Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a light and refreshing twist on a classic favorite. It combines tender cooked chicken with creamy cottage cheese and crisp vegetables for a healthy, satisfying meal. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, add the chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the top.
3. Step 3: Stir everything together until evenly coated, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the salad.
• Swap the celery for cucumber or bell peppers if you prefer a different texture.
• Use smoked chicken for a deeper flavor twist.
• Omit the Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version or add more for creaminess.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. This salad is best served chilled and does not freeze well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, canned chicken works well as a convenient alternative. Just drain it thoroughly before mixing.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 79 reviews

A light and healthy Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken breast combined with creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, fresh crisp celery, and tangy lemon juice. This protein-packed salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious snack, offering a delicious alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based chicken salads.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Dressing

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture, which will serve as the flavorful dressing for the salad.
2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or diced cooked chicken breast, finely chopped celery, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley if using. These fresh components add crunch and flavor.
3. Mix and season: Pour the prepared cottage cheese dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Then, season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as preferred.
4. Chill the salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste before serving.

Notes

• You can omit Greek yogurt for a lighter version or for a dairy-sensitive diet.
• Try adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra texture and healthy fats.
• This salad is great served on whole grain bread, lettuce wraps, or alongside fresh vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
• Adjust the lemon juice and Dijon mustard amounts based on your preferred level of tanginess and spice.

Keywords: chicken salad, cottage cheese salad, healthy chicken recipe, low fat chicken salad, protein-packed salad, easy chicken salad