High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
A creamy, tangy, and protein-packed chicken salad that combines cottage cheese with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes, ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese Choose small-curd, low-fat variety for smoother texture.
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for speed; poach for best texture.
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved Both red and green grapes work; halving prevents wateriness.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery Minced finely for mild crunch; larger pieces add texture.
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise Full-fat Greek yogurt recommended for creaminess without oiliness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds brightness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- to taste salt and pepper Taste the cottage cheese before adding more salt.
- for serving mixed greens or crunchy veggies Choose arugula, baby spinach, or cucumbers for wraps.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your cottage cheese, shredded chicken, halved grapes, and chopped celery in a large bowl.
- If your chicken is cold, let it sit for a few minutes to take the chill off for better flavor melding.
- Use a coarse shred for the chicken for better dressing adherence and texture.
Mixing
- Spoon in the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Dollop the Dijon mustard on top to facilitate mixing and avoid clumping.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the halved grapes and chopped celery to the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together with a spatula, ensuring the dressing coats the chicken and grapes.
Seasoning
- Taste the mix and adjust salt and pepper as needed, along with the balance of Dijon or yogurt/mayo.
Serving
- Serve over mixed greens, in wraps, or piled onto toasted whole-grain bread.
- For a low-carb option, fill halved avocados with the salad.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep grapes firm until assembly to prevent a watery salad. Use mayonnaise or yogurt mixed with Dijon for better dispersal.