Cottage Cheese Caesar Pasta Salad
There’s something wildly nostalgic about a good Caesar salad. Maybe it’s the parmesan, maybe it’s the crunch, maybe it’s the fact that it made us feel like we were eating “fancy” as kids. Either way, this cottage cheese Caesar pasta salad version? A total upgrade. Think creamy, garlicky dressing made from cottage cheese (yes, trust me), tossed with protein-packed pasta, crispy chickpeas, and those classic Caesar vibes that just hit every time.
It’s refreshing. It’s hearty. This cottage cheese Caesar pasta salad is a meal prep hero. And best of all? Everything gets tossed together in under 20 minutes. Which means lunch this week is officially handled.
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Recipe Tips
Let the dressing chill first. After blending the dressing, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes while your pasta cools. This helps the flavors deepen and gives it that thick, creamy texture we all love in a good Caesar.
Cook your pasta just to al dente. You want it slightly firm so it holds up to the dressing without going soggy—especially important if you’re prepping this ahead.
Greens matter. Romaine gives you that classic Caesar crunch, but if you want more nutrition (and something that’ll hold up better for a few days), kale is the winner. Just give it a quick massage with a little oil or lemon juice first to soften it up.
Make it your own. Add grilled chicken, salmon, or even a soft-boiled egg for a boost of protein. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in roasted cherry tomatoes or chopped avocado for a little extra richness in your cottage cheese Caesar pasta salad.
Don’t skip the crunch. Whether it’s crispy chickpeas, sourdough croutons, or crushed seed crackers—something crisp on top is a must. Just store it separately so it doesn’t lose its magic.
Want it warm? This salad is delicious cold, but you can also serve the pasta slightly warm and toss everything together for a cozy, just-made feel. The warmth makes the cottage cheese Caesar pasta salad even more inviting.
Perfect for entertaining. This dish holds up well at room temp for an hour or two, so it’s a great option for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch for a busy work week.
Ingredient Swaps: No cottage cheese? ? Use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing. Dairy-free? ? Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative, and use a vegan cottage cheese or creamy tahini instead. No protein pasta? ? Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works beautifully, too.
Storage Tips: Store salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Keep chickpeas/croutons separate to avoid sogginess. Assemble just before eating for the best texture!
more recipes to try:
Cottage Cheese Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta
- 1 cup chopped romaine or kale
- 1/2 cup crispy chickpeas or croutons
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Prepare according to package directions, then rinse with cold water and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, crispy chickpeas, and parmesan.
- Add the dressing and toss until everything is coated. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving.
This is so good! I have been really craving Caesar salad and I love the is option for a high protein meal that will keep me full until dinner. I meal prepped the whole amount and had enough for the whole week and looked forward to it everyday!