Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I was wandering through a local farmer’s market, the vibrant colors of summer produce came alive, reminding me just how enjoyable fresh, homemade food can be. This Everything Bagel Pasta Salad captures that essence perfectly, blending the beloved flavors of an everything bagel into a hearty dish that’s too good to pass up. With its creamy cottage cheese and salty salmon, this recipe is not just high in protein; it’s also a refreshing crowd-pleaser ideal for summer picnics and barbecues. Plus, it comes together quickly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying sunny moments with loved ones. Ready to elevate your picnic game? Let’s dive into this delicious salad! Why is This Pasta Salad a Must-Try? Crowd-Pleaser: This Everything Bagel Pasta Salad is guaranteed to impress at your next gathering, thanks to its delicious flavor profile that everyone will love. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for those busy summer days. High-Protein Delight: Featuring nutrient-dense salmon and creamy cottage cheese, it’s a satisfying option that keeps you fueled without feeling heavy. Versatile & Customizable: Whether you want a vegetarian twist or a spicy kick, this recipe is easy to modify based on your taste preferences. Check out our Protein Pasta Salad for more high-protein inspiration! Ideal for Any Occasion: Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or just a tasty meal at home, this salad brings joy no matter the setting. Get ready to enjoy summer vibes with each delicious bite! Everything Bagel Pasta Salad Ingredients • For the Salad Red Onion – Provides a sweet, sharp flavor; soak longer for milder taste if desired. Short Pasta (e.g., Mezzi Rigatoni) – Acts as the base for the salad, holding all delicious toppings; any short pasta works well here. Cottage Cheese – Adds a creamy texture without the heaviness of mayonnaise; Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option. Scallions – Imparts a fresh, onion-y crunch; substitute with chives or red onions if needed. Canned Salmon – Adds protein and richness to the dish; canned tuna or shredded chicken are great alternatives. Fresh Dill – Enhances the flavor with its herbal note; dried dill works too, just reduce the quantity. Lemon – Brightens the dish with its acidity; lime may be used as a substitute. White Wine Vinegar – Provides essential tanginess for pickling; apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar will also do the trick. Salt – Essential for seasoning; be sure to adjust to your taste. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning – Imparts that signature everything bagel flavor; you can make a DIY blend with seeds and spices. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Everything Bagel Pasta Salad Step 1: Pickling Onions Start by thinly slicing the red onion and placing it in a medium bowl. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt, then pour in equal parts white wine vinegar and water to completely cover the onions. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to pickle for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen while you prepare the other ingredients. Step 2: Cook Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add your short pasta, such as mezzi rigatoni, and cook until slightly over al dente, about 10-12 minutes, so it retains a firm bite. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl to cool. Step 3: Prepare Mix-ins While the pasta cools, finely mince the scallions and chop the fresh dill. Once the pasta has cooled to room temperature, add the scallions, chopped dill, creamy cottage cheese, and drained canned salmon to the bowl. Don’t forget to reserve a few pickled onion slices for garnish later. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Gently fold all the ingredients together in the bowl, ensuring the salmon and cottage cheese are evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and drizzle in a couple of tablespoons of the pickling liquid. To finish, sprinkle Everything But the Bagel seasoning generously over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated. Step 5: Serve or Store Your Everything Bagel Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. If storing, keep it in an airtight container and consider drizzling additional pickling juice right before serving to enhance the flavor and freshness. What to Serve with Everything Bagel Pasta Salad As you gather around the table, the flavors and textures of this refreshing dish can inspire a delightful meal experience. Grilled Chicken Skewers: The smoky char and spice of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy notes in the salad. Serve alongside for a satisfying, balanced meal. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized seasonal veggies introduce an earthy sweetness that complements the salad’s creamy elements. They add color and nutrition to your plate. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio will elevate your dining experience, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the salad. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of sweet summer fruits brightens the meal while its juiciness refreshes the palate between bites of the creamy pasta. Garlic Bread: Enjoy warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any residual flavors. Its crunchy texture and savory aroma will be an inviting sidekick in your summer meal spread. Herbal Tea: A light, iced herbal tea adds a refreshing touch, calming the palate and creating a delightful end to your meal. Perfect for warm summer afternoons! Lemon Sorbet: As a light dessert, this frozen treat harmonizes with the lemony freshness of the pasta salad, providing a zesty finish to your summer feast. Tips for the Best Everything Bagel Pasta Salad Pickling Perfection: Ensure you let the onions pickle for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, for the best flavor in your everything bagel pasta salad. Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta slightly over al dente so it maintains a pleasant texture once chilled and combined with the other ingredients. Gentle Mixing: When combining ingredients, fold gently to avoid breaking apart the salmon or making the cottage cheese too mushy. Zesty Enhancement: Add extra lemon juice or pickling juice just before serving to brighten up the dish and enhance the overall flavor profile. Garnish Smartly: Reserve some pickled onions for garnish—this not only elevates the presentation but also maintains freshness as you serve this delicious salad. How to Store and Freeze Everything Bagel Pasta Salad Fridge: Store the everything bagel pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. This ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for your next meal. Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this salad as the pasta and dairy may change texture upon thawing. However, if necessary, freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed freezer-safe container. Reheating: If served from the fridge, give it a gentle stir to redistribute flavors and enjoy cold. Add a splash of lemon juice or pickling liquid for a refreshing zing! Serving Tip: For the best taste experience, drizzle extra pickling juice over the salad just before serving to revive its vibrant flavors. Make Ahead Options This Everything Bagel Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade food without spending all your time in the kitchen. You can pickle the onions up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor, while the pasta can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, combine all mix-ins right before you’re ready to serve—this keeps the salad fresh and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much moisture. Simply gently mix the cooled pasta with the cottage cheese, salmon, and pickled onions when you’re ready to enjoy it, and you’ll have a delightful dish that tastes just as good as when you first made it! Everything Bagel Pasta Salad Variations Feel free to get creative with this Everything Bagel Pasta Salad and explore these delightful twists! Vegetarian Option: Omit salmon and boost protein by adding more cottage cheese or chickpeas for a hearty salad. Creating a vegetarian version doesn’t sacrifice flavor—just the protein source! Enjoy the creamy texture with every bite. Gluten-Free Version: Swap in gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs while retaining that delicious everything bagel flavor. There’s no reason gluten-free diners can’t indulge in this addiction! A simple change can make everyone happy at your gatherings. Spicy Twist: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a zesty kick that warms up every mouthful. Why settle for ordinary when you can add excitement? This variation will surely add vibrancy to your dish! Creamier Delight: Switch out cottage cheese for a rich, velvety cream cheese for an indulgent pasta salad experience. With this luscious twist, each bite becomes a heavenly escape—perfect for cream cheese lovers! Smoky Flavor: Add smoked salmon instead of the regular canned salmon for a deeper, complex flavor that excites the palate. The smokiness beautifully complements the everything bagel seasoning, offering a sophisticated touch to your picnic spread. Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or sesame seeds for an extra crunch that contrasts with the creamy base. Textural variety elevates your dish, creating a delightful contrast with every forkful! Fresh Herb Boost: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a new flavor profile while maintaining that freshness. Herbs can brighten up any dish, making it feel like sunshine on a plate. Play around and find your personal favorite! For even more inspiration, try our refreshing Italian Pasta Salad or give the delightful Protein Pasta Salad a whirl! Everything Bagel Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right red onion for pickling? Look for red onions that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid onions with dark spots or soft patches, as these indicate overripeness. Fresh onions will provide the best flavor and crunchy texture when pickled. How should I store any leftover Everything Bagel Pasta Salad? You can store the Everything Bagel Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Make sure to keep it well-sealed to maintain its freshness. A quick stir before serving can help redistribute the flavors! Can I freeze Everything Bagel Pasta Salad? It’s best to avoid freezing this salad due to the pasta and dairy components, as they may get mushy when thawed. However, if you absolutely need to freeze it, store it in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture may change upon thawing. What if my pasta turns mushy after cooking? If your pasta becomes mushy, it may have been overcooked. For future reference, aim to cook pasta just past al dente, as it will soften slightly when mixed with other ingredients. Rinse it under cold water immediately after cooking to halt the cooking process. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the salmon and you could add some chickpeas for extra protein. Those with dairy allergies can substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep the creaminess without the dairy. Can I substitute the salmon in the salad? Yes, you can easily substitute the canned salmon with canned tuna or shredded chicken for a different protein option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider adding roasted chickpeas or tempeh, which also provide a satisfying texture and flavor. Everything Bagel Pasta Salad – A Creamy Summer Must-Try Everything Bagel Pasta Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that combines the flavors of an everything bagel into a creamy salad, perfect for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsPickling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 42 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad1 medium Red Onion Provides a sweet, sharp flavor; soak longer for milder taste if desired.8 oz Short Pasta (e.g., Mezzi Rigatoni) Any short pasta works well here.1 cup Cottage Cheese Adds a creamy texture; Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.2 stalks Scallions Imparts a fresh, onion-y crunch.1 can Canned Salmon Adds protein and richness; canned tuna or shredded chicken are great alternatives.1 tablespoon Fresh Dill Enhances the flavor with its herbal note.1 medium Lemon Brightens the dish with its acidity.2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar Provides essential tanginess for pickling.1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning.2 tablespoons Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Imparts that signature everything bagel flavor. Equipment medium bowllarge potmixing bowlmeasuring cupsMeasuring spoons Method Step-by-Step InstructionsStart by thinly slicing the red onion and placing it in a medium bowl. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt, then pour in equal parts white wine vinegar and water to cover the onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add short pasta and cook until slightly over al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.Finely mince the scallions and chop the fresh dill. Once the pasta cools to room temperature, add scallions, chopped dill, cottage cheese, and drained salmon. Reserve some pickled onions for garnish.Gently fold all ingredients together in the bowl. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and drizzle in pickling liquid. Sprinkle Everything But the Bagel seasoning generously and stir until well-coated.Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. Consider drizzling additional pickling juice just before serving to enhance flavor. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesLet the onions pickle for at least 2 hours for the best flavor. Cook pasta slightly over al dente to maintain a pleasant texture after chilling. Fold gently to avoid breaking the salmon. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
