High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This high protein chicken salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken with creamy cottage cheese and mayonnaise, plus a burst of sweetness from grapes and a touch of lemon, it’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or 1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken
• 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning or salt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (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 by boiling it in a covered pot on the stove for about 20 minutes or until tender, seasoning with chicken seasoning or salt. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, blend the cottage cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender.
3. Step 3: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Step 4: Add the blended cottage cheese and mayonnaise mixture, grapes, chopped celery, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder to the shredded chicken. Mix everything thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours if possible, or serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
• Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch and nutrition.
• For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Try adding fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again. It is best enjoyed cold but can be brought to room temperature if preferred. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit in this salad?

Yes, you can substitute grapes with diced apples, pears, or dried cranberries for different flavors and textures.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This chicken salad holds up well in the fridge and makes a great protein-packed lunch option throughout the week.

High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This High Protein Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner. Made with tender shredded chicken, blended cottage cheese and mayonnaise, fresh grapes, celery, and zesty seasonings, this salad packs a protein punch while balancing sweet and savory flavors. The recipe is straightforward, using simple cooking techniques and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal meal-prep option or a tasty addition to sandwiches and wraps.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salads
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or 1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken
• 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning or salt

Salad Mix

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (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
• 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. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with chicken seasoning or salt. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and boil on the stove for 20 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Blend the creamy base: While the chicken cooks, combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise in a blender, food processor, or use an immersion blender in a jar or bowl. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into fine pieces.
4. Combine ingredients: Add the blended cottage cheese and mayonnaise mixture to the shredded chicken. Then incorporate the quartered grapes, chopped celery, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
5. Season and chill: Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours before serving. Alternatively, serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Using rotisserie chicken can save cooking time and add extra flavor.
• Blend the cottage cheese and mayonnaise thoroughly for a creamy texture without lumps.
• Chilling the salad helps flavors meld together more deeply but serving it fresh is also delicious.
• Feel free to adjust seasoning quantities based on your taste preferences.
• This salad works great as a sandwich filling or served over greens for a low-carb option.

Keywords: high protein chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, quick chicken recipe, cottage cheese chicken salad