A refreshing and protein-packed chicken salad with creamy cottage cheese, perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy vegetables, lean chicken, and creamy cottage cheese. It’s light, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal option for a healthy lunch or dinner. Packed with protein and full of flavor, it’s a great choice for meal prep or a quick meal when you’re on the go. Plus, it’s low-carb and customizable—enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese, celery, onion, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix well until fully combined.
- Serve on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
Variations
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for extra flavor.
- Swap Veggies: Add diced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for added crunch.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Avocado Twist: Add mashed avocado for an extra creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps instead of bread for a low-carb option.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but if you prefer to heat it, you can microwave it for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken. Just make sure to drain and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or even sour cream if you prefer. However, cottage cheese gives it a nice, creamy texture.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s great for meal prep or a quick lunch.
4. How do I make the salad more filling?
Add some cooked quinoa, beans, or a boiled egg to make the salad more substantial. You can also serve it with whole-grain crackers or a side of roasted vegetables.
5. How can I make this salad spicier?
For a spicy version, add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the salad for an extra kick.
6. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free option, like vegan cream cheese or cashew-based cheese.
7. Can I use a different type of onion?
You can swap red onion for green onions or shallots for a milder flavor if you prefer.
8. How do I keep the chicken salad from getting watery?
Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese and chicken before mixing. Also, serving it immediately after preparation will help keep it fresh.
9. Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds can add extra crunch and flavor to the salad.
10. How can I serve this salad for a party or gathering?
Serve it as a dip with crackers, or serve it on a platter with small lettuce wraps or on toasted bread for mini sandwiches.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something nutritious and satisfying. With a creamy texture from the cottage cheese and a zesty kick from the lemon juice, this salad is full of flavor and packed with protein. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a snack, or in a sandwich, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
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Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a light, protein-packed meal made with creamy cottage cheese, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner, it’s low-carb, customizable, and full of flavor. Enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, diced celery, chopped onion, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything until fully combined.
- Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers.
Notes
- Herb Addition: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for added flavor.
- Veggie Variations: Add diced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Avocado Twist: For extra creaminess, add mashed avocado for a healthy fat boost.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
