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High Protein Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

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This high protein chicken salad with cottage cheese combines juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy cottage cheese for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep, speedy lunches, or a protein-packed snack, it’s ready in just 20 minutes and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 250g)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, small curd, low-fat or full-fat (240g)
  • 2 medium celery stalks, chopped (about 100g)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (30g)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (60g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (8g, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15g)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed (15ml)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts or pecans, diced apple or grapes, chopped dill pickles or capers, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  1. If starting with raw chicken breast, season lightly with salt and pepper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through. Cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Finely dice celery, red onion, and red bell pepper. Chop parsley if using.
  3. For a creamier texture, mash the cottage cheese with a fork or blend in a food processor until smooth. Leave as is for more texture.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and cottage cheese. Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Add any optional extras (nuts, fruit, seeds) if desired.
  6. Fold everything together gently with a spatula or large spoon until evenly coated.
  7. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. (Optional)
  8. Serve cold on lettuce leaves, with crackers, or on whole grain bread. Garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, blend the cottage cheese before mixing. Customize with your favorite crunchy veggies, nuts, or fruit. Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For dairy-free, use plant-based yogurt. For low-carb, skip fruit and add avocado or extra nuts. Serve chilled for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein, chicken salad, cottage cheese, healthy, meal prep, gluten-free, low carb, easy lunch, post-workout, quick meal

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/high-protein-chicken-salad-with-cottage-cheese-easy-20-minute-healthy-meal/