This light and tasty Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is perfect for a quick meal! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and crunchy veggies. Yum!
I love whipping this up for lunch! It’s so easy, and it makes great leftovers too. Just grab some crackers or lettuce, and you’re all set for a delicious bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use any cooked chicken for this salad; rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for its flavor and convenience. If you’re looking for a lighter option, roasted turkey is a great substitute.
Cottage Cheese: I love using small curd cottage cheese for this recipe because it blends nicely with the other ingredients. If you’re lactose intolerant, you might substitute it with dairy-free yogurt or ricotta.
Celery: Diced celery adds a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan, chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots can add a similar crunch without overpowering the flavor.
Grapes: Red grapes provide sweetness, but you can easily replace them with diced apples or chopped dried cranberries for a different twist. Both add flavor and texture.
Dill: Fresh dill is my favorite herb here, but if you don’t have it, dried dill will do in a pinch. Just remember to reduce the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Salad is Creamy and Flavorful?
The secret to a deliciously creamy texture and flavor in your cottage cheese chicken salad is all in the mixing! Here are my top tips:
- Start by thoroughly combining the cottage cheese and optional mayo with the chicken. This creates a good base.
- Gently fold in the veggies and grapes last to keep everything intact and fresh.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning! A pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper can elevate the taste significantly.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving; it lets the flavors mingle beautifully.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small or large curd, as preferred)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you choose to chill it, you might want to let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, but it’s perfectly fine to serve immediately!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cottage cheese, diced celery, and halved grapes. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything well so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and chopped fresh dill. This dressing adds creaminess and flavor to your salad!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until it’s all evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the chicken too much; you want nice chunks!
4. Season the Salad:
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. This step is important to enhance all the flavors!
5. Prepare the Plate:
Plate the lettuce leaves on a serving bowl or on individual plates. This not only looks pretty but also adds a nice crunch!
6. Serve the Salad:
Scoop the chicken salad onto the bed of lettuce and garnish with extra sprigs of dill if you like. This adds a lovely touch of freshness!
7. Enjoy!
Serve chilled or at room temperature. This refreshing, protein-packed salad can be enjoyed as a light meal or snack. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just ensure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces to mix well with the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day ahead! Just keep it covered in the fridge. If you add lettuce, do so right before serving to keep it crisp.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you want to skip mayonnaise, you can try additional cottage cheese for creaminess, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Both are delicious alternatives!
