This Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is fresh, filling, and oh so easy to make! With creamy cottage cheese and crunchy chickpeas, it’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Perfect as a light lunch or a tasty side dish! I love throwing in some colorful veggies for an extra crunch. It’s a simple way to eat healthy without skimping on taste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the salad! I personally love using small curd cottage cheese for its creamy consistency. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based yogurt instead.
Chickpeas: They add a great protein boost! If you’re short on time, canned chickpeas are perfectly fine—just drain and rinse them well. You can swap chickpeas with black beans or lentils for a different taste.
Cherry Tomatoes: They’re sweet and juicy! If you can’t find them, feel free to use diced regular tomatoes or even bell peppers for some crunch and color.
Cucumber: I prefer English cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds. If unavailable, any cucumber variety will do! Zucchini can also work as a refreshing alternative.
Fresh Dill: I love the flavor it adds! If you can’t find it fresh, use an equal amount of dried dill as a substitute. Other fresh herbs like parsley or basil can change up the flavor nicely, too.
How Can I Make Sure My Salad Stays Fresh?
Keeping your salad fresh is essential, especially if you prepare it in advance. Here are some tips:
- Mix ingredients just before serving to prevent sogginess, especially with cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Store the olive oil and acid (like lemon juice) separately until ready to serve to maintain crispness.
- Use a tight-sealing container if you make it ahead to keep everything fresh in the fridge.
Cottage Cheese And Chickpea Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (crumbled or small curds)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (optional for tang)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side dish. If you’re making it ahead, you might want to let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes for the flavors to blend even more!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
First, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the cucumber into rounds, and thinly slice the red onion. The goal is to have everything ready to mix, so take your time here for a fresh crunch!
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese and cooked chickpeas. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thin red onion. This colorful blend looks lovely already!
3. Add Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the mixture. This herb will add a delightful flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
4. Dress the Salad:
Next, drizzle the olive oil and optional lemon juice or vinegar over the entire salad. This will add moisture and enhance the flavors. Do it gently so you don’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
5. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to make it tasty! Add salt, black pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning if you like. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away, so season lightly at first!
6. Toss Gently:
Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and evenly coated in the dressing. This is where the magic happens!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad. If needed, adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper, and give it another gentle toss.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy it fresh as a light meal or a flavorful side dish. It’s perfect for warm days or anytime you crave something healthy!
This salad features the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, paired with crunchy vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas for a delightful, nutritious dish that you’ll want to make again and again!
Can I Use Different Beans?
Absolutely! While chickpeas are great for this recipe, you can substitute them with black beans, kidney beans, or even lentils for a different flavor and protein source. Just make sure they are cooked and properly rinsed if using canned beans.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt. Just ensure that your substitute has a similar creamy texture to keep the salad balanced.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
The beauty of this salad is its versatility! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even sliced radishes for an extra crunch and flavor. Just remember to keep the pieces similar in size for even mixing!