Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
If you love traditional chicken salad recipes but want a higher protein option, this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is for you! Blended cottage cheese makes a creamy, flavorful base without the need for heavy mayo. It’s packed with texture, crunch, and a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
If you don’t love the texture of cottage cheese (but wish you did because you know it’s healthy!), then this is for you. Blended cottage cheese takes on a creamy and delicious base for this recipe that is also high protein!
- High in protein – Cottage cheese and chicken provide a protein-packed meal.
- Lower in fat – A great alternative to mayo-heavy chicken salads.
- Easy meal prep – Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable – Add your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts: or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience
- 1 cup cottage cheese: blended for a smooth texture as a creamy base
- 3 celery stalks, chopped: for crunch
- ¼ cup almonds, chopped: adds texture and healthy fats
- ¼ cup craisins: for a touch of sweetness
- 2 tbsp spicy mustard: adds a zesty kick and I think it balances the other ingredients
- 2 tbsp mayo: optional, for added creaminess
- Parsley, salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- Blend the cottage cheese – If you prefer a smoother texture, blend it before mixing.
- Prep the ingredients – Chop the celery, almonds, and parsley.
- Mix everything together – In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese, celery, almonds, craisins, mustard, and mayo.
- Season to taste – Add salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir well.
- Chill & serve – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the cottage cheese – Try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Go classic – Use grapes, apples, or walnuts instead of craisins & almonds.
- Make it buffalo-style – Mix in buffalo sauce, jalapeños, and ranch seasoning.
- Go southwest – Add black beans, corn, avocado, and taco seasoning.
- Add crunch – Use pecans, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds.
- Brighten it up – A splash of lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or dill pickles adds a tangy punch.
What to Serve with This Chicken Salad?
- Sandwich it – Spread onto whole-grain bread, lettuce wraps, or a croissant.
- Make it a bowl – Serve over mixed greens, quinoa, or brown rice.
- Pair it with crackers – Great for a quick snack or appetizer.
Equipment
FAQs: Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Do I need to blend the cottage cheese for this recipe?
No, but blending gives it a smoother, creamier texture!
Does it matter what kind of cottage cheese I use?
Full-fat cottage cheese is the creamiest, but low-fat options work well too!
Do I have to add mayo?
Not at all! It’s optional—Greek yogurt or a little avocado works great instead.
More Recipes
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
If you love traditional chicken salad recipes but want a higher protein option, this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is for you! Blended cottage cheese makes a creamy, flavorful base without the need for heavy mayo. It’s packed with texture, crunch, and a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
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Rate
Servings: 4
Calories: 330kcal
Equipment
- Blender
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience
- 1 cup cottage cheese blended
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- ¼ cup almonds chopped
- ¼ cup craisins
- 2 tbsp spicy mustard or dijon
- 2 tbsp mayo optional
- Parsley
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese – If you prefer a smoother texture, blend it before mixing.
- Prep the ingredients – Chop the celery, almonds, and parsley.
- Mix everything together – In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese, celery, almonds, craisins, mustard, and mayo.
- Season to taste – Add salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir well.
- Chill & serve – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor
Notes
Try out different variations, and let me know if you make this recipe in a comment below!
Nutrition
Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 450mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g
