If you are hunting for a nutritious, satisfying dish that brings together creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors in a protein-packed package, this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe is absolutely for you. Combining lean cooked chicken with the smooth richness of cottage cheese and the refreshing crunch of celery and scallions, this salad is like a party of textures and tastes in every bite. It’s quick to make, perfect for a light lunch or an energizing snack, and stays deliciously fresh when stored. No wonder it has become one of my all-time favorite easy meals to whip up whenever I crave something wholesome yet exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component lends something unique—whether it’s the creaminess of cottage cheese, the brightness of lemon juice, or the subtle sweetness of maple syrup—to create a wonderfully balanced dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds.
- 1.25 lb cooked chicken breast: shredded or chopped for tender protein-packed bites.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: adds creamy texture and a boost of protein without heaviness.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: imparts a fresh zing to brighten up the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: gives a subtle kick and complexity to the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup: a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tang.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped: brings herbal notes that make this salad pop.
- 2 scallions (green onions), finely chopped: adds mild onion flavor and a crisp bite.
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: provides delightful crunch and freshness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: offers depth and warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: essential seasoning that pulls everything together.
How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Start by giving the cottage cheese a quick blend to smooth it out—this step creates a creamy and luscious base, making the salad naturally rich without needing mayo or heavy dressings. A few pulses in a food processor or blender will do the trick.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
While the cottage cheese blends to perfection, shred or chop your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Next, finely chop the scallions and celery—you want just enough crunch to complement the creamy texture without overpowering it.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, chicken, scallions, celery, and fresh dill. Then add the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so that every piece of chicken is coated with that bright, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Give the salad a few final stirs and then taste-test. Adjust any of the seasonings to your liking—sometimes a little extra lemon juice or dill can make all the difference.
Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully and the texture to firm up just enough—ensuring every forkful bursts with freshness and balance.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Spoon the salad onto your favorite plate or bowl, and get ready to savor a nourishing, protein-packed meal that feels indulgent but keeps things light and healthy.
How to Serve High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad presentation and flavor, sprinkle some extra fresh dill or a few additional slices of crisp scallions on top. A light dusting of paprika or cracked black pepper also adds a splash of color and a subtle smoky note that pairs perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad is very versatile and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, whole grain crackers, or a warm slice of crusty bread. It also works wonderfully as a hearty sandwich filling or alongside roasted vegetables for an elevated meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in avocado halves for a stunning, nutritious lunch option. You can also scoop it into lettuce cups or stuff it into a pita pocket for a portable, satisfying meal. The creamy texture means it unwinds beautifully in wraps or atop whole grain rice cakes for a midday boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe covered in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days—ideal for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week without any compromise on flavor or texture.
Freezing
Since cottage cheese has a delicate texture, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the creaminess and cause separation. For the best experience, enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days after making it.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, but avoid reheating in the microwave as it can change the texture of the cottage cheese and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Using regular yogurt will give a different texture and flavor; it will be tangier and less creamy. Cottage cheese is key for this recipe’s signature creaminess and protein content, but Greek yogurt could be a workable substitute if needed.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge for a few days and keeps its flavor and texture intact, making lunches or snacks hassle-free.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Yes! Adding a handful of chopped walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can introduce a delightful crunch and extra nutrition. Just sprinkle them on before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What if I don’t have fresh dill on hand?
Dried dill can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or chives can provide a lovely herbal note that complements the other flavors.
Is this chicken salad low-carb or keto-friendly?
This recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits well within many keto or low-carb diets, thanks to its focus on protein and fresh vegetables rather than starchy fillers. Just be mindful of the small amount of maple syrup if following very strict macros.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that is both nourishing and utterly delicious, and this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s simple enough for weeknight meals, elegant enough to share with friends, and packed with wholesome flavors that make your taste buds dance. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to favorite.
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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Packed with lean chicken breast and creamy cottage cheese, it offers a great balance of protein and fresh herbs, making it both satisfying and healthy. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is easy to prepare and can be served on its own or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 1.25 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Blend these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, which will serve as the flavorful base for the chicken salad.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast to the blended cottage cheese mixture. Stir well to thoroughly coat the chicken with the creamy dressing.
- Add Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: Incorporate the finely chopped scallions, celery stalks, and fresh dill into the chicken mixture. These ingredients add a fresh crunch and vibrant flavor to the salad.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the salad. Mix thoroughly and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken salad chilled as a standalone dish, on a bed of greens, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy this high-protein, flavorful salad anytime you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh dill with parsley or cilantro if preferred.
- For added creaminess, a tablespoon of Greek yogurt can be mixed in with the cottage cheese.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken breast.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your preference.
