High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
I still remember the first crisp October afternoon I tasted this salad on a friend’s back porch, the air scented with cinnamon candles and fallen leaves — it felt like a cozy hug in a bowl. This High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad became an instant favorite because it balances creamy cottage cheese, tender chicken, and autumnal flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Introduction
Whether you’re packing lunch for busy baking days or serving something bright alongside soft pumpkin bread, this High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is perfect for seasonally minded home bakers who love wholesome, comforting recipes. If you enjoy swapping ingredients and trying cottage-cheese-based breakfasts, you’ll also love how versatile this salad is; many readers pair it with recipes like cottage cheese high-protein pancakes for a protein-rich brunch spread.
Why readers love this recipe
- High in protein to keep you satisfied through chilly afternoons.
- Creamy texture without heavy mayo, thanks to cottage cheese.
- Easy to prepare ahead — great for meal prep and weekend bake sales.
- Flexible: swap mix-ins to suit seasonal produce or pantry finds.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded boneless chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup diced apple (Honeycrisp or Gala add fall sweetness)
- 1/3 cup halved red grapes or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
If you’re inspired by cottage-cheese snacks, try small batch treats like the cottage cheese banana oat protein pancake bites as a sweet companion to this salad.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prep the chicken: If your chicken is cold from the fridge, warm it slightly so it mixes easily, then shred or chop to bite-sized pieces.
- Blend the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, and maple syrup until smooth. For a silkier finish, briefly pulse the cottage cheese in a blender before mixing.
- Combine mix-ins: In a large mixing bowl, add chicken, apple, grapes (or cranberries), celery, and nuts.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or chives and serve on whole-grain bread, crisp lettuce cups, or buttery croissants.
For warm variations that golden-brown the chicken or add a fried-rice twist to dinner, check inspirations like high-protein crispy garlic chicken fried rice and adapt the chicken preparation to your meal plan.
Tips for success
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture; low-fat versions can be grainier.
- Toast nuts briefly to intensify their flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
- If you prefer a smoother dressing, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.
- Keep wet ingredients and crunchy mix-ins separate until serving if you like maximum crunch.
- Adjust sweetness with maple or a touch of honey to taste.
Home bakers who plan seasonal spreads will find these little tips helpful when pairing this salad with heartier bowls or sandwich fillings; a few ideas can be inspired by recipes like high-protein cheeseburger bowls for plating and protein balance.
Possible variations
- Gluten-free: Serve the salad in lettuce cups, gluten-free bread, or over roasted squash for a grain-free meal.
- Streusel-inspired topping: For a sweet-savory twist, scatter a small streusel made of oats, cinnamon, butter, and a touch of brown sugar on top of individual servings right before serving (think fall bakery meets salad).
- Add herbs: Swap parsley for dill, tarragon, or basil for bright seasonal notes.
- Make it warmer: Serve the chicken slightly warm for a cozy fall version.
- Power bowl: Turn it into a loaded bowl over quinoa or greens as in a cottage cheese protein power bowl for an energizing meal.
Storage recommendations
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best texture. After 3 days the apples may soften and dressings can separate slightly.
- Freezing: Not recommended — cottage cheese changes texture after freezing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare components separately (dressing, chopped apples, nuts) and combine within 24 hours for peak freshness.
Conclusion
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a cozy, protein-packed recipe that fits beautifully into fall baking days and meal prep routines; for a sandwich twist and extra serving ideas, see Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich – The Almond Eater for inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in a serving of High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad?
A typical serving (about 1 cup) ranges between 300–400 calories depending on ingredients like nuts, yogurt type, and whether you add syrup. Use lower-fat dairy or reduce nuts to lower calories. - Can I substitute mayonnaise for cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the cottage cheese with mayonnaise for a richer taste, but you’ll reduce protein content and increase fat. A mix of both keeps creaminess and protein balanced. - Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days. For maximum crunch, store apples and nuts separately and add them when ready to serve. - Can I use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken?
Both work well. Rotisserie chicken adds flavor and convenience; canned chicken is fine in a pinch but may have a different texture, so adjust seasoning and moisture accordingly.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded boneless chicken breast Can use rotisserie or canned chicken
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese Full-fat gives the best texture
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Choose based on preference
- 1/2 cup diced apple Honeycrisp or Gala adds sweetness
- 1/3 cup halved red grapes or dried cranberries Both options add sweetness
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts Toast for enhanced flavor
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional) Adjust sweetness to taste
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
Preparation
- If your chicken is cold from the fridge, warm it slightly so it mixes easily, then shred or chop to bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, and maple syrup until smooth. For a silkier finish, briefly pulse the cottage cheese in a blender before mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, add chicken, apple, grapes (or cranberries), celery, and nuts.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serving
- Garnish with parsley or chives and serve on whole-grain bread, crisp lettuce cups, or buttery croissants.