Chicken Salad Made with Cottage Cheese

If you love chicken salad but want a lighter, protein-packed twist, this chicken salad made with cottage cheese is for you! Instead of mayo, we’re using a mix of Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for a creamy texture, plus plenty of crunchy and sweet mix-ins like celery, grapes, and bell peppers. It’s perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or a quick snack!

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Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

✔️ High in Protein – Thanks to cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and chicken, this salad is packed with protein to keep you full.
✔️ Lighter & Healthier – No mayo means a lower-fat, high-protein alternative to traditional chicken salad.
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch and enjoy it all week! The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge.
✔️ Crunchy + Sweet Balance – Celery, grapes, and bell peppers give the perfect mix of textures and flavors.

One of the main benefits of using cottage cheese in this chicken salad recipe is its nutritional profile. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting overall health. By incorporating cottage cheese into the dressing, you’re adding a protein boost to the salad, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Additionally, cottage cheese is a rich source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. It also provides phosphorus, which works in conjunction with calcium to maintain bone health. By including cottage cheese in your chicken salad, you’re not only enjoying its creamy texture but also reaping the benefits of these essential nutrients.

Tips for Success

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – A great shortcut if you don’t have time to cook chicken from scratch.
• Chop Ingredients Evenly – This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors. I use this vegetable chopper
• Let it Chill – Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld.

 Click here to see the step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

Customizations to cottage cheese chicken salad

⭐ Swap the Protein – Try canned tuna, shredded turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
⭐ Add Some Nuts – Sliced almonds or walnuts add crunch and healthy fats.
⭐ Make it Sweeter – Add diced apples or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
⭐ Herb it Up – Fresh parsley, dill, or chives would be a great addition.

Serving Suggestions

🥪 As a Sandwich – Serve on toasted bread or a croissant for a hearty meal.
🥗 Over Greens – Spoon it onto a bed of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a light salad.
🌮 In a Wrap – Roll it up in a whole wheat or lettuce wrap for a grab-and-go meal.
🍞 With Crackers – Perfect for a protein-packed snack or easy lunch.

This cottage cheese chicken salad is proof that healthy can still be creamy, crunchy, and totally delicious! Give it a try and let me know your favorite way to serve it! 🥗✨

Chicken salad made with cottage cheese

This recipe takes a classic dish and adds a twist by incorporating cottage cheese. With the addition of fresh vegetables, juicy grapes, and a tangy dressing, this chicken salad is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for lunch or a light dinner. 

5 from 1 vote

Print Rate

Servings: 3

Ingredients

• 1 7oz chicken breast cooked, shredded/chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup celery chopped
• 1 cup grapes halved or quartered
• 1/3 cup bell peppers chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder and dried dill optional

Instructions

• Cook the chicken, then chop it
  
• Chop the celery, grapes, onion and bell peppers into small pieces
• Once chicken is cooled, add to a bowl or casserole dish, then add the celery, onion, bell peppers and grapes then mix
• Add the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese and mix
• Add the dijon mustard and salt and pepper to taste then mix
  
• Serve by itself, with crackers, on a sandwich or in a lettuce wrap!

Notes

Nutrition information disclaimer: the nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.

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