This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and crunchy veggies. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for lunch!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy a satisfying meal that feels oh-so-refreshing! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works best, giving great flavor and texture. If you don’t have chicken on hand, turkey or even canned chicken can make a nice alternative.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese keeps this salad light and tasty. For a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu, blended to a creamy consistency.
Celery: This adds a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan, consider substituting with diced bell peppers or cucumber for a fresh twist.
Red Onion: It adds a bit of zing! If it’s too strong for you, swap it with green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill makes the salad pop, but if you can’t find any, parsley or even basil can work beautifully.
Mayonnaise: This is optional for creaminess. You can skip it for a lighter dish, or use Greek yogurt for a richer texture without the added fat.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Chicken Salad?
Getting the right mix of textures in your salad is key. Start with shredded chicken as it blends smoothly with the creamy cottage cheese.
- Make sure your veggies are finely chopped—this helps them integrate well and adds that satisfying crunch.
- Mix everything gently but thoroughly. You want a cohesive salad without over-mixing; that leads to mushiness.
- Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a refreshing taste!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up, and if you let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes, the flavors will blend even better. Total time from start to finish is approximately 45 minutes if you include chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, low-fat cottage cheese, finely chopped celery, red onion, shredded carrot, and fresh dill. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix everything together gently. You want an even mix without breaking up the chicken too much.
2. Adding Creaminess and Flavor:
Add the optional mayonnaise (if you want extra creaminess) and lemon juice to the bowl. Stir everything until it’s well combined. This will give your salad a nice, smooth texture.
3. Seasoning the Salad:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure all the flavors are distributed evenly throughout the salad.
4. Serving:
Transfer your delicious chicken salad to a serving bowl. For a nice finishing touch, sprinkle a little paprika on top and add a few extra sprigs of fresh dill as garnish.
5. Enjoy:
Serve the salad chilled. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich. This creamy, crunchy salad is sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad! 🌱
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works great. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try substituting the cottage cheese with blended silken tofu. It gives a similar creamy texture without any dairy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the flavors.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even diced cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor. Just be sure to keep the chopped pieces small for better texture!