Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a fresh and healthy twist on classic chicken salad. Packed with protein and crunch, it’s perfect for a light lunch or an easy dinner. The creamy cottage cheese replaces mayo, creating a tangy, satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the chicken is baking, chop the celery and finely dice the red onion.
3. Step 3: Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or toasted almonds.
• Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh aren’t available, using about 1 teaspoon.
• Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Serve the salad on whole grain bread, lettuce wraps, or crackers for a delicious meal or snack.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing, as the texture of cottage cheese and celery can change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of baking my own?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for a quicker preparation. Just shred it and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Is low-fat cottage cheese necessary?

You can use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference. Full-fat will make the salad creamier, while low-fat keeps it lighter.

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a healthy, protein-packed dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts mixed with creamy low-fat cottage cheese, crisp celery, red onion, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious snack, it combines simple ingredients for a flavorful, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Salad Mix

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill or parsley), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Cook Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken is baking, wash and chop the celery and finely dice the red onion. Prepare fresh herbs by chopping them finely as well.
3. Shred Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands for easier mixing in the salad.
4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, low-fat cottage cheese, chopped celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Stir all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the mustard and cottage cheese mixture.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Notes

• For added crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or almonds.
• This salad can be served on sandwich bread, with crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.
• To keep it low-fat, use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese.
• Fresh herbs enhance the flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cottage cheese chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, low-fat chicken salad, baked chicken salad, high protein salad