This High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad with Creamy Cottage Cheese Dressing is a flavorful, nutritious, and protein-packed option that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Combining the tangy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this dish is as satisfying as it is healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein: Each serving offers a generous 31 grams of protein, making it a great post-workout meal or midday energizer.
- Quick and easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes for a fuss-free meal.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a salad, sandwich filling, or with crackers and fresh veggies.
- Healthy and satisfying: Low in carbs and fat while full of flavor and texture.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores well for easy lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
- ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup finely diced sweet onion
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup freshly grated mild cheddar cheese
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: In a pot, combine equal parts water and chicken broth. Add the chicken tenderloins and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain and allow the chicken to cool before shredding.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the shredded chicken, diced onion, diced celery, and grated cheddar cheese to the dressing. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad chilled with crackers, fresh vegetables, as a sandwich filling, or on a bed of greens.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories (per serving): 199
Variations
- Spicier version: Add a splash of hot sauce or extra buffalo sauce for more heat.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free Greek yogurt and cottage cheese substitutes.
- Low-sodium adjustment: Use low-sodium broth and adjust the amount of ranch seasoning.
- Extra crunch: Add chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for added texture.
- Cheese swaps: Try blue cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but if preferred warm, microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Simply shred it and skip the cooking step.
2. Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild kick from the buffalo sauce. Adjust the amount of sauce to control the heat level.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it an excellent meal-prep option.
4. What crackers pair well with this salad?
Whole-grain crackers, pita chips, or even celery sticks make great accompaniments.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots would work well.
6. Can I substitute Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain regular yogurt or sour cream as an alternative.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce you use are gluten-free.
8. How can I lower the sodium?
Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and buffalo sauce. You can also skip adding salt to the dressing.
9. Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cottage cheese and yogurt, which may separate upon thawing.
10. What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it as a sandwich filling, over greens, with crackers, or as a dip for fresh veggies.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a creamy, spicy, and protein-packed dish that’s easy to make and versatile enough to enjoy in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meal-prep idea, or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe has you covered. Try it today and enjoy a healthier twist on buffalo chicken with all the taste and none of the guilt!
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Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
This High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy, protein-packed cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Perfect for a healthy lunch, snack, or meal prep, this flavorful dish is quick, versatile, and satisfying!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
- ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup finely diced sweet onion
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup freshly grated mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a pot, combine equal parts water and chicken broth. Add chicken tenderloins and bring to a boil.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and allow the chicken to cool before shredding.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add shredded chicken, diced onion, diced celery, and grated cheddar cheese to the dressing.
- Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve:
- Serve chilled with crackers, fresh vegetables, as a sandwich filling, or on a bed of greens.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, add more buffalo sauce or a splash of hot sauce.
- Substitute blue cheese or feta for cheddar if desired.
- Best served cold, but it can also be enjoyed warm if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, High-Protein
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
