High Protein Cottage Cheese Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
This is the best Cottage Cheese Caesar Pasta Salad made with seasoned chicken, sweet peas, protein pasta, red onion, and freshly shaved Parmesan. It’s creamy, healthy, and loaded with protein to keep you full for hours. Thanks to the combination of kale and romaine, this pasta salad stays fresh and crisp in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep, easy lunches, or packing up for a day at the pool. It has all the flavors of a classic Caesar salad with a protein-packed twist you’ll want to make all summer long.
Cottage Cheese and Protein Recipes
I guess it’s officially cottage cheese and protein pasta salad season at my house. Lately, all I’ve been craving are cold pasta salads. Between the summer heat and our endless pool days, they’re just so easy to throw into a container and take on the go. Plus, they’re packed with protein, which has been helping me stay full and avoid reaching for all of the toddler snacks lying around the house.
We have made some better snack choices this summer, but let’s be honest, when you’re constantly surrounded by cheese crackers and fruit snacks, it takes a little extra effort. This protein packed Caesar pasta salad has been one of my favorites because it tastes indulgent, keeps me satisfied for hours, and comes together with simple ingredients I almost always have on hand.
I’m definitely on the internet’s protein kick right now, but it’s actually working. Between prioritizing protein and sticking with my daily walks, I’m finally seeing some of that extra baby weight come off.
Ingredients for Protein Packed Cottage Cheese Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
- Stemless kale, chopped
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Chicken breast, seasoned and chopped
- Protein pasta (such as Brami)
- Cottage cheese
- Caesar dressing
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Sweet peas
- Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- Croutons for extra crunch
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado
- Grilled lemon wedges for serving
- Banana Peppers
This recipe is so quick and easy to throw together, especially for a weekly meal prep!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Sear in a skillet (I used my dutch oven) over medium-high heat until cooked through. Let the chicken cool, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the protein pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then allow it to cool completely.
Blend the cottage cheese and Caesar dressing until smooth and creamy.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, romaine lettuce, cooled protein pasta, and chicken. Pour the cottage cheese Caesar dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Add the red onion, peas, Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss again to combine.
Cover and chill until ready to serve. This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to come together.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The kale and romaine hold up beautifully, making this an excellent meal prep lunch or easy make-ahead dinner.
This salad is SO GOOD with my healthy almond flour chocolate chip cookies!
Making Healthy Snack Choices For Kids:
I took this pasta salad to the pool for lunch yesterday because we planned to be there all day. I was actually pretty proud of myself because instead of packing all the usual pool snacks, I only brought apples and peanut butter for August. He had already eaten lunch at school, but he always wants to snack at the pool.
Well, he was not happy about it. He was upset that apples and peanut butter were the only options and completely refused to eat them. About an hour later, he came running up to me begging for his snack. Not only did he eat the apples and peanut butter, but he finished the entire container.
It was such a good reminder that we don’t always have to give in right away. When kids are truly hungry, they’ll usually eat the nourishing foods we provide. And honestly, who doesn’t love apples and peanut butter? It’s one of the easiest, healthiest snacks out there!
Cottage Cheese Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Chicken Breast plus olive oil, salt, and pepper for cooking
- 1 Box Protein Pasta I used Brami
- 5 Cups Stemless Kale
- 3 Cups chopped Romaine
- 1 1/2 Cups Cottage Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Ceasar Dressing
- 1/4 Cup Red Onion, Chopped
- 1 Cup Sweet Peas
- 1 Cup Shaved Parmesan
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Freshly Squeezed lemon OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Sear in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and allow to cool before slicing or chopping.
- Cook the protein pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow it to cool completely.
- Add the cottage cheese and Caesar dressing to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the kale, romaine, cooled pasta, and chicken. Pour the cottage cheese Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Add the red onion, sweet peas, Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Toss again until everything is combined.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For extra protein, add additional chicken or Parmesan cheese.
- Kale helps this salad stay fresh longer than traditional Caesar salads, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Add croutons just before serving if desired.
- Use your favorite Caesar dressing for the best flavor.
More High-Protein Recipes You’ll Love:
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High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
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I hope you love this Cottage Cheese Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad as much as we do! It’s one of those easy recipes that makes healthy eating feel simple, satisfying, and delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, packing lunch for the pool, or looking for a protein-packed dinner, this pasta salad is always a winner. If you make it, let me know what you think and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next summer gathering!
You can definitely look forward to a lot more healthy recipes coming your way! I’ve been on a bit of a health kick lately, not just for myself but for my whole family. I’ve been focusing on getting more protein, moving my body every day, and making simple meals that make me feel good. Honestly, I’ve been feeling really great lately, which feels like a huge win at four months postpartum. I’m excited to keep sharing the recipes that have been helping me feel my best and making healthy eating easier for our busy family. 💛
