Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe

This Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic recipe. It’s packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and cottage cheese, and it’s loaded with fresh flavors and textures from the grapes, apples, celery, walnuts, and tarragon. It’s a versatile salad that’s perfect for a light lunch, a quick snack, or even a party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

• Healthy and Delicious: This salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal or snack.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Versatile: It’s delicious on its own, but you can also use it as a sandwich filling, a wrap filling, or a topping for crackers or crostini.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad is a great option for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
  

Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

• Shredded Chicken: I use cooked chicken breast for this recipe, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
• Red Grapes: Adds sweetness and a juicy texture.
• Granny Smith Apple: Adds a tart flavor and a crunchy texture.
• Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch.
• Walnuts: Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor.
• Fresh Tarragon: This herb adds a unique anise-like flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess, protein, and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the salad to taste.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Fruity Twist: Add different types of fruit, like dried cranberries, chopped apples, or mandarin oranges.
• Nutty Crunch: Use different types of nuts, like almonds, pecans, or cashews.
• Herby Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, like dill, parsley, or chives.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken breasts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grapes, apple, celery, onion, walnuts, and 1 tablespoon of chopped tarragon.

Step 3: Make the Cottage Cheese Mixture

Place the cottage cheese in a food processor and blend until smooth and fluffy. Add the Dijon mustard, the remaining tarragon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until just combined.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cottage cheese mixture to the bowl with the chicken and other ingredients. Mix together with a wooden spoon until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips and Tricks

• Chicken Choice: You can use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe, such as rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or even canned chicken.
• Fresh Herbs: I highly recommend using fresh tarragon for this recipe, as it adds a unique flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Chill Time: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve

This Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is delicious in many ways:

• Salad: Enjoy it as a light and refreshing salad.
• Sandwiches: Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
• Crackers or Crostini: Serve it as a topping for crackers or crostini.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture may change once thawed.