Description
Creamy, tangy, and refreshing, this Healthy Macaroni Salad Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. Made with chickpea pasta and whipped cottage cheese, it offers a nutritious option packed with protein and fiber. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals, this recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. The flavorful dressing complements the ingredients without overpowering them. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge. Enjoy this guilt-free macaroni salad that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces chickpea pasta
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese (whipped to 1/3 cup)
- 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Sugar to taste
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1 bell pepper (finely diced)
- 3/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 stalk celery (finely diced)
Instructions
- Cook the chickpea pasta in salted boiling water for about 7 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to an ice bath to cool.
- In a blender or food processor, whip the cottage cheese until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine whipped cottage cheese, mayo, vinegar, salt, sugar, and pickle juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finely dice the vegetables while the pasta cools. If desired, soak red onion in ice water to reduce sharpness.
- Add cooled pasta and vegetables to the dressing mixture and stir gently to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg