Description

This refreshing Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a protein-packed, creamy dish perfect for a light lunch or a wholesome snack. Made with tender shredded chicken breasts, smooth blended cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables like celery and spring onions, it’s flavored with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill for a tangy, herby punch. Easy to prepare and naturally low in fat, this salad is nutritious and delicious, ideal for meal prep or quick meals.

Ingredients

Chicken

1¼ pounds cooked and shredded chicken breasts (or chopped)

Dressing & Mix-ins

1 cup cottage cheese
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
3 spring onions, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken. Shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks or a chicken shredder tool, or chop them into small pieces. Set the prepared chicken aside for later use.
Blend the cottage cheese. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the cottage cheese in a bowl until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. This step ensures a better, creamier texture for the salad base.
Assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, chopped celery, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, avocado oil, chopped fresh dill, sliced spring onions, garlic powder, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Then fold in the shredded chicken and mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
Chill and serve. Cover the salad bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and enhances the taste. Serve the salad cold as a standalone meal or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Notes

Using cooked chicken breasts from a previous meal or a store-bought rotisserie chicken can save preparation time.
For a smoother dressing, make sure the cottage cheese is well blended.
You can customize this salad by adding chopped nuts or diced apples for extra texture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For a dairy-free option, substitute cottage cheese with a suitable plant-based soft cheese alternative.