Description
A vibrant and nutritious Cottage Cheese Salad featuring crispy roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, perfect for a light lunch or a healthy snack. This recipe combines creamy cottage cheese with a robust mix of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, dressed with lemon juice and red vinegar, then topped with crunchy spiced chickpeas and feta cheese for a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Roasted Chickpeas
- 15 oz can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad Vegetables and Dressing
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing and Garnish
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese
- Extra chopped herbs (for garnish)
- Pita chips or pita bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the chickpeas.
- Roast Chickpeas: Spread the rinsed and drained chickpeas on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, kosher salt, cumin, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the chickpeas evenly with the spices and oil. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes or until the chickpeas become crispy and golden brown, stirring halfway through for even roasting.
- Prepare Vegetable Mixture: While the chickpeas roast, in a medium mixing bowl combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, red vinegar, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently to mix the flavors well.
- Assemble Salad: On a serving plate or platter, spread the cottage cheese evenly as the base layer. Spoon the cucumber and tomato vegetable mixture over the cottage cheese evenly. Then, scatter the crispy roasted chickpeas on top for crunch and flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the feta cheese and extra fresh herbs over the top for garnish and added flavor. Serve the salad immediately with pita chips or pita bread on the side, or enjoy the salad on its own for a healthy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if unavailable, but smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
- Adjust seasoning of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For extra crunch, serve immediately after assembling to keep the chickpeas from softening.
- This salad can be prepared ahead by roasting chickpeas and chopping vegetables; assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Pita chips or bread added on the side make a great accompaniment but are optional.
