Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad: A Cozy Meal for Any Day
As the leaves start to turn golden and the air begins to carry that familiar crispness of fall, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a table with loved ones, sharing stories, and enjoying comforting meals. One of my favorite go-to recipes for those cozy moments is the Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad. It’s creamy, flavorful, and exudes warmth, making it the perfect addition to any lunch or dinner table.
This delightful dish reminds me of sunny summer afternoons spent picnicking with family, where every bite was combined with laughter and tales from the past. Today, let’s make a cozy little dish that’s not only delicious but is also an easy weeknight dinner option!
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence!
- Refreshing & Creamy: The cottage cheese creates a wonderfully creamy texture without the need for excessive mayo.
- Versatile: Great on its own, served on a bed of greens, or as a filling sandwich.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A delicious way to get your family and friends excited about healthy eating.
- Make-Ahead: Perfect for meal prepping – just refrigerate and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish
How to Make Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and shredded chicken.
- Add diced celery, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Stir in mayonnaise if desired, and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Citrus Twist: Add fresh orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors and give it a fresh, zesty flair.
- Nutty Textures: Toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy base.
- Tex-Mex Inspired: Sprinkle in some taco seasoning and diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds!
- Fruity Delight: Mix in some diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the savory elements.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This salad can be made a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking to lower the calories, feel free to swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt.
- Slicing Tricks: To get evenly diced vegetables, use a sharp chef’s knife and cut everything into equal sizes – this helps with texture and presentation.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 500mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can easily prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator!
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or proteins.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
How long does it last? This salad is best enjoyed within three days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that brings back memories of warmth and shared moments. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to nourish both your body and soul.
Save this Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad to your “Cozy Recipes” board so it’s ready when you need a delightful treat! Happy cooking!
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Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful cottage cheese chicken salad, perfect for a cozy meal any day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and shredded chicken.
- Add diced celery, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Stir in mayonnaise if desired, and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
This salad can be made a day in advance! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: chicken salad, cottage cheese, healthy recipe, easy meal, make ahead