Name: High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Introduction

This high protein chicken salad is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken with creamy cottage cheese, mayo, and fresh grapes, it offers a great balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy recipe to whip up any day of the week.

A white bowl filled with a creamy shredded chicken salad mixed with small chunks of light green celery and pieces of red grape scattered throughout. The chicken mixture is pale beige with a slightly grainy texture from the dressing. The bowl is placed on a soft pink cloth with a white marbled textured surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Begin by cooking the chicken with the salt or chicken seasoning. You can boil it in a pot on the stove, covered, for 20 minutes, or cook it in an instant pot. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Step 2: While the chicken cooks, add the cottage cheese and mayonnaise to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender in a jar or bowl.

Step 3: When the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and place it in a large bowl.

Step 4: Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Add the blended cottage cheese and mayonnaise mixture, grapes, celery, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder to the bowl. Mix everything well until evenly combined.

Step 6: Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.

Step 7: Chill the salad in the fridge for a couple of hours if possible to let flavors meld, or serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the salad before mixing.

Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier option.

Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh twist.

If you prefer a spicier salad, include a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time. Just shred about 1 pound of the pre-cooked chicken and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken salad holds up well in the fridge and makes an excellent protein-packed meal prep option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.