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Easy High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing pasta salad packed with protein from cottage cheese, tuna, and eggs, combined with vibrant vegetables for a nutritious summer dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 7 oz cottage cheese Opt for low-fat or full-fat based on your preference.
  • 4 oz yogurt Greek yogurt works wonderfully for extra tang.
  • 8 oz tuna Use canned in water for a healthier choice; drain well.
  • 9 oz cannellini beans Great for creaminess; substitute with chickpeas if preferred.
  • 4 eggs hard-boiled Diced for creamy texture.
  • 7 oz pasta Your choice of rotini or penne works wonderfully; gluten-free pasta also holds up.
Vegetables & Extras
  • 6.3 oz sweetcorn Canned or frozen corn works; warm if using frozen.
  • 4 gherkins Diced for crunch; substitute with pickles if desired.
  • 3 spring onions Chopped for fresh crunch.
  • 3.5 oz celery Diced finely for crisp bite.
  • 8 cherry tomatoes Halved for juicy flavor.
  • 1/4 cucumber Diced for freshness.
  • 1/4 red onion Finely diced; adjust quantity for milder flavor.
Seasoning & Dressing
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill Fresh brings brightness; dried can be used if necessary.
  • 4 tbsp cider vinegar For tang!
  • 2 cloves garlic Freshly minced for robust taste.
  • 1 tsp mustard Dijon recommended for depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika For smoky undertone.
  • 1/2 tsp salt To enhance flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp pepper Adjust to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Hard-boil the eggs: Place them in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Afterward, cool them in an ice bath for perfect peeling.
  2. Prep the veggies: Dice the celery, spring onions, red onion, cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic. Keep everything organized in bowls for easier mixing.
Cooking
  1. Boil pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Blending
  1. In a food processor or blender, combine the cannellini beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, minced garlic, mustard, and smoked paprika. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Combining
  1. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy dressing, then fold in the diced eggs, tuna, sweetcorn, cider vinegar, and dill.
Final Touches
  1. Fold in all your prepared vegetables: gherkins, spring onions, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Gently stir to distribute the veggies and taste to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Notes

Store your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The flavors enhance as it chills! Feel free to use seasonal vegetables for delightful variations.