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Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a fresh, protein-packed dish combining tender cooked chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and crisp vegetables. This versatile and easy-to-make salad is perfect for quick lunches, nourishing dinners, or meal prepping. Customizable with various herbs, spices, and additions like avocado or nuts, it’s a light yet filling meal option that suits a range of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or regular)
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (for creaminess)
  • ½ avocado, diced (for creaminess and healthy fats)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño (for spice)
  • 2 tablespoons nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), chopped
  • ¼ cup fruit (grapes, apple chunks, or dried cranberries)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start with cooked chicken breast—either freshly grilled, boiled, or leftover. Dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure it blends well with the salad.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice celery and red onion. For a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  3. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chopped vegetables, and cottage cheese. If you prefer a creamier texture, add Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and stir to combine.
  4. Season to Taste: Add fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, lemon juice for brightness, and season with salt and pepper. Gently mix until evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold for the best, refreshing taste experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs and vegetables for maximum flavor and vibrancy.
  • Drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese if it appears too watery to avoid sogginess.
  • Adjust the amount of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to achieve your desired creaminess.
  • Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
  • Use moist, boneless chicken breast to keep the salad tender and juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken salad, cottage cheese salad, high-protein salad, healthy lunch, easy chicken recipe, meal prep salad, low carb salad