This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and crunchy veggies. It’s light, fresh, and super easy to whip up!
Honestly, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. I love adding a bit of pickle for extra zing—makes it feel a little fancy while keeping it quick and simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead.
Cottage Cheese: Both small and large curds work well, so choose based on your texture preference. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a thicker, creamier base.
Celery: Diced cucumber or bell peppers can add a nice crunch if you don’t have celery. Feel free to swap in any crunchy veggies you enjoy!
Red Onion: If red onion feels too sharp, sweet onion or even green onions are good substitutes. They can mellow the flavor while still adding that nice bite.
Dill: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can replace dill if you prefer a different flavor profile. It’s all about what works for your taste!
How Do I Get the Right Mix of Flavors in My Chicken Salad?
Balancing flavors is key to a wonderful chicken salad. Here’s how to do it: Start with the chicken and cottage cheese. This combination gives a creamy and protein-packed base. Then, layer in the diced vegetables for crunch.
- Add a touch of mayonnaise if you like it creamier, but the cottage cheese alone can work just fine!
- Next, sprinkle your seasoning. Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad and helps bring out flavors.
- Always taste before serving! If it needs more salt, pepper, or spices, adjust to your personal taste.
For an extra flavor boost, I love to add a bit of hot sauce or squeeze of mustard for zing. Enjoy making it your own!
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small or large curd based on preference)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional for creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for garnish)
- Cherry tomatoes (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad requires just about 15 minutes for preparation. If you are using leftover chicken, it’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded cooked chicken and cottage cheese. This will create the creamy, protein-packed foundation of your salad.
2. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the diced celery and thinly sliced red onion. These veggies will add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad.
3. Make it Creamy:
If you enjoy a creamier texture, stir in the mayonnaise at this stage. It adds richness but is totally optional if you’d like to keep it lighter.
4. Season and Blend:
Now, mix in the dried dill, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly incorporated. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary—more salt, lemon, or pepper can brighten the flavors!
5. Final Touches:
Transfer your chicken salad to a serving bowl, and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika on top for a little color and flavor boost.
6. Serving Suggestions:
Serve chilled! This salad is great on its own or can be used as a filling for sandwiches, on top of crackers, or as a refreshing dish alongside leafy greens. Don’t forget some cherry tomatoes on the side for a burst of color and freshness!
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, and fresh—the perfect light meal or snack. Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded or chopped leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s already cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t available, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute! It will give you a similar creamy texture while adding a bit of tang. You could also try ricotta cheese, but it will result in a different texture.
How Long Can I Store This Salad?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the vegetables may lose some crispness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and swap cottage cheese with silken tofu or a plant-based yogurt. For a creamier version, consider using avocado or a creamy vegan dressing.