why make this recipe
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a healthy and tasty dish that is easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. By using cottage cheese, you add protein while keeping it light. This salad is fresh and packed with flavor from the herbs and spices, making it a great option for anyone looking for a nutritious meal. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to your taste.
how to make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1.25 lb cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 rib celery (finely diced)
- 1/8 tsp salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
- In a blender or using an immersion blender in a small container, blend the cottage cheese until it is smooth and creamy. You can also leave some curds if you prefer a chunkier texture. A pro tip is to use an immersion blender right in the container that the cottage cheese comes in.
- In a medium bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, fresh dill, scallions, celery, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and spices. Mix everything well.
- Next, add the shredded or chopped chicken breast to the bowl and combine it well with the dressing. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your delicious salad!
how to serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is versatile when it comes to serving. You can spoon it onto a bed of greens for a fresh salad, serve it in whole grain wraps or sandwiches, or simply enjoy it on its own. It can also be served alongside crackers or fresh vegetables for a light snack.
how to store Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. Make sure to keep it properly sealed to maintain its freshness. If you have added fresh vegetables, consider eating it within 24 hours for the best texture.
tips to make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- For a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese longer.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you enjoy spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika.
- Add chopped fruits like apple or grapes for a hint of sweetness and texture.
- Consider mixing in nuts like walnuts or almonds for an added crunch.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins, such as turkey or tuna. You can also switch up the herbs based on your preference, using parsley or basil instead of dill. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works too.
FAQs
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A: It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe. You can roast, boil, or grill the chicken before shredding or chopping it.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: You can swap cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as silken tofu blended until smooth. Adjust seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Yes, Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is great for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge and can be portioned out for quick lunches throughout the week.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A healthy and flavorful chicken salad made with cottage cheese, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 rib celery (finely diced)
- 1/8 tsp salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a blender or using an immersion blender, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy, leaving some curds if desired.
- In a medium bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, fresh dill, scallions, celery, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and spices. Mix well.
- Add the shredded or chopped chicken breast to the bowl and combine well with the dressing. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
Notes
For a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese longer. Customize with different proteins or herbs. Best consumed within 24 hours if fresh vegetables are added.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg