Mind-Blowing High Protein Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
Introduction
Packed with lean protein and creamy, tangy flavor, this High Protein Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a game changer for quick lunches, meal prep, or a satisfying dinner. The combination of tender chicken, nutrient-dense vegetables, and the unique richness of cottage cheese delivers a salad that’s not only healthy, but also delightfully satisfying and perfect for anyone looking to up their protein intake.
Why This Chicken Salad Will Blow Your Mind
Unlike traditional mayo-based chicken salads, this version uses creamy cottage cheese to keep things light without sacrificing flavor or texture. The bonus? Supercharged protein content and a punch of freshness with each bite. It’s the ultimate blend of convenience, taste, and nutrition – ideal for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or a show-stopping potluck dish.
A Protein-Packed Twist on a Classic
By swapping mayonnaise for cottage cheese, you get a smooth, luscious dressing that binds the salad together while boosting protein and cutting calories. The combination of juicy chicken breast, crunchy celery, crisp red onion, and tender greens creates perfect harmony – and the addition of herbs or a sprinkle of paprika makes every bite pop.
How to Prepare Your High Protein Chicken Salad
Start by using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum ease, or poach and shred chicken breasts if you prefer homemade. Chop crunchy celery, red onion, and any additional veggies you love. Mix everything gently with creamy cottage cheese, squeeze in a touch of lemon juice, and season to taste for a simple, high-impact meal.
Serving Ideas for a Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Salad
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of greens, stuffed into a whole-grain pita, or wrapped in a tortilla for lunch on the go. It pairs wonderfully with whole grain crackers or sliced cucumbers for added crunch, making it a great choice for parties or healthy family dinners.
Nutritional Information and Serving Sizes
This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings, each providing roughly 38 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs, and under 250 calories (without add-ons). It’s filling, nutritious, and perfect for those mindful of macros, or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter take on classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Mind-Blowing Chicken Salad (Recap)
Fresh, creamy, and protein-packed, this chicken salad is easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and ready to keep you fueled throughout busy weeks. Using cottage cheese gives it a richer flavor while keeping things light and satisfying.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list sorted by store section, making your next grocery trip and weekly meal planning a breeze.
Instructions
- Combine chicken, cottage cheese, celery, onion, cucumber or bell pepper (if using), and fresh herbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Add lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly coated and all ingredients are well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and salad to firm up.
- Serve cold over leafy greens, stuffed into pitas, or wrapped in tortillas. Enjoy immediately or store covered for up to 3 days.
Weekly Meal Planning
This high protein chicken salad is perfect for meal prep and planning ahead! Save and schedule this recipe to plan your meals for the week and automatically generate a smart shopping list with accurately calculated ingredients for all your meals.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically aggregates ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
- Organizes your shopping list by grocery department
- Ensures you never miss an ingredient
- Simplifies your weekly meal prep and saves time
Pro tip: Schedule your recipes together so overlapping ingredients—like chicken or herbs—are calculated accurately, helping you cut food waste and streamline your grocery shopping!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling, optional)
