Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen contemplating yet another day of uninspiring takeout, a bowl of vibrant and invigorating High Protein Chicken Salad caught my eye. This dish is a game-changer, blending the rich creaminess of cottage cheese and mayonnaise with the delightful crunch of celery and sweet bursts of grapes. Not only is it a nutritious, low-carb option that’s perfect for meal prep, but it also packs over 40 grams of protein per serving—making it a satisfying choice for anyone looking to fuel their day right. Whether you’re packing a wholesome lunch for work or serving it in a fresh wrap for dinner, this chicken salad offers a tasty escape from the mundane. Ready to transform your mealtime? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe! Why is This Chicken Salad a Must-Try? Nutrient-Packed Delight: This High Protein Chicken Salad is not just delicious; it’s loaded with over 40 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for those on a health journey. Versatile Meal Options: Serve it in a wrap or with crackers, and you have a perfect nutritious lunch or dinner that fits any occasion seamlessly. Quick and Easy Prep: With simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll whip this up in no time—ideal for those with a busy lifestyle or anyone looking to escape fast food fatigue. Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cottage cheese, savory chicken, and the sweet burst of grapes or bell peppers creates a flavorful experience you won’t forget. Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week—comfortably stored in your fridge for easy, health-conscious meals. If you love meal prep ideas, check out my avorite Chicken Chopped Salad for more inspiration. Chicken Salad Ingredients For the Chicken • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Provides the protein base; can also use 1 lb of cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. • Chicken Seasoning (or Salt) – Enhances flavor during cooking; feel free to use your favorite seasoning mix. For the Creamy Base • Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the salad; substitute with Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter option. • Cottage Cheese – Boosts protein content and adds a smooth texture; opt for low-fat if you prefer. For the Crunch and Flavor • Grapes (Quartered) – Offers sweetness and flavor pop; you can omit them for a lower carb version or replace them with chopped bell peppers. • Celery Ribs (Chopped) – Introduces a crunchy element; optional for extra texture. For the Seasoning • Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens up the dish; feel free to add more according to taste preferences. • Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder – A medley of seasonings that enrich flavor; adjust to fit your palate. • Ground Black Pepper & Salt – Season to taste for the perfect finish; essential for overall seasoning in your chicken salad. With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to creating an irresistible Chicken Salad that’s both nutritious and delicious! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for High Protein Chicken Salad Step 1: Cook Chicken In a covered pot, bring water to a boil and carefully add your boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt or your favorite chicken seasoning. Allow the chicken to simmer for about 20 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding. Step 2: Blend Dressing While the chicken is cooking, grab your blender or food processor to create a smooth dressing. Combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise in the blender, and blend for about 30 seconds until you achieve a creamy consistency. This delightful mixture will serve as the base for your High Protein Chicken Salad, adding both richness and protein. Step 3: Shred Chicken Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl. The pieces should be tender and easy to pull apart, ensuring a delightful texture in your chicken salad. After shredding, set the chicken aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Add the blended dressing to the shredded chicken in the large bowl along with the quartered grapes, chopped celery, and any additional seasoning you desire. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the components are well-coated and evenly distributed. You’ll see a luscious, creamy Chicken Salad coming together beautifully! Step 5: Adjust Seasoning Taste your High Protein Chicken Salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sprinkle in ground black pepper and more salt, if desired, ensuring each bite is flavorful and well-seasoned. This step is essential, as it helps to enhance the overall taste of the salad. Step 6: Chill (optional) For optimal flavor, consider refrigerating the chicken salad for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. However, if you’re short on time or eager to dig in, you can serve it immediately. Once chilled, it will be a refreshingly creamy and satisfying meal. Chicken Salad Variations & Substitutions Feel free to customize your Chicken Salad to match your cravings and dietary needs—exciting transformations await! Dairy-Free: Use a blend of mashed avocado and dairy-free yogurt instead of cottage cheese and mayo for a creamy option. Low-Carb Twist: Omit grapes and replace them with diced cucumbers or chopped bell peppers for a crunch without the sweet carbs. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the salad for a zesty, fiery finish that livens up your meal. Herbaceous Note: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for an aromatic twist that adds a refreshing layer of flavor. Nutty Delight: Toss in some slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats, giving a lovely texture contrast. Flavor Explosion: Incorporate a spoonful of your favorite mustard or a sprinkle of feta cheese to enhance the flavor profile—delicious! Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use precooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor; it’s perfect for meal prep days. Fruit Fusion: Swap out grapes for juicy apples or berries for sweet and tart bursts, helping to vary the salad’s taste in delightful ways. For more ideas, try this flavorful Chicken Chopped Salad or toss in elements from a delectable Butter Chicken Comfort for an exciting fusion! What to Serve with High Protein Chicken Salad Elevate your meal experience with vibrant sides and beverages that perfectly balance the goodness of your chicken salad. Crispy Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens adds a crunchy contrast and a boost of fresh flavors, enhancing your meal’s overall texture and nutrition. Pair it with a light vinaigrette for an added zing. Whole Grain Crackers: Perfect for scooping, these provide a hearty and fulfilling crunch that complements the creamy elements of the chicken salad, making for a delightful bite. Fresh Fruit Platter: Slices of juicy oranges or sweet strawberries naturally brighten the palate, offering a sweet counterpoint to the savory salad. It’s an idyllic way to round out your meal with a touch of natural sweetness. Creamy Avocado Toast: The richness of avocado on whole-grain bread creates a wonderful texture combination with the chicken salad, amplifying the healthy benefits and adding a creamy layer to every bite. Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb, they carry a delightful crunch. Toss them with a sprinkle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to keep your meal balanced and satisfying. Sparkling Water with Lemon: This refreshing drink cleanses the palate while enhancing hydration, making it a perfect companion to the protein-packed chicken salad. Mini Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, why not indulge in a decadent yet healthy treat? The rich chocolate flavor perfectly contrasts with the freshness of your meal while staying in tune with the nutritious theme. A well-rounded meal enhances every dish; these pairings are bound to elevate your chicken salad experience to new heights! Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Creaminess Control: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise or cottage cheese based on your texture preference; more will give a richer, creamier Chicken Salad. Flavor Melding: Allow your salad to chill for at least an hour before serving; this enhances the flavors and lets all ingredients marry beautifully. Shredding Technique: For a tender and easy-to-eat Chicken Salad, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure every scoop has an equal mix of flavors. Season Generously: Chicken can sometimes be bland, so taste as you mix and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper to get the flavor just right. Freshness Matters: When adding grapes or celery, try to use fresh ingredients for that perfect crunch and sweetness; frozen vegetables can change the texture. How to Store and Freeze High Protein Chicken Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This will keep your chicken salad fresh and enjoyable throughout the week. Freezer: Not suitable for freezing due to texture changes in the mayonnaise and cottage cheese, which can become watery when thawed. Reheating: If you’ve made a batch of chicken salad to savor later, enjoy it cold, or let it come to room temperature for a delightful meal any time. Make Ahead Options These High Protein Chicken Salad preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can cook and shred the chicken up to 3 days in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container to lock in freshness. Additionally, prepare the creamy dressing (combining cottage cheese and mayonnaise) a day ahead, storing it separately to prevent the salad from becoming watery. When ready to serve, simply mix the prepped chicken with the dressing and remaining ingredients. This way, you’ll enjoy a nutritious meal with all the delicious flavors intact, making mealtime a breeze! High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best chicken for this salad? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, select boneless skinless chicken breasts that are plump and firm. If you’re in a time crunch, using 1 lb of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a fantastic shortcut—just make sure it’s as fresh as possible. What is the best way to store the leftover chicken salad? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This keeps your High Protein Chicken Salad fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you want! Just make sure to give it a little stir before eating, as ingredients might settle. Can I freeze High Protein Chicken Salad? Not really! Freezing this salad isn’t recommended because the mayonnaise and cottage cheese can change texture and become watery once thawed. Stick to storing it in the fridge for the best results. What should I do if my chicken salad is too dry? No worries! If your salad feels dry, just add a little more mayonnaise or cottage cheese to achieve your preferred creaminess. Start with a tablespoon at a time and mix well until you get that lovely, creamy consistency back. Are there any dietary considerations for this dish? Yes! For those with allergies, ensure that your mayonnaise doesn’t contain any allergens. If you have a gluten sensitivity, this High Protein Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free. However, always check those labels to be safe. Also, since grapes are included, be mindful if you’re serving this to pets like dogs; they shouldn’t have grapes at all! How can I enhance the flavor of my salad? Absolutely! To spice things up, consider adding extra seasoning such as fresh herbs or spices like dill or cilantro, which can offer a delightful twist. You can also experiment with adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that zesty kick! Enjoy exploring these delicious variations! Delicious High Protein Chicken Salad for a Nutritious Meal This High Protein Chicken Salad is packed with flavor and over 40 grams of protein, making it a nutritious meal choice. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChill Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Can also use 1 lb of cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.to taste Chicken Seasoning (or Salt) Enhances flavor during cooking.For the Creamy Base1/2 cup Mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.1/2 cup Cottage Cheese Opt for low-fat if preferred.For the Crunch and Flavor1 cup Grapes (Quartered) Can omit for lower carb version or replace with chopped bell peppers.2 ribs Celery (Chopped) Optional for extra texture.For the Seasoning2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Adjust according to taste preferences.1 tsp Dried Oregano1 tsp Garlic Powder1 tsp Smoked Paprika1 tsp Onion Powderto taste Ground Black Pepper Season to taste.to taste Salt Essential for overall seasoning. Equipment blenderpotMixing bowlForks Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a covered pot, bring water to a boil and add the boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt or your favorite chicken seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes until cooked.Blend cottage cheese and mayonnaise in a blender until creamy. This will serve as the dressing base.Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl.Add the blended dressing to the shredded chicken along with quartered grapes, chopped celery, and any additional seasoning. Mix thoroughly.Taste and adjust seasonings as needed with ground black pepper and salt.Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesAdjust mayonnaise or cottage cheese for desired creaminess. Fresh ingredients provide the best texture and flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
