This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a light and tasty meal! With juicy chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh veggies, it’s a perfect combo of flavors and textures.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: This recipe shines with shredded chicken. You can use leftover roast chicken or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu for a similar texture.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese keeps this dish light and creamy. If you don’t like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt can work as a tasty alternative!
Celery: Celery adds a nice crunch. If you don’t have celery, diced apples or cucumbers can serve as refreshing substitutes while still yielding a delightful crunch.
Fresh Dill: Dill brings a bright flavor to the salad. If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill works in a pinch—just use a little less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Dried Cranberries: Raisins are a great substitute if cranberries aren’t on hand. You can also use chopped nuts for crunch or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Blend in My Salad?
To ensure all your flavors come together nicely, start by mixing the chicken and cottage cheese in a large bowl. It’s essential to gently fold in the other ingredients to maintain the texture of the chicken.
- Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is a must! This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- If you’re preparing this in advance, consider adding fresh herbs like dill just before serving to keep their flavor vibrant.
- Always taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to match your liking.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill, making a total of around 45 minutes before you can enjoy it. Just mix, chill, and serve—it’s as easy as that!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast and cottage cheese. Give them a gentle mix using a spoon or spatula until nicely blended. This creates a creamy base for your salad.
2. Add the Crunchy Ingredients:
Next, toss in the chopped celery, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh dill. Adding these ingredients brings texture and freshness to the salad, making it extra tasty. Don’t forget to add the dried cranberries or raisins for a pop of sweetness!
3. Mix It Up:
Pour the lemon juice into the mixture and gently stir everything together until well combined. The lemon juice adds a zesty flavor that brightens up the salad. Taste the mixture at this point, and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
4. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time not only allows the flavors to meld together but also ensures the salad is refreshing when served!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy! Serve it on a bed of greens, with crackers, or in a sandwich. It’s a delightful and healthy option that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save time and add great flavor. Just shred the chicken from the bones and use it in the recipe as you would with leftover cooked chicken.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation may occur.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can definitely use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese! It will yield a similar creamy texture, but you’ll get a slight tangier flavor depending on the yogurt brand. It’s a great option for those who prefer it!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
To lighten this recipe even further, you can use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese and reduce the amount of dried fruit. You can also increase the amount of fresh veggies for added volume without many calories!
