Pin it
Switch up your regular chicken salad by swapping mayo for protein-packed cottage cheese. This fresh spin adds zippy banana peppers for a taste combo that'll make your meal prep both healthy and tasty.
The rich, velvety texture and extra protein make this version stand out for health-minded folks. All the flavors mix together and actually get better with time.
Essential Ingredients
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Gives you the main protein
- Cottage Cheese: Makes the smooth base
- Banana Peppers: Brings a zesty kick
- Diced Celery: Adds that necessary crunch
- Red Onion: Gives sharp flavor bursts
- Dijon Mustard: Pulls the dressing together
- Sliced Green Onions: Tops it off with freshness
Pin it
Cooking Steps
- Create Your Base
- Blend cottage cheese until it's silky smooth. Mix in mustard and spices while blending so everything gets evenly mixed.
- Chop Your Veggies
- Cut celery, onions, and peppers into same-sized pieces. This way you'll get balanced flavor in every bite.
- Get Chicken Ready
- Take off skin and bones, then pull chicken into small chunks. Mix it well with your cottage cheese mixture.
- Put It All Together
- Gently mix veggies into your chicken blend. Let it chill in the fridge so the flavors can mingle before eating.
This protein-rich dish turns an old favorite into a nutritious meal without losing any flavor. The cottage cheese makes it creamy while bumping up the protein.
Prep-Ahead Tricks
Make extra for easy meals throughout the week. Divide into small containers for grab-and-go lunches. You'll notice the taste gets even better after a day or two.
Ways To Enjoy
- Pile it on leafy greens for a simple lunch
- Stuff it in whole grain wraps
- Scoop into bell peppers or tomatoes
- Serve with fresh fruit or veggie sticks
Keeping It Fresh
Keep in airtight containers up to three days in the fridge. Give it a good stir before eating to mix everything back up. The cottage cheese helps it stay moist and fresh.
Dish Overview
This protein-boosted chicken salad shows how smart ingredient swaps can improve both nutrition and taste. The mix of juicy chicken, smooth cottage cheese, and crisp veggies creates a filling meal that's perfect for anyone watching their health.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the benefit of blending cottage cheese?
- Blending makes it super smooth, giving you a mayo-like consistency.
- → Can I use another type of chicken?
- Sure! Cooked grilled or baked chicken works perfectly.
- → How long will this last in the fridge?
- It’ll stay fresh for three days in a tight container.
- → Do I have to include banana peppers?
- Not at all! Leave them out if you’re not a fan of tangy flavors.
- → Is this dish keto-friendly?
- Yes, with just around 5g net carbs per serving!