Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender chicken with cottage cheese and fresh herbs, it offers a healthy twist on traditional chicken salad.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the chicken is baking, chop the celery and finely dice the red onion.
3. Step 3: Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, chopped celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
5. Step 5: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or sliced almonds.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Swap fresh dill or parsley with tarragon for a different herbal note.
• If you prefer, use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Storage

Store the cheese chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese can be used as alternatives, but keep in mind they will alter the texture and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. The salad stores well for a few days and makes a convenient, protein-packed meal prep option.

Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

A healthy and flavorful Cheese Chicken Salad combining tender baked chicken breasts with creamy low-fat cottage cheese, crisp celery, and aromatic fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack, this salad balances protein and freshness with a hint of tangy Dijon mustard.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Salad Mix

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Bake Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken is baking, chop the celery into small pieces and finely dice the red onion. Set aside.
3. Shred Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands to create the perfect texture for the salad.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, low-fat cottage cheese, chopped celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated with the mustard and cheese, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold salad later.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are not available, but reduce quantity as dried herbs have more concentrated flavor.
• This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
• Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor if desired.
• Use low-fat or regular cottage cheese according to your dietary preference.
• For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds as a topping before serving.

Keywords: Chicken salad, cottage cheese salad, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken salad, low fat chicken dish