Start your day with a simple idea for lunch or meal prep that keeps you full and helps your muscles. This chicken salad uses cottage cheese for a soft, creamy base and packs a big protein punch. It is easy to make in a few minutes and stores well for the week.
INTRODUCTION
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad mixes simple foods into a tasty meal. It uses cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise. This change gives you more protein and less fat in one scoop. If you like quick chicken salads, try a tangy version like this chicken cabbage salad with nuoc cham for a different taste. You will find this salad easy to change to your likes. It works for lunch, a light dinner, or a fast snack.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many small reasons. It is fast to make. It uses plain, healthy foods you can buy at any store. The cottage cheese gives protein without a heavy sauce. The yogurt adds cream and a mild tang. Celery gives a crisp bite. Grapes add a sweet pop if you want them. You can serve the salad on lettuce, in a wrap, or with crunchy low carb veggies. This recipe gives the same protein boost as white chicken chili with cream cheese but in a cool, fresh form. It makes a lot at once, so it is a good pick for meal prep.
HOW TO MAKE High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Make this salad in a bowl, in less than ten minutes if your chicken is ready. Use cooked chicken you shred or chop. You can use rotisserie chicken or left-over roast chicken. Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese. Both work, and both add protein. Mix small amounts and taste as you go. This keeps flavors balanced and not too salty.
If you want warm meals with equal protein power on other days, try a hot, simple soup like the high protein lasagna soup. But for a cold, fast lunch, this cottage cheese chicken salad wins for speed and clean taste.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Cutting board and knife
- Airtight container for storage (for meal prep)
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup grapes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Greens (for serving, optional)
- Low carb crunchy veggies (for serving, optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded chicken, grapes, celery, and red onion.
- Add Greek yogurt for creaminess, and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over greens for a salad, in a sandwich, or wrapped up in a low carb tortilla.
- Enjoy as a high protein meal prep option!
HOW TO SERVE High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Serve it cold or at room temperature. Spoon the salad over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal. Put it inside a whole grain wrap for a quick lunch. Use low carb crunchy veggies like sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks if you want a low carb plate. You can also stack it in a sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomato. For a balanced plate for dinner, pair the salad with a warm side like high protein stuffed pepper soup to add heat and more vegetables. Keep portion sizes in mind if you count calories, but know this dish fills you up.
STORAGE & FREEZING : High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Store the salad in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Do not freeze the salad. Freezing can change the texture of cottage cheese and yogurt and make the salad watery when it thaws. If you plan to keep it longer, store the cooked chicken separately and mix it with cottage cheese just before eating. This keeps the texture fresh.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- On a bed of mixed baby greens with a squeeze of lemon.
- Inside a low carb wrap with extra crunchy veggies.
- Spoon onto cucumber slices or halved bell peppers for snack bites.
- Serve with a side of roasted sweet potato for a fuller meal.
- Add a small handful of nuts or seeds for extra crunch and healthy fat.
VARIATIONS
You can change the salad with a few swaps. Use apples in place of grapes for a tart crunch. Add chopped walnuts for a nutty bite. Swap Greek yogurt for a plain light mayo if you want richer taste. Add herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to brighten the flavor. For a spicy twist, mix in a bit of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne. Try replacing grapes with dried cranberries for a sweet note. If you want a lower carb version, skip the grapes and serve on greens or inside a low carb tortilla. For another high-protein breakfast or snack to pair with this salad on busy days, try the high protein pumpkin overnight oats as a morning option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use tuna instead of chicken?
A: Yes. Use the same amount of canned or cooked tuna. Drain canned tuna well. Mix with cottage cheese and yogurt the same way.
Q: Is cottage cheese okay for people watching calories?
A: Yes. Low-fat cottage cheese gives plenty of protein with fewer calories. Pick the fat level that fits your plan.
Q: Can I make this salad without yogurt?
A: Yes. You can use only cottage cheese or add a small amount of light mayo. Yogurt adds cream and tang but is not required.
Q: How long will the salad keep in the fridge?
A: Keep it in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Mix fresh if it looks watery before serving.
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: No. Use cooked chicken only. Cook the chicken by baking, boiling, or using a rotisserie bird. Let the chicken cool, then shred.
Q: Is this salad keto friendly?
A: It can be. Skip the grapes and serve on greens or in a low carb wrap. Use full-fat cottage cheese if you want more fat and fewer carbs.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Make the chicken up to three days ahead and store it in the fridge. Keep the cottage cheese and yogurt mixed with the chicken only when you plan to eat it within one to two days for best texture. If you plan to prepare several meals, portion the salad into meal prep containers and place a small paper towel on top to reduce excess moisture. Add fresh grapes and greens just before eating to keep them crisp. If you make the salad a day ahead, stir it well before serving to even out the texture.
Tips for fast prep:
- Shred rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Use pre-chopped celery or a bag of mixed greens.
- Use a fork to mash larger curds of cottage cheese for a smoother mix if you like a uniform texture.
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad gives you a fast, clean meal that stays fresh for several days. It is easy to change to your tastes and fits many meal plans. Keep it simple with few steps and enjoy a protein-rich meal any day of the week.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded chicken, grapes, celery, and red onion.
- Add Greek yogurt for creaminess, and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over greens for a salad, in a sandwich, or wrapped up in a low carb tortilla.