Why Make This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a nutritious and delicious option for lunch or dinner. It combines protein-rich cottage cheese and shredded chicken, making it filling and satisfying. The fresh ingredients add flavor and crunch, while the ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy days. This salad is versatile and can be served in different ways, perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain full fat cottage cheese
- 1.25 to 1.5 lb shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil mayo
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions:
- Add cottage cheese to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, blended cottage cheese, mayo, red onion, celery, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- You can enjoy the salad right away or chill it before serving.
- Serve with crackers, on bread or a wrap for a sandwich, or over a bed of greens.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Remember to give it a quick stir before serving as it may release some liquid.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad can be served in various ways. You can enjoy it on a bed of greens for a light meal, spread it on whole-grain bread or wraps for a sandwich, or serve it with crispy crackers on the side. Each option offers a different flavor experience, making it easy to personalize your meal.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
To keep Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 days. If you notice any liquid has separated, simply stir the salad before serving. This helps maintain the salad’s creamy texture.
Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the seasonings to match your taste; you can add more herbs or spices.
- For a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts or seeds.
- Experiment with different types of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Variation
For a twist, you can add fruits like grapes or apples for sweetness, or toss in additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra color and nutrition. You can also substitute the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a creamier and tangier flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option. However, keep in mind that it might change the creaminess of the salad.
2. How can I make this salad dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt and use a vegan mayo alternative.
3. Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad because the texture of the ingredients may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Add cottage cheese to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, blended cottage cheese, mayo, red onion, celery, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- You can enjoy the salad right away or chill it before serving.
- Serve with crackers, on bread or a wrap for a sandwich, or over a bed of greens.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, stirring before serving as it may release some liquid.