thanks to both cottage cheese and chickpeas.
- Ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Customizable with your favorite fresh veggies or herbs.
- Delivers a creamy, tangy, and crunchy texture in every bite.
- Meal-prep friendly and stays fresh for days in the fridge.
Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably 2% or full-fat)
- 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
How to Make Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chickpeas
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with a towel for best texture.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Chop the fresh parsley finely.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Add the cottage cheese and gently fold the ingredients together until well-mixed but not mushy.
Step 3: Dress and Season
- Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad mixture.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) on top.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- For best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Give it a quick stir and garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
Notes for the Best Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
- For extra crunch, add diced bell pepper or shredded carrots.
- Try using your favorite homemade cottage cheese for ultimate freshness.
- To make it vegan, swap the cottage cheese for mashed avocado or a plant-based yogurt. See more plant-based swaps at EatingWell.
3 Delicious Variations of Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
- Mediterranean Twist: Add kalamata olives, feta crumbles, and chopped mint for bold, herby flavors.
- Spicy Southwest: Mix in corn, jalapeño, and a pinch of cumin, then top with sliced avocado.
- Classic Garden: Add shredded carrots, radishes, and a sprinkling of sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
Required Equipment for Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for rinsing chickpeas)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Give the salad a quick stir before serving as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
- This salad does not freeze well due to the dairy content and veggies.
Serving Suggestions & Best Pairings
- Enjoy as a protein-packed lunch on its own or tucked into a pita pocket.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced dinner.
- Pair with crusty sourdough bread or crisp pita chips as a hearty appetizer.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture—learn about the types here.
- Salt the salad just before serving to keep the veggies crisp and fresh.
- For maximum flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh parsley.
Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better when the flavors meld for a few hours in the fridge.
- Is cottage cheese and chickpea salad gluten-free? Absolutely—as long as all your add-ins are gluten-free too!
- Can I use dried chickpeas? Yes, just be sure to cook them until tender according to package directions before using.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese and drained chickpeas.
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2Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
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3Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad ingredients.
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4Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
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5Toss everything gently until well combined. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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