High Protein Chicken Salad

This high protein chicken salad is my reliable go-to for quick lunches and satisfying snacks all week. Packed full of lean chicken and a creamy blended cottage cheese dressing, it never gets old and adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

The first time I made this I was skeptical about cottage cheese but it melts seamlessly into the dressing I have been hooked ever since and even my picky eaters gobble it up with no complaints

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: Lean chicken gives the salad its protein punch Look for fresh chicken with a pink hue and firm texture
• Chicken seasoning or salt: Enhances the chicken flavor Choose a favorite poultry blend or a simple sea salt
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness Use a good quality mayo for the smoothest result or try olive oil based for a lighter touch
• Cottage cheese: Blends up creamy and tangy Look for full fat for extra flavor and a softer blend
• Grapes quartered: Juicy bursts of sweetness Pick firm grapes with tight skins for the best texture
• Celery ribs chopped: Crisp crunch and freshness Pale green stalks with perky leaves signal peak freshness
• Fresh lemon juice: Bright acidity balances richness Use freshly squeezed for the best zing
• Dried oregano: Earthy herbal note Rub the dried leaves between your fingers to release aroma before adding
• Garlic powder: Savory and aromatic This brings a mellow allium base to the whole salad
• Smoked paprika: Subtle smokiness to elevate flavor Look for vibrant red powder with a sweet-smoky aroma
• Onion powder: Rounds out flavors with mild sweetness Choose a brand that smells fresh not musty
• Ground black pepper: Adds mild bite and fragrance Freshly cracked is ideal
• Salt to taste: Adjusts all the flavors for balance A finishing sprinkle can make a big difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Chicken:

Place chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water Season with chicken seasoning or salt Bring to a gentle boil cover and cook for about twenty minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender If you are using rotisserie chicken skip to shredding

Blend Dressing:

In a blender or food processor combine cottage cheese and mayonnaise Process until perfectly smooth This creates a rich thick base that blends easily with the chicken

Shred Chicken:

Remove the cooked chicken to a large bowl Let it cool briefly then use two forks to shred it as finely as you like Finely shredded chicken blends with the dressing for a more even bite

Combine Ingredients:

Add the smooth cottage cheese mayo blend to the shredded chicken Stir in quartered grapes chopped celery fresh lemon juice dried oregano garlic powder smoked paprika and onion powder Make sure every piece gets coated for full flavor

Season and Adjust:

Add salt and ground black pepper Taste and add more mayo or lemon juice if you prefer more creaminess or tang Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed

Chill or Serve:

For best flavor refrigerate the finished salad for at least one hour to let the dressing meld into every bite Serve immediately if preferred but chilling brings it all together

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My favorite part is always the juicy pop of sweet grapes against the savory creamy base I still remember my little one sneaking grapes from the bowl as I was quartering them and now grape stealing is practically a recipe step at our house

Storage Tips

This chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge For the freshest flavor stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may collect at the bottom Avoid freezing because the creamy elements can separate and lose their appeal

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangier lighter twist Apples or dried cranberries work well instead of grapes for a different kind of sweetness Raw sunflower seeds make a fantastic nut free crunch if you want a bit more texture

Serving Suggestions

Pile this chicken salad onto whole grain toast or spoon into lettuce cups for a low carb option I also love it stuffed into pita bread or scooped over greens for a more substantial salad It is delicious for picnics or lunches on the go

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling fresh chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Simply shred and proceed with the other ingredients.

→ What does cottage cheese add to the dish?

Cottage cheese boosts the protein content and provides a creamy texture without overpowering the flavor.

→ How can I make the texture creamier?

Mix in extra mayonnaise or blended cottage cheese. Plain Greek yogurt also adds creaminess with a tangy note.

→ How long should I chill the salad for best flavor?

Chilling for 1–2 hours helps the flavors meld and results in better texture and taste. It can also be served immediately.

→ Is this dish suitable for wrapping or as a sandwich filling?

Yes, finely shredded chicken and the creamy mixture make it ideal for wraps, sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.