This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a light and fresh meal that’s super easy to whip up. With tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and crisp veggies, it’s a winner!
It’s perfect for lunch or a quick snack. I love piling it on some whole grain bread, or just enjoying it straight from the bowl. Yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually go for rotisserie chicken for its ease and flavor. If you’re up for it, you can also roast or poach your own chicken. Just ensure it’s shredded or chopped finely for the best texture.
Cottage Cheese: The small curd cottage cheese works wonders in this salad. If you’re looking for a creamier texture, try ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Both add nice creaminess!
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice crunch and a mild sharpness. If you find it too strong, feel free to swap it with green onions or use sweet onion for a milder flavor.
Dill and Parsley: Fresh herbs bring the salad to life! If you don’t have dill, you could use chives or tarragon instead. For parsley lovers, I recommend using flat-leaf parsley for its flavor.
Lemon Juice: This is optional, but a little brightness never hurts! If you don’t have lemon, lime juice or vinegar would do the trick, adding a pleasant zing.
How Can I Ensure the Perfect Mix for My Salad?
When mixing your salad, the key is to combine everything evenly so each bite is flavorful. Here’s how:
- Start with chicken and cottage cheese in a large mixing bowl to create a good base.
- Add in your chopped veggies and herbs, mixing gently so they distribute evenly without mashing the cottage cheese.
- Season with garlic powder and pepper, or even a pinch of salt if needed. This step really enhances the overall taste.
- After mixing, taste a small spoonful and adjust any seasonings or add more lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Let the salad chill in the fridge. This step allows flavors to meld beautifully!
Remember, the joy of this salad comes from its freshness, so don’t be afraid to adjust ingredients based on what’s in your fridge!
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd variety recommended)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced or diced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing all the ingredients, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes, including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Chicken and Cottage Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding your cooked shredded chicken and cottage cheese. This will serve as the base of your salad, so make sure to blend them well together.
2. Add Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Next, toss in the diced red onion, celery, and the chopped fresh dill and parsley. These veggies and herbs add delightful crunch and flavor! Stir gently to mix everything together without breaking down the cottage cheese too much.
3. Season to Taste
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the garlic powder and black pepper. If you’re using lemon juice, go ahead and add that in too! Mix everything together until it’s well combined, and taste for seasoning adjustments.
4. Chill and Serve
Once everything is blended nicely, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and tastes even better!
5. Garnish and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. Scoop it into a serving bowl and garnish with sliced or diced cucumber and a few fresh parsley sprigs. Enjoy your refreshing Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad as a light meal or on a sandwich!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option and adds extra flavor to your salad. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again!
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a creamier texture, you can replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or even ricotta cheese. Both will maintain the creaminess while changing the flavor slightly.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can totally customize this salad! Great additions include bell peppers, carrots, or even diced apples for a sweet crunch. Just ensure any added veggies are chopped finely to balance the texture.
