Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and a little spicy—this salad hits every flavor note in one bite!
Let’s Talk: Curry Chickpea Cottage Cheese Salad
This is one of those “wait… why is this SO good?” kind of recipes.
You’ve got the creaminess from the cottage cheese, a little sweetness from raisins, that cozy curry spice, and fresh herbs to brighten it all up.
It’s quick, filling, and super satisfying. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or even as a potluck side that’ll surprise everyone (in a good way).
🍴 What You’ll Need
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd is best)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 2 teaspoons mild curry powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt & black pepper to taste
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to “clean out the fridge but still eat like royalty” kind of meal. I made it once when I was out of lettuce and just had chickpeas, some cottage cheese, and leftover curry powder. It was instant magic. Now it’s in the regular rotation.
- Takes less than 10 minutes
- Zero cooking involved
- Super high in protein
- Tastes even better after it sits
- Works for lunch, snack, or side dish
Servings: 3-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0
Total Time: 10 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Curry powder brings warmth and depth with turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
- Cottage cheese + Greek yogurt = creamy protein bomb.
- Chickpeas hold their shape and absorb flavor, making this salad filling and flavorful.
- Raisins add contrast—sweet balances the spice.
- Cilantro and lemon juice brighten and freshen everything up.
😬 Common Mistakes
- Using watery cottage cheese: Drain a bit if it’s too runny so the salad doesn’t get soupy.
- Forgetting to season: Salt and pepper bring it all together—don’t skip!
- Too much curry powder: Start small, especially if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Using sweetened yogurt by accident: This will throw off the flavor completely.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Warm naan or pita bread
- Fresh cucumber slices or a simple green salad
- Rice or quinoa for a grain bowl
- Grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein
- A cold sparkling water or iced mint tea
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Can opener
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates
- Use sour cream instead of yogurt
- Add chopped celery or cucumber for extra crunch
- Stir in a dash of hot sauce if you like heat
- Try parsley instead of cilantro
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- You can make this up to 2 days ahead.
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It actually gets better after sitting for a few hours!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add the Chickpeas
Add 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed chickpeas to the bowl.
Step 3: Add the Raisins and Cilantro
Add 1/4 cup golden raisins and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Stir everything together gently.
Step 4: Stir and Season to Taste
Mix everything thoroughly until it’s evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Spoon into bowls or containers. Top with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lemon if you like.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Good for up to 3 days.
- It may get a bit thicker as it sits—add a splash of lemon juice or yogurt to freshen it up.
❓ FAQ
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes! Just use slightly less if it’s very runny.
Is this spicy?
Nope! Mild curry powder just gives it flavor, not heat.
Can I use canned mixed beans?
Sure can—just rinse them well first.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
Try parsley or even some green onions instead.
🥄 Ready to Try It?
I really hope you give this Curry Chickpea Cottage Cheese Salad a shot. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” kinds of dishes. Let me know in the comments how it turned out—or if you added your own twist! I’d love to hear about it. 💛