Dinner

Vibrant Simple High Protein Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Bylina moretti April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Introduction

This vibrant and simple high protein broccoli pasta salad combines fresh vegetables with creamy cottage cheese for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it comes together quickly and is both refreshing and flavorful.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has penne pasta mixed with green broccoli florets, small red tomato pieces, and bits of purple onion. The creamy sauce coats the pasta and vegetables evenly with a slightly thick texture. There are some light yellow pieces, likely cheese or corn, scattered throughout the salad adding contrast. Around the bowl on the white marbled surface, there are small crumbs or grated cheese bits giving a fresh look. The background is softly blurred with natural light, making the colors of the salad stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, or bell peppers

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cottage cheese, and any optional vegetables you like.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a refreshing dressing.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until it is well mixed.
Step 5: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, chilled dish or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store the broccoli pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving, and if desired, add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil to freshen it up. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl filled with colorful pasta salad resting on a white marbled surface. The bowl is white and wide, showing layers of different ingredients. The base consists of rigatoni pasta in a light cream color. Mixed in are vibrant green broccoli florets and small bright red cherry tomatoes. There are small pieces of purple onion and bits of yellow bell pepper adding more color and texture. The dish looks creamy with a light dressing and some grated cheese sprinkled on top. The background is soft and blurred, focusing on the fresh, rich colors of the salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli florets?

Fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture, but you can use frozen florets as well. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to avoid excess moisture.