Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

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Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a game-changer for your lunchtime routine! It’s easy to make, is filling, tastes great, and is actually good for you too! How many things can you say that about?

 

 

We’re talking about juicy chicken, zesty dill pickles, and creamy cottage cheese. So good! And when you combine them? Perfection!

Chicken salad with cottage cheese is a great way to use up leftover chicken (rotisserie chicken, anyone?).

It’s a healthier version of a traditional chicken salad recipe, thanks to cottage cheese.

You can meal prep this salad for an entire week’s worth of lunches.

And fresh herbs like parsley and chives give it a mouthwatering smell and flavor.

Plus chicken salad made with cottage cheese is super customizable! Great substitute ingredients await for those who love to experiment!

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad?

Head on down to the grocery store, grab these simple ingredients, and whip up this delicious and healthy chicken and cottage cheese recipe. 

• Chicken: The protein-packed star, grilled or rotisserie works!
• Dill Pickles: For that zesty crunch.
• Pickle Juice: Adds tang and moisture.
• Celery: For a little extra crunch.
• Cottage Cheese with Chives: A healthier ingredient that replaces the bulk of mayo.
• Fresh Parsley & Chives: Smell delicious! Taste delicious! What’s not to love?
• Mayonnaise: Just a touch for creaminess.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Pro Tip: 

• If you’re not a big fan of cottage cheese, you could opt for low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
• Lemon juice can be used in place of pickle juice in a pinch.
• Leftover chicken! I’ll say it again for those in the back! Definitely use leftover chicken!

 

 

How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Easily make chicken salad sandwiches or just it it as a free chicken salad on a bed of lettuce! You choose!

1. Combine everything in a medium bowl.
2. Give it a taste test and adjust as needed.
3. It’s seriously that easy! I’m not kidding!

Pro Tip: If you’ve got a food processor, use it to chop up your veggies and even the chicken, but be careful not to over-process!

 

 

Why Do People Add Cottage Cheese to Chicken Salad?

Mostly, people add cottage cheese to chicken salad because it’s healthier than the other options.

Cottage cheese is a lower-fat, higher-protein alternative to mayo or sour cream. 

It makes your chicken salad taste rich but keeps it on the healthier side!

Personally, I really like that because it’s such an easy swap but even the kids don’t seem to mind eating it that way!

 

 

Is Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Healthy?

This chicken salad with cottage cheese is super healthy! 

You’ve got lean protein from chicken breast and low-fat cottage cheese! 

It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet or even aim for weight loss.

I’m no diet specialist though. So if you’ve got your own special diet, talk to someone who knows more about that than me!

 

 

Can I Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?

You definitely can and should make this healthy chicken salad ahead of time! 

Prep it and store it in an airtight container for meal prep. 

I actually find the flavors blend a little better given a little time and taste fantastic!

It’s probably best to consume it within 24 hours. After that the taste and texture may change.

 

 

How Long Does Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad can last up to 3-4 days.

You should always, always keep it in the fridge!

Cottage cheese and mayo like most dairy products go bad quickly if left on the counter.

And if you’re taking this to a potluck? Never leave it in the sun! Take it out when serving, and then put it right back.

I never find it lasts very long though. Most of the time it gets eaten really quickly!

 

 

Can I Freeze Chicken Salad made with Cottage Cheese?

I don’t recommend freezing this salad. 

Dairy products like cottage cheese can change texture when frozen and thawed. And not in a good way!

You could always freeze the chicken though! Freeze it and pull it out whenever you need it!

That way you can actually have this ready to go so quickly! Thaw the chicken and toss it all together! Bam! Done!

 

 

Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad?

Dog’s might be able to eat small amounts maybe. But you probably shouldn’t feed them any honestly. 

Seasonings like onions and garlic are toxic to dogs! 

This particular recipe doesn’t call for those but you still want to be careful!

Little dogs and big dogs can both have issues. 

So no matter your dogs size, it’s best to stick to their own dog food.

And if you have any questions, call your vet! I’m not an animal doctor by any stretch of the imagination!

 

 

What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad?

Feel free to serve it in a lettuce wrap, on slices of whole-grain bread. 

Or even solo with some red grapes or red bell pepper slices on the side would be great too!

Here are some other recipes I think would go great with it if you want to make it more of a meal:

 

 

Additional Chicken Recipes You’ll Love…

• Chicken Mushroom Risotto
• Sour Cream Chicken
• Korean Chicken Skewers
• Chicken Carbonara Pasta
• Chicken Fajita Bowl
• Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Scallions
• Lemon Herb Chicken
• Tropical Chicken
• Chicken Pesto Artichoke Pasta
• Fried Chicken Flatbread
• Chicken Salad Quesadilla
• Chicken Paprikash
• Avocado Chicken Salad
• One Pot Chicken Lo Mein

There’s something super satisfying about making your own cottage cheese chicken salad, especially one that is this  tasty and healthy! 

Let’s face it, this is going to be one of your favorite recipes; it’s just that good!

 

Originally Posted: August 3, 2017

Photos & Text Updated: January 7, 2024