Dinner

Cottage Cheese and Chickpeas Salad Recipe

Name: Cottage Cheese and Chickpeas Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

ByNaomi Fletcher February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese and Chickpeas Salad is a fresh, protein-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side. Combining creamy cottage cheese with crisp vegetables and zesty lemon dressing, it’s both satisfying and flavorful.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad featuring three main layers: the bottom layer is chopped green cucumbers mixed with dark green parsley; the middle layer contains whole light yellow chickpeas evenly spread; the top layer has scattered bright red cherry tomatoes halved and small chunks of white, crumbly feta cheese sprinkled throughout, with a few pieces of thinly sliced light purple onion on one side. The salad is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until all the components are coated evenly.
Step 4: Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
Step 5: If using, line a serving platter or individual plates with lettuce leaves.
Step 6: Spoon the salad mixture onto the lettuce leaves or serve it directly in bowls.
Step 7: Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Step 8: Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Swap cottage cheese with feta for a tangier flavor.
Use fresh lemon juice for best taste and brightness.
Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve if possible. When reheating is not recommended, enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl of chickpea salad with about four main layers: at the bottom, roughly chopped green leafy herbs; on top of that, diced green cucumbers scattered evenly; next, several small bright red cherry tomato halves and whole tomatoes spread around; dotted throughout are many round beige chickpeas. White chunks of soft feta cheese are placed mostly in the center, some slightly cracked with black pepper sprinkled on them. A few thin slices of purple onion rest near the edge of the white bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to soak and cook dried chickpeas fully before using. Canned chickpeas save time and are convenient for this recipe.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It can be prepped ahead, but for best texture, add the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy vegetables.