This **Chicken Cottage Cheese Salad** is a high-protein, creamy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or meal prep. With shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, crunchy veggies, and fresh herbs, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. The cottage cheese adds a tangy, protein-packed alternative to mayo, making it a healthier twist on classic chicken salad.
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**Ingredients**
**For the Salad:**
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
– 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
– ½ cup Greek yogurt (or more cottage cheese for extra protein)
– ½ cup celery, finely chopped
– ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
– ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
– ¼ tsp black pepper
**Optional Add-Ins:**
– ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) for crunch
– ¼ cup dried cranberries or grapes for sweetness
– ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
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**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prep the Ingredients**
1. Cook and shred the chicken if not using pre-cooked chicken.
2. Finely chop the celery, bell pepper, red onion, and herbs.
**Step 2: Mix the Dressing**
1. In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
**Step 3: Assemble the Salad**
1. Add the shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and fresh herbs to the bowl.
2. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
**Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!**
– Serve on whole-grain toast, in a lettuce wrap, stuffed in an avocado, or as a dip with crackers.
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**Nutritional Information (Per Serving):**
– Calories: 220
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 8g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 4g
– Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Sodium: 400mg
– Calcium: 10% DV
– Iron: 8% DV
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**Notes & Tips:**
– **Make It Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cottage cheese and yogurt alternatives.
– **Make It Extra Creamy:** Blend the cottage cheese before mixing for a smoother dressing.
– **Make It Vegan:** Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu crumbles.
– **Storage & Meal Prep:** Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as cottage cheese may release liquid.
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**Time Breakdown:**
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 10 minutes
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This **Chicken Cottage Cheese Salad** is a quick, protein-packed meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or a light and refreshing dish! 🥗🍗✨