Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a fresh, protein-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack. Combining tender baked chicken with creamy cottage cheese and crisp vegetables, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

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 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. Allow the chicken to cool for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the chicken bakes, 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 until the mixture is well-coated.
5. Step 5: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or sliced almonds to the salad.
• Swap fresh dill or parsley for cilantro or chives for a different flavor profile.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Serve the salad on whole grain bread or over mixed greens for a fuller meal.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently stir before serving if separation occurs. This salad is best enjoyed cold and generally does not require reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of baking chicken breasts?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and works well in this recipe. Just shred the cooked chicken before mixing.

Is low-fat cottage cheese necessary for this recipe?

You can use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese based on your preference. Full-fat will make the salad creamier, while low-fat keeps it lighter.

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 106 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a light, protein-packed dish perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Featuring tender oven-baked chicken breasts mixed with creamy low-fat cottage cheese, crisp celery, tangy Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, it offers a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

• 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)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Bake Chicken: Preheat your 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 the chicken is fully cooked through. Once done, let the chicken cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken is baking, chop the celery and finely dice the red onion to ensure they are ready to mix quickly once the chicken is cooled.
3. Shred Chicken: After cooling, shred the baked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to create a texture that combines nicely with the creamy ingredients.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, chopped celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and well mixed.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a nutritious, delicious meal option.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if unavailable, but fresh herbs provide brighter flavor.
• Use low-fat or regular cottage cheese depending on your preference for creaminess and fat content.
• This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds.
• Serve on whole grain bread, over mixed greens, or as a filling for wraps.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Low-fat Chicken Salad, Protein-packed Salad, Easy Lunch Recipe