Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

Why Make This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes for a hearty, healthy meal. This dish is packed with protein and is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh veggies not only pleases the taste buds but also adds a good balance of nutrients. It’s simple to make and can be served in multiple ways, making it a versatile addition to your meal plan.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

Making this delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a nourishing salad that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins (shredded)
  • ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce (of choice, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley)
  • ⅓ cup sweet onion (finely diced)
  • ⅓ cup celery (finely diced)
  • ⅓ cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
  • Few turns cracked black pepper (to season)
  • Pinch kosher salt (to season, as needed)

Directions:

  1. Boil and Shred the Chicken: Start by boiling the chicken tenderloins in a pot of water until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the water and let it cool. Then, shred the chicken using two forks.

  2. Make the Chicken Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, sweet onion, celery, and cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well combined. Season with black pepper and kosher salt as needed.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad

You can serve this salad on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain crackers. It also makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches. Top it with extra buffalo sauce or even sprinkle some crunchy toppings like tortilla chips for added texture.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Salad

To store any leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it for longer, consider storing the salad without the dressing or any added ingredients that may wilt.

Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad

  • Cook your chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick meal.
  • Adjust the level of buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
  • Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the flavors.
  • For a lower-calorie version, use low-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.

Variation

You can personalize this salad by adding your favorite ingredients. Some people enjoy adding avocado for creaminess or chopped bell peppers for a colorful crunch. You can also try different types of cheese or use different sauces to create your own unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling my own?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on the buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning.

3. Can I freeze the Buffalo Chicken Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad because the texture of the cottage cheese and other fresh ingredients may change after thawing. However, you can freeze the chicken before mixing it into the salad.

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Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese


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  • Author: mohamed-belafkihgmail-com
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, High Protein

Description

A hearty and healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad packed with protein, featuring spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh veggies.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins (shredded)
  • ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce (of choice, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley)
  • ⅓ cup sweet onion (finely diced)
  • ⅓ cup celery (finely diced)
  • ⅓ cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
  • Few turns cracked black pepper (to season)
  • Pinch kosher salt (to season, as needed)

Instructions

  1. Boil and shred the chicken by starting with boiling the chicken tenderloins in a pot of water until fully cooked. Remove and let cool, then shred with two forks.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, sweet onion, celery, and cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined and season with black pepper and kosher salt as needed.

Notes

Serve on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain crackers. Extra buffalo sauce and crunchy toppings like tortilla chips can enhance texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling, Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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