Vibrant Simple High Protein Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe
This vibrant and simple high-protein broccoli pasta salad is a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender broccoli florets, al dente pasta, and creamy cottage cheese, this salad is tossed with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, offering a fresh and refreshing flavor profile. Optional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers add extra color and crunch, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Diced cucumbers (optional)
- Bell peppers, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine the main ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, broccoli florets, cottage cheese, and any optional vegetables you choose to include, such as cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, or bell peppers.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a refreshing and flavorful dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for a fresh, chilled dish or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld for a more vibrant taste.
Notes
- For best texture, rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Add any combination of optional vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir before serving.
- To increase protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas if desired.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
Keywords: high protein pasta salad, broccoli pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, cottage cheese salad, easy lunch recipe, lemon dressing pasta salad
