This refreshing cottage cheese and chickpea salad is packed with protein and flavor! Tossed with crisp veggies, it’s a tasty way to eat healthy without feeling deprived.
I love how colorful this salad looks on my plate. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and it only takes minutes to whip up—like a mini salad party in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: These little gems add protein and fiber. If you’re out of canned chickpeas, you can use dried ones—just soak and cook them before adding. Black beans or cannellini beans make delightful alternatives too!
Cottage Cheese: I prefer small curd cottage cheese for its creamy texture, but crumbled feta or Greek yogurt can work as substitutes. They’ll bring a different flavor while still being delicious.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness brightens the salad! If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes or even halved grape tomatoes will do just fine.
Cucumber: A crisp cucumber adds crunch. If you’re looking for variety, you can substitute with bell peppers or zucchini. Both add great texture and color.
Herbs (Parsley & Mint): Fresh herbs really brighten up the dish. If fresh herbs aren’t available, try using dried herbs, but remember to use less since they are more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Salad Ingredients are Coated Perfectly with the Dressing?
Tossing the salad to coat everything evenly can seem tricky, but here’s the trick! Start by mixing the main ingredients together gently to avoid smashing the cottage cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together with some salt and pepper. This helps the flavors blend before adding to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over your salad and use a gentle folding motion to combine, making sure to lift ingredients from the bottom to the top.
Letting the salad sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to come together beautifully. Enjoy your creation!
How to Make Cottage Cheese And Chickpea Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Cottage Cheese: 1 cup (small curd or crumbled)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1 medium, sliced
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Fresh Mint: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Ground Sumac or Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Time Needed:
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy to make, and you can chill it in the fridge for up to 30 minutes for the best flavor blend before serving. Perfect for lunches, packed meals, or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. These colorful ingredients will be the heart of your salad!
2. Add Cottage Cheese:
Gently fold the cottage cheese into the bowl, taking care not to mash it. You want to keep that nice creamy texture that complements the crisp veggies.
3. Mix in Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle the chopped parsley and mint over your salad. These herbs will add a refreshing touch that brings everything to life!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing will enhance the flavors of the salad perfectly.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is lightly coated with flavor. Be gentle to avoid breaking the cottage cheese!
6. Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle ground sumac or paprika on top for an extra burst of color and flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended!
7. Serve or Chill:
Enjoy your salad right away, or cover it and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad is a delightful and nutritious choice that you can enjoy any time!
Can I Use Different Beans Instead of Chickpeas?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chickpeas or just want a change, you can substitute them with black beans or cannellini beans for a different flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare all the ingredients and store them separately, then combine them and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What Can I Use Instead of Cottage Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cottage cheese, try using Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, or crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Both options are delicious alternatives!