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Easy High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Pasta Salad

Easy High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Pasta Salad for Meal Prep

This Easy High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Pasta Salad is a satisfying, protein-packed dish perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Cannellini Beans Substitute with any white beans for variety.
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese Use a thicker brand like Good Culture.
  • 1/2 cup Yogurt Feel free to use Greek yogurt for a richer flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Mustard Dijon for sharper taste or yellow for milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Mince for better distribution.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Use regular paprika if you prefer less spice.
For the Salad
  • 7 oz Pasta Any short pasta like fusilli or elbows, cooked al dente.
  • 4 large Eggs Hard-boil, cool, and dice for easy mixing.
  • 8 oz Tuna Canned tuna in water or oil, drained well.
  • 6.3 oz Sweetcorn Both frozen and fresh corn are great options.
  • 4 small Gherkins Substitute dill pickles for a similar flavor.
  • Spring Onions Adjust quantities to suit your taste.
  • Celery Adjust quantities to suit your taste.
  • Cherry Tomatoes Adjust quantities to suit your taste.
  • Cucumber Adjust quantities to suit your taste.
  • Red Onion Adjust quantities to suit your taste.
Finishing Touches
  • 4 tbsp Cider Vinegar Feel free to use lemon juice if that's what you have.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Dill If using dried dill, a smaller amount is sufficient.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Season generously to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper Season generously to taste.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Blender
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Hard-boil the eggs by placing them in a saucepan, covering with water, bringing to a boil, then simmering for 10 minutes. Cool in an ice bath, then peel and dice.
  2. Prepare the vegetables by washing and dicing celery, spring onions, cucumber, red onion, halving or quartering cherry tomatoes, finely dicing gherkins, and mincing garlic.
  3. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. In a blender, combine cannellini beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, minced garlic, mustard, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the dressing with cooled pasta and diced eggs, then add drained tuna, sweetcorn, cider vinegar, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
  6. Fold in the prepared vegetables just before serving to maintain their crispness.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add delicate ingredients just before serving to maintain their crunch.

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