why make this recipe
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a healthy and tasty dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It combines the protein from the rotisserie chicken with the creaminess of cottage cheese. Banana peppers add a zesty kick that brightens the flavors, while vegetables provide crunch and freshness. This salad is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days or meal prep.
how to make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped into small chunks
- 1/2 cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese, blended smooth
- 1/4 cup jarred banana peppers (mild or spicy), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon or spicy mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
- Blend cottage cheese: In a food processor, pulse cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and serve: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese mixture, chopped chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery, and green onion. Stir until well combined. Taste the salad and adjust seasonings (such as salt and pepper) if needed. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.
how to serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
This chicken salad can be served on its own, in a wrap, or on top of a bed of greens. It’s also great with crackers or on whole-grain bread for a satisfying sandwich. You can customize the serving method based on your preference!
how to store Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 2 to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as some ingredients may settle.
tips to make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or spicy banana peppers according to your taste.
- Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
variation
For a different flavor, you can swap out the banana peppers for diced jalapeños for a spicier kick. You can also use plain yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a different texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients in any wraps or bread you might pair it with.
3. Can I freeze this chicken salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of mayonnaise and cottage cheese can change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A healthy and tasty dish that combines rotisserie chicken and creamy cottage cheese with zesty banana peppers and fresh vegetables, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped into small chunks
- 1/2 cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese, blended smooth
- 1/4 cup jarred banana peppers (mild or spicy), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon or spicy mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese mixture, chopped chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery, and green onion. Stir until well combined.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasonings (such as salt and pepper) if needed. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
This chicken salad can be served on its own, in a wrap, or on top of a bed of greens. It’s also great with crackers or on whole-grain bread for a satisfying sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg