Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love It

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is not just your average lunch upgrade—it’s a protein-packed, creamy, and refreshing take on a classic that’s perfect for meal prep, summer gatherings, or a light but satisfying dinner. Originating from a family recipe that’s so good it allegedly won a county fair ribbon, this chicken salad uses cottage cheese in place of mayo, giving it a rich texture and a boost in nutrition.

Reasons to Make This Recipe:

• High-protein & low-fat: Cottage cheese offers protein without the added fat of traditional mayo.
• Great for meal prep: Holds well in the fridge and is perfect for lunches or light dinners.
• Versatile: Serve it in wraps, on lettuce, with crackers, or as a sandwich.
• Easy to customize: Add grapes, nuts, or herbs to mix things up.
• Refreshing and creamy: A perfect balance of texture and flavor for warm days.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cottage Cheese

This is the star swap in the dish. Cottage cheese provides a creamy texture similar to mayo but with less fat and more protein. It also adds a slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken and fruit.

Chicken Breast

Lean and packed with protein, shredded chicken breast creates the perfect base for soaking up flavor while keeping the dish light.

Ingredients List

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, your choice)
• ¼ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup diced apple (choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Optional Add-Ins and Swaps

• ¼ cup halved grapes (red or green)
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
• Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cottage cheese
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Cook and shred the chicken breast if not using pre-cooked or rotisserie. Dice celery and apple, and chop parsley if using.
2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, celery, diced apple, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the fresh parsley.
4. Combine: Stir gently until everything is well-coated but not mushy.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
6. Serve: Spoon the salad into lettuce wraps, sandwiches, whole-grain wraps, or with whole-grain crackers.

Pro Tips

• Use finely shredded chicken for a creamier texture that blends better with the cottage cheese.
• Drain cottage cheese slightly if it’s too wet; this helps avoid a soggy salad.
• Chill before serving to enhance the texture and meld flavors.
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to balance the creamy base.
• Double the recipe for potlucks or meal prepping.

Variations

1. Grape & Walnut Version: Add halved grapes and chopped walnuts for a Waldorf-inspired twist.
2. Spicy Chicken Salad: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeño.
3. Greek Style: Add chopped cucumber, kalamata olives, and a pinch of oregano.
4. Avocado Upgrade: Swap half the cottage cheese with mashed avocado for healthy fats.
5. Berry-Boosted: Add dried cranberries or blueberries for a sweet, tangy pop.

Serving Suggestions

• Lettuce Wraps: Perfect for a low-carb lunch.
• Stuffed Pita: Fill whole-wheat pita pockets with salad and arugula.
• Open-Faced Sandwiches: On toasted sourdough or rye.
• Picnic Box: Pair with fresh fruit, crackers, and baby carrots.
• On a Salad Bowl: Serve over a bed of greens with extra veggies.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy and fresh veggies don’t thaw well.
• Reheating: This is a cold dish; no reheating necessary.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to skip the cooking step.
• Dice all add-ins in advance and keep them in airtight containers.
• Mix in bulk and store in smaller containers for grab-and-go meals.
• Use mini food processors to quickly chop ingredients.

What to Serve With This Dish

• Soups: Like tomato basil or chicken vegetable.
• Crackers or rice cakes: Great for dipping or scooping.
• Fresh fruit: Such as apple slices, grapes, or melon.
• Veggie sticks: Like cucumber, carrot, or bell pepper strips.
• Quinoa or couscous salad: For a balanced, hearty lunch.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is rich in casein protein, which digests slowly and helps with satiety. It’s also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is low in fat but high in lean protein, which helps maintain muscle mass and supports a healthy metabolism.

Apples

Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness. Their crunch also adds texture to the salad without extra calories.

Celery

Celery is low in calories but high in water and fiber, making it a hydrating, crunchy addition that boosts the salad’s volume without heaviness.

Kid-Friendly Adaptations

• Milder flavors: Skip the mustard or use a honey mustard for sweetness.
• Serve with fun dippers: Like pretzel sticks, mini pita bread, or apple slices.
• Add fun shapes: Use small cookie cutters to cut apple pieces into stars or hearts.
• Make mini wraps: Use soft tortillas to roll up the chicken salad in kid-sized portions.
• Let kids help: Allow them to mix the ingredients or choose add-ins like grapes or cheese cubes.

Best Dips to Pair With Chicken Salad

• Hummus: Adds fiber and creaminess; great with veggie sticks.
• Greek Yogurt Dip: A light, herby dip that complements the cottage cheese base.
• Tzatziki: Refreshing, tangy, and perfect with pita chips.
• Avocado Salsa: Brings creaminess and brightness in one.
• Sweet Mustard Sauce: For those who love a little sweet-savory punch.

Troubleshooting Guide

Salad too watery?

• Drain the cottage cheese before adding.
• Pat your celery and apples dry after chopping.

Too bland?

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar.
• Mix in chopped fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or basil.

Texture too soft?

• Add extra celery, nuts, or sunflower seeds.
• Try using a firmer apple variety.

Need more flavor?

• Stir in a tablespoon of pickle juice or chopped pickles.
• Sprinkle in smoked paprika or garlic powder.

Print

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.

Is there a dairy-free alternative? Try using mashed avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Can I use canned chicken? You can, though fresh or rotisserie chicken has a better texture.

What type of cottage cheese works best? Small curd, low-fat cottage cheese is ideal for creaminess without being too watery.

Can I freeze this salad? Freezing is not recommended due to the cottage cheese and apples.

How do I reduce sodium? Use no-salt-added chicken and low-sodium mustard; season with herbs instead of salt.

What apples are best? Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is more than a healthy alternative—it’s a crave-worthy classic with a protein-packed twist. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next potluck or just want something fresh and satisfying for lunch, this salad checks every box. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to meal prep staple!

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag and share—we love seeing your creations!