Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with protein from the chicken and cottage cheese, it’s also filled with fresh fruits and veggies, making it a well-rounded meal. This salad is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it can be customized to your liking, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Chicken – Precooked (Canned or Rotisserie)
- 2 Cups Cottage Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise (Light/Low Fat if desired)
- 1/2 Cup Onion – Chopped
- 1 Cup Celery – Chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Nuts – Crushed (e.g., Walnuts)
- 2 Tablespoons Cranberries – Dried
- 1 Apple – Chopped
- 1/2 Cup Grapes – Sliced
Directions
- Shred or break up your precooked Chicken into a bowl.
- Chop up all of your fruits and vegetables.
- Add all of your ingredients aside from your Chicken into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix everything together.
- Add and mix in your Chicken.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
This salad can be served in multiple ways. You can enjoy it on a bed of leafy greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap. It’s also great on its own as a light meal. Feel free to garnish it with fresh herbs or additional nuts for extra texture.
How to Store Healthy Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
To store any leftover chicken salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
Tips to Make Healthy Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
- Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on your taste preference or dietary needs.
- For a little extra crunch, consider adding bell peppers or cucumbers.
- Make it a meal prep option by dividing it into single-serving containers.
Variation
You can vary this recipe by adding different fruits, like oranges or pineapple, or swapping out the nuts for seeds, like sunflower seeds. You could also try different types of cheese or add more spices to give it a kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of precooked chicken?
Yes, you can cook chicken breasts and shred them for this salad. Just ensure they are fully cooked before mixing.
2. Is this chicken salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be made a day in advance. Just remember to store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
Healthy Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces Chicken – Precooked (Canned or Rotisserie) Shredded or broken up
- 2 cups Cottage Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (Light/Low Fat if desired) Adjust based on taste preference
- 1/2 cup Onion – Chopped
- 1 cup Celery – Chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Nuts – Crushed (e.g., Walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons Cranberries – Dried
- 1 piece Apple – Chopped
- 1/2 cup Grapes – Sliced
Instructions
Preparation
- Shred or break up your precooked Chicken into a bowl.
- Chop up all of your fruits and vegetables.
- Add all of your ingredients aside from your Chicken into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix everything together.
- Add and mix in your Chicken.