Pin it
Elevate your regular chicken salad by ditching mayo for rich cottage cheese instead. Those zesty banana peppers add an unexpected kick to this healthier spin on an old favorite. I stumbled upon this mix during my fitness kick and now it's what I whip up every week for my lunches.
I brought this to a health-minded get-together last week and everyone was shocked it wasn't made with mayo. Turns out the better-for-you version can actually taste way better!
Key Ingredients
- Rotisserie Chicken: Go for organic, free-range chicken for richer taste.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Gives you that creamy feel with bonus protein.
- Banana Peppers: Brings that zingy kick and distinctive taste.
- Fresh Celery: Adds that must-have crunchiness.
- Red Onion: Gives bold flavor and pretty color.
- Dijon Mustard: Makes the creamy base even better.
- Fresh Green Onions: Not required but they add bright flavor notes.
Pin it
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Smooth Cottage Cheese Mix
- Begin by blending cottage cheese until it's completely smooth - this step can't be skipped if you want the right texture. Mix in your mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper while you're blending. You want a silky mix with no little cottage cheese lumps.
- Chopping Your Veggies
- Cut celery, red onion, and banana peppers into small, even pieces. This way every bite has balanced flavor. If you're using green onions, cut them thin and use some green parts too for a pop of color.
- Adding The Chicken
- Pull or cut rotisserie chicken into small chunks, taking off skin and bones first. Mix with your blended cottage cheese until everything's coated. The slightly warm chicken helps all the flavors come together nicely.
- Putting It All Together
- Carefully fold in your chopped veggies, trying not to break up the chicken too much. Give it a taste and add more seasonings if needed, keeping in mind flavors will get stronger as it sits in the fridge.
I came up with this when I wanted something packed with protein that wasn't loaded with mayo. Sometimes the healthiest swaps turn out to be the tastiest ones.
Prep Ahead Plan
Try making twice as much on Sunday so you've got easy lunches ready all week. Pack in single portions to grab quickly when you're heading out. It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.
Ways To Enjoy
- Pile it on fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
- Roll it up in a low-carb wrap
- Scoop it into a hollowed tomato for a fancy look
- Serve with sliced avocado or boiled eggs to make it a fuller meal
Keeping It Fresh
Store in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Just stir it up if any liquid pools at the bottom. The veggies stay crunchy and the chicken stays juicy thanks to that cottage cheese base.
Wrapping Up
This Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad shows that healthy swaps can actually create something tastier than the original version. Every forkful gives you protein-rich goodness with bright, tangy flavors. Whether you're tracking your macros or just want a tasty lunch option, this proves eating healthy doesn't mean bland food. It's gone beyond just being a healthier choice - it's become a favorite dish in its own right.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to blend cottage cheese?
- It gives you a smooth, creamy base similar to mayo but with fewer calories.
- → Can I use a different kind of chicken?
- Totally, use any cooked chicken you have, though rotisserie is especially easy.
- → How long will leftovers last?
- Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for three days.
- → Can I tone down or kick up the heat?
- Sure, pick mild or spicy banana peppers depending on how hot you like it.
- → Is this salad okay for keto eaters?
- Yep, it’s perfect with just 5.1g net carbs per serving.