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Buffalo Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad - Creamy, Tangy, and Packed With Protein

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces short pasta (rotini, shells, or bow ties)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (or full-fat for extra creaminess)
  • 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste; start milder and build)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated or very finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups diced celery (about 3 stalks)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot (or finely diced)
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced (or use scallions for milder flavor)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but classic)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Optional add-ins: 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, or cherry tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water well.
  2. Blend the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust heat and salt.
  3. Prep the mix-ins: While the pasta cools, chop celery, shred carrots, and dice red onion. If using chicken or other add-ins, have them ready.
  4. Toss it together: In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, celery, carrots, red onion, and parsley. Pour over most of the dressing and toss until well coated.
  5. Fold in cheese: Gently mix in crumbled blue cheese. If the salad looks dry, add the remaining dressing. If it looks too saucy, add a bit more pasta or veggies.
  6. Chill to set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. It thickens as it chills.
  7. Finish and serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash more buffalo sauce for heat or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Garnish with extra parsley and a few blue cheese crumbles.