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Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad: A Protein-Packed Delight

Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad
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This protein-packed pasta salad is a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, it’s all wrapped in a smooth cottage cheese ranch dressing for a healthier, high-protein meal. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick lunch!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast
  • ½ lb (225g) bacon
  • 2 cups protein pasta (like Barilla Protein+)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep & Cook Chicken & Bacon:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 baking sheets with foil.
    • Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil on one sheet, place chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
    • On the second sheet, lay out bacon.
    • Bake chicken for 12 mins, then remove to cool.
    • Bake bacon for 15-17 mins (or until crispy). Drain grease and let cool.
  2. Cook Pasta:
    • Boil pasta in salted water (add ½ tbsp salt + a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking).
    • Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  3. Chop & Assemble:
    • Dice chicken and bacon into bite-sized pieces.
    • In a blender, mix cottage cheese, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, pickle juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Combine & Chill:
    • In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and romaine.
    • Pour dressing over and toss well.
    • Refrigerate at least 30 mins before serving for best flavor.

Notes

✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
✅ Extra Creamy? Add a splash of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Skip chicken/bacon, add chickpeas or avocado.
✅ Pasta Swap: Use whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/cottage-cheese-ranch-pasta-salad-a-protein-packed-delight/