Cottage cheese pasta salad

Cottage cheese pasta salad

30 min
Our cottage cheese pasta salad combines the smooth texture of cottage cheese with al dente farfalle pasta. This salad bursts with colour and taste, featuring bright cocktail tomatoes, buttery avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It is perfect for a flavour-rich lunch or a refreshing dinner. Give this vibrant salad a try when you are craving a fresh and satisfying meal.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/cottage-cheese-pasta-salad/

Instructions

  • Cook pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packet.
  • Mix pasta with cottage cheese. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Cut the tomatoes in half. Chop the spring onions. Halve, hollow out and dice the avocado.
  • Place mixed green salad on a large plate and drizzle with olive oil. Top with pasta and sprinkle with tomatoes, green onions, avocado, herbs, pumpkin seeds, and olives.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about cottage cheese pasta salad

Below, find answers to common questions that will help you make a lovely cottage cheese pasta salad.

Can I prepare cottage cheese pasta salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare cottage cheese pasta salad in advance. Cook and cool the pasta, mix with cottage cheese and seasoning, and store in the refrigerator. Add fresh ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, and herbs just before serving to maintain their freshness and optimal texture. You can also slice the tomatoes and spring onion beforehand and store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the salad.
What is the best way to store leftover cottage cheese pasta salad?
For fresh-tasting cottage cheese pasta salad, place it in a sealed container and refrigerate. Enjoy it within three days.

Ingredients

Arla® LactoFREE Cottage cheese with crushed onion
250 g
Pasta, for example, farfalle
300 g
Cocktail tomatoes
250 g
Spring onions
2
Avocado
1
Fresh herbs, for example, oregano, basil, chives
200 ml
Cold-pressed olive oil
2 tbsp
Salt and black pepper
Mixed green salads
130 g
Roasted pumpkin seeds
200 ml
Pitted black olives
200 ml

Tips: Make a great cottage cheese pasta salad

Learn how to make a delicious cottage cheese pasta salad with these straightforward tips.

Prepare the avocado

Use a ripe but firm avocado to avoid it becoming too mushy in the salad. To keep the avocado from browning, you can toss the diced pieces in a little lime or lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Roasting pumpkin seeds

Roast raw pumpkin seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes, shaking frequently, until they are golden and start to pop. Keep a close eye on them as they brown quickly.

Smoother cottage cheese

If you prefer a smoother consistency, consider blending the cottage cheese slightly before mixing it with the pasta.

Discover our creamy cottage cheese pasta salad

Lunch and dinner just got a whole lot easier with our delicious creamy cottage cheese pasta salad. It combines fresh flavours with great texture to create a wonderful and colourful meal. Tender pasta meets creamy cottage cheese and buttery avocado. We toss in a variety of fresh vegetables for crunch and colour, then garnish the salad with toasted pumpkin seeds and black olives for an extra layer of flavour. All the ingredients are carefully selected to complement each other's flavours, colours, and textures.

Smooth cottage cheese and buttery avocado

The salad is harmoniously bound together by the smooth cottage cheese, known for its tangy, slightly acidic flavour that imparts a refreshing feel. This is beautifully paired with buttery avocado, introducing a deliciously creamy element that elevates the salad. The combination is not only simple to prepare but also exudes a touch of sophistication. Avocado adds a rich, slightly nutty flavour that superbly complements the tangy cottage cheese. These two ingredients make up the perfect foundation for all the fresh vegetables and exciting toppings.

Mixed with juicy tomatoes, fresh spring onions, and crisp greens

Combine the smooth, creamy foundation with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, spring onions, and green salad. The tomatoes bring a wonderful bite bursting with sweet and tangy juices, while spring onions and salad leaves provide a welcome crisp. They are easy to prepare, giving the pasta salad with cottage cheese a refreshing touch.

For other refreshing pasta dishes, try our recipe for a tasty green pasta salad or a colourful Mediterranean pasta salad. If you are looking for more filling options, go for mushroom ravioli soup or meatballs with meat and pea mince.

Fresh herbs, toasted pumpkin seeds, and rich black olives as topping

To elevate the pasta salad, we sprinkle a vibrant mix of fresh herbs, pumpkin seeds, and black olives on top. These additions create a stunning contrast in both flavour and texture, turning the salad into a veritable explosion of tastes. Choose from basil, chives, or oregano – whatever fresh herbs you have on hand – to infuse the dish with a refreshing, aromatic taste. Toasted pumpkin seeds bring an essential nutty crunch that pairs well with the creamy avocado. Finally, rich black olives contribute a deep, dark colour and a fantastic umami flavour that rounds off the salad exquisitely.

Experiment with your favourite ingredients

This cottage cheese pasta salad offers a delightful canvas for home cooks eager to flex their culinary creativity. Consider the flavours and textures you enjoy, and imagine how they can be woven into the salad. A fantastic way to start is by experimenting with vegetables. Add colour and crunch by tossing in red, yellow, or green peppers. For more crispness, mix in simple cucumber slices or diced celery alongside the creamy cottage cheese.

Also, think about incorporating proteins like grilled chicken breast, seared tuna chunks, or even smoked salmon. These options, with their smoky undertones, add rich, savoury flavours and a pleasing texture that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and pasta in the salad.