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Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad - Creamy, Protein-Packed, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (breast or thigh)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd for texture, large curd for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (optional for richness)
  • 1 celery rib, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • Optional mix-ins: 1/3 cup halved grapes or diced apple, 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), 1 tablespoon capers, or 1/4 cup diced pickles

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: If using rotisserie or leftover chicken, remove skin and bones, then chop or shred into bite-size pieces.
  2. Blend the creamy base: In a medium bowl, stir cottage cheese, Greek yogurt or mayo, lemon juice, and Dijon until combined. For a smoother texture, mash slightly with a fork.
  3. Add aromatics: Fold in celery, red onion, dill or parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine: Add the chicken and gently mix until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
  5. Customize: Stir in any optional mix-ins like grapes, apple, nuts, capers, or pickles for extra flavor and texture.
  6. Chill (optional but great): Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Serve: Spoon onto mixed greens, stuff into a pita or wrap, spread on toast, or pair with crackers and sliced veggies.