Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Jalapeno and Bacon Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty jalapeno dressing, it’s a delicious option for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 large Chicken Breast
• 3/4 cup Cottage Cheese
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 2 Green Onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 3 tbsp Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
• 5 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
• Juice of 2 Limes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the chicken breast using your preferred method—baked, boiled, or grilled—until fully cooked. Allow it to cool, then shred and chop into small pieces.
2. Step 2: Dice the celery and slice the green onions. Chop the fresh jalapenos for use in the salad and dressing.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, chopped jalapenos (3 tablespoons), crumbled bacon, cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
4. Step 4: In a food processor or blender, blend together the sour cream, remaining jalapenos (1/4 cup), fresh cilantro, onion powder, garlic salt, and lime juice until smooth to create the jalapeno dressing.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve the salad over fresh salad greens, on keto bread, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder salad, reduce or omit the jalapenos in the dressing and salad.
• Swap bacon for cooked turkey bacon or omit for a healthier option.
• Try adding chopped avocado or cucumber for extra freshness and texture.
• If you don’t have a food processor, whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly by hand.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain texture, then toss before serving. Reheat is not recommended; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save you time. Just shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is this salad suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Absolutely! With ingredients like chicken, bacon, cheese, and a creamy jalapeno dressing, this salad fits well into low-carb and keto meal plans, especially when served on keto bread or salad greens.

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Jalapeno and Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken breast, fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and a zesty jalapeño-lime dressing. This versatile salad can be served over greens, on keto bread, or enjoyed on its own, making it a perfect low-carb, protein-packed meal option.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 large Chicken Breast
• 3/4 cup Cottage Cheese
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 2 Green Onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 3 tbsp Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
• 5 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
• Juice of 2 Limes

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Prepare the chicken breast based on your preference; it can be baked, boiled, or grilled. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, then shred and chop it into small pieces. Allow it to cool before using.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the celery stalks, slice the green onions, and chop the jalapenos finely to incorporate into the salad and dressing.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, chopped jalapenos, crumbled bacon, cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Make the Dressing: Using a food processor or blender, combine the sour cream, chopped jalapeno, fresh cilantro, onion powder, garlic salt, and lime juice. Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
5. Mix Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared jalapeno dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Serve: Enjoy the salad served over fresh salad greens, spread on keto bread, or simply eat it as a satisfying standalone dish.

Notes

• Cooking method for chicken can be adjusted to your liking—grilling adds a smoky flavor while boiling keeps it tender and moist.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeno in the dressing and salad according to your preferred spice tolerance.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives.
• Leftover chicken can be used, making this a great recipe for meal prep.
• This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad, Low Carb Chicken Salad, Jalapeno Dressing, Healthy Chicken Salad, Keto Friendly Salad, Protein Salad