High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This high protein chicken salad is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for lunches or light dinners. Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and sweet grapes, it offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken)
• 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning (or salt)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (plus more to taste; store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 65 g grapes, quartered (about 24 grapes, any color)
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the chicken seasoned with salt or chicken seasoning. You can boil it covered in a pot for 20 minutes or use an instant pot. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, blend the cottage cheese and mayonnaise until smooth using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender.
3. Step 3: When the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and place it in a large bowl.
4. Step 4: Shred the chicken using two forks until finely pulled apart.
5. Step 5: Add the blended cottage cheese and mayo mixture, grapes, celery, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and mix everything well.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours if possible, or serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and texture.
• Swap grapes for diced apples or dried cranberries for a different sweetness.
• Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to make the salad creamier or lighter according to preference.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a bright flavor boost.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture of the mayonnaise and cottage cheese may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it and mix with the other ingredients as instructed.

Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge and makes a convenient, protein-packed meal for several days.