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- 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste Cottage cheese is creamy and rich in protein. It adds a smooth texture to the salad. Chickpeas bring a nutty flavor and a hearty bite. They are full of fiber and great for energy. Cucumbers add crunch and freshness. They help balance the creaminess of the cottage cheese. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. The red onion gives a slight bite, while cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts. Avocado introduces healthy fats and a buttery feel. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and gives a pop of color. This salad is packed with nutrients. One serving contains about: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 15 grams - Carbs: 30 grams - Fiber: 8 grams - Fat: 10 grams The combination of cottage cheese and chickpeas makes this salad filling and nutritious. It is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Check out the Full Recipe for a simple guide to making this delightful dish! To start, gather all your ingredients. This salad is quick and easy. You will need cottage cheese, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas well. This helps remove extra salt and gives your salad a fresh taste. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and chickpeas. Stir gently to mix them without smashing the chickpeas. Next, add the diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. These add crunch and color. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a fresh flavor. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. This salad is great for lunch or as a side dish. You can also pack it for picnics. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your fresh and tasty cottage cheese and chickpea salad! To make your salad shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh veggies taste better and add color. Rinse your chickpeas well to remove the can's liquid. This helps avoid a mushy texture. Cut your veggies into similar sizes for even bites. Mix the cottage cheese with the chickpeas first for a creamy base. Let your salad sit for ten minutes. This time helps the flavors blend well. You can serve this salad at many events. For lunch, add some crusty bread. For a picnic, pack it in a jar for easy sharing. At a barbecue, serve it as a side. It pairs well with grilled meats. For a light dinner, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. This salad also goes well with a glass of lemonade or iced tea. Avoid using stale herbs or old veggies. They can ruin the taste of your salad. Don’t overdress the salad. Start with a little dressing and add more if needed. Too much dressing can drown the flavors. Lastly, avoid skipping the lemon juice. It adds brightness and balances the dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian option, simply keep the cottage cheese. It adds creaminess and protein. If you want a vegan version, swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative. Look for vegan cottage cheese or use silken tofu. Both options work well and keep the salad tasty. Feel free to mix in extra flavors. Try adding diced olives for a salty kick. You can also throw in some nuts or seeds for crunch. Sunflower seeds or sliced almonds add great texture. If you like spice, add jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten the dish even more. You can give this salad a global twist. For a Mediterranean flair, add feta cheese and kalamata olives. Toss in some artichoke hearts for extra flavor. If you want an Indian touch, mix in curry powder and cilantro. For a Mexican vibe, add corn, black beans, and lime juice. Each twist keeps the salad fresh and exciting. You can find the full recipe linked above. Enjoy making it your own! To keep your cottage cheese and chickpea salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This limits air exposure and keeps your ingredients crisp. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding your salad. Always place the salad in the fridge right after you finish eating. Cool temperatures help maintain the flavors and textures of your salad. If you have leftover salad, scoop it into a container with a tight lid. Avoid mixing in the dressing if you plan to save it for later. This keeps your salad from getting soggy. You can store it for up to three days. Just remember to stir it gently before serving again. If you want a fresh taste, add a bit more lemon juice or olive oil before serving. Cottage cheese and chickpea salad is best eaten fresh. But you can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat it, I recommend not using a microwave. The cottage cheese may not hold up well. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for a short while. This way, you can enjoy it just like new. For full instructions, check the Full Recipe. Cottage cheese is high in protein. It helps build and repair muscles. It is also low in fat. This makes it great for a healthy diet. Chickpeas are rich in fiber. They can help with digestion and keep you full longer. Together, they make a filling meal. This salad is good for your heart too. It has healthy fats from olive oil and avocado. They help reduce bad cholesterol levels. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just prepare it a few hours before you eat. This gives the flavors time to blend. If you want to make it a day before, that works too! Just keep it in the fridge. However, wait to add the avocado until right before serving. It can brown and change the look of the salad. You can easily increase the servings. Just double or triple the ingredients. For example, use 2 cups of cottage cheese and 2 cans of chickpeas. This salad is great for parties or family meals. Keep the same mix of veggies for balance. Adjust the dressing too. More salad means more olive oil and lemon juice. Taste it as you go to get it just right. This blog post covered all you need to know about making a great salad. We went through the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. You learned how to modify the recipe for different diets and how to store leftovers properly. In closing, salads can be fun, healthy, and easy to make. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your delicious creation, and remember to share with friends!

Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Salad

Discover the delicious Chickpea & Cottage Cheese Delight that's perfect for a healthy meal! This vibrant salad combines creamy cottage cheese and protein-packed chickpeas with fresh veggies like cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. Prep it in just 15 minutes for a nutritious dish that’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal prep today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup cottage cheese

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and drained chickpeas. Stir gently to mix them together.

    Add the diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and avocado to the bowl.

      Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad ingredients.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

          Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

            Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature for the flavors to meld together.

              Serve chilled or at room temperature.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4