This protein packed mac salad, as the name suggests is packed with tons of protein and makes a healthy and satisfying meal. This easy to make macaroni salad is great to take for picnics, bbq, or for potlucks.
Did I say that this salad doesn't have any oil? No mayo at all. But this salad is made with a creamy dressing made with cottage cheese. Yes, the dressing doesn't have any oil and pan frying the halloumi cheese is also without any oil. All the more to make it more healthy!
The mild punch from the halloumi cheese, meaty garbanzos and pasta along with the crunch from veggies and with a tasty creamy dressing satisfying the sweet, salty, and tangy flavor components makes this salad irresistible! This is guilt free, gluten free, oil free healthy salad for the whole family.
Why this mac salad?
The following reasons make this a winning salad in our home.
easy to make!
flavorful!
loaded with best summer veggies!
garbanzo pasta, garbanzo, and cheese enrich the meal with humungous levels of protein.
with a cottage cheese dressing, the protein content increases as well as the taste.
Is there any more reasons needed?
Macaroni
The small elbow shaped pasta aka macaroni takes many people down their memory lanes. Mac and cheese at any age is a comfort food. Make it with your spin, even a spicy one, bake it, or both like Spicy Baked Mac and Cheese. Pure comfort is the other word for it.
But this pasta is not just alone for mac and cheese. Add it to soups or stews. This Vegetarian Chili Mac is yet another comfort meal. or make it into a delicious Mac and Cheese Pizza Pie! Macaroni has no limits on the options to make with it and here is a salad with it.
What ingredients do you need to make this protein packed mac salad?
Garbanzo macaroni - This pasta is protein rich and gluten free. If you swap with regular macaroni, the protein content may be low. Make sure to cook it al dente.
Salt - gives flavor.
Water - to cook pasta
Chives, green onions, chives - these herbs boost the flavor
Dill pickle - adds a little punch. Just chop a slice of dill pickle.
lemon juice - Balances the creamy flavor of cottage cheese
Orange zest - boosts aroma and sweet flavor
Bell peppers - Adds a fresh crunch
Olives - this recipe uses black olives. The briny flavor complements the dressing.
Onion - adds flavor.
Corn - fresh corn of the season roasted on flame adds to the smokiness as well as sweet crunch to the salad.
Halloumi cheese - This cheese with a punch in flavor is not to be missed and adds to the protein content.
Garbanzo beans - Adds to the proteins
Cottage cheese - This makes the salad dressing creamy as well enriches proteins.
Buttermilk - This enriches the salad enhances the consistency
Garlic - adds flavor
Honey - sweetens the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served when it is chill. That is because the pasta and the beans along with other ingredients soak up the flavor from the dressing and makes it heavenly. Hence this easy and nutritious salad will be a great idea for summer picnics, bbq, or for any potlucks.
Serve with a cup of lemonade. This limonana, strawberry lemonade, or mango ginger lemonade are perfect pairs for a great summer lunch.
How many servings does this make?
If you want to eat fresh and healthy that is packed with proteins, veggies, and that satisfies your cravings, this is the best meal option for you. This recipe makes a great lunch or dinner for two. If you serve this as a side this could serve upto six.
Storage
This salad tastes good when it is allowed to rest such that the pasta absorbs the flavor. Therefore, leftovers if any, you can store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Pack it for next day lunch that would keep hunger at bay and you won't have any cravings for junk.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Wholewheat Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
More Salads
Mango Black Bean Quinoa Chipotle Salad
Grilled Nectarine and Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Garbanzo Macaroni Pasta uncooked
- ½ cup Garbanzo beans cooked
- ½ cup Halloumi cheese cubed
- ½ cup Onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Bell pepper all colors together
- ½ cup Tomato
- ½ cup Black olives sliced
- ½ cup Cucumber
- ¾ cup Corn Roasted
- ½ Avocado cubed
Dressing
- ½ cup Cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- ¾ tsp Salt
- 1 Thai chili
- 1 clove Garlic sliced
- 1 Green onion chopped
- 2 tbsp Cilantro
- 1 tbsp Dill pickle chopped
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Buttermilk
- 1 tbsp Chives chopped
- ½ tsp Orange zest
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp Chives chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package direction, drain and set aside.
- To make the dressing, add veerything lister under dressing to the blender and rocess for 2 minutes until you get a creamy consistency.
- Pan fry the halloumi chhese for 2 minutes until light brown spots appear. This doesn't need any oil.
- To a mixing bowl, add all the salad ingredients and the cottage cheese dressing.
- Mix and refrigerate for an hour.
- Garnish with chives and serve.
Check out more tasty macaroni recipes from my fellow bloggers.
Make it with Macaroni
- Buffalo chicken Mac and cheese from Jen Around the World
- Chili Macaroni and Cheese from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad from That Recipe
- Polish Sausage Mac and Cheese from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
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Karen's Kitchen Stories says
This salad is loaded with tons of flavor! Interesting using cottage cheese!
magicalingrdnts says
It is! And it adds protein. Thanks Karen!
Jess Selensky says
Perfect for the summer
magicalingrdnts says
Yes! Thanks, Jess.
Jennifer says
I am always looking for a protein packed meal and this surely fits the bill.
magicalingrdnts says
It is. I am glad you found this recipe. Thanks Jennifer!