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High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe


  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This High Protein Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, fresh grapes, celery, and a blend of aromatic spices, it offers a satisfying texture and a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile salad can be served chilled or immediately, making it an ideal high-protein meal option.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Dressing & Mix-ins

  • 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)

Spices

  • 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: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt or chicken seasoning. Boil them in a covered pot on the stovetop for about 20 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Alternatively, you can use an Instant Pot for faster cooking or opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: While the chicken is cooking, combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise in a blender, food processor, or use an immersion blender in a jar or bowl. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and place it in a large mixing bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Mix Ingredients: Add the blended cottage cheese and mayonnaise dressing to the shredded chicken. Then include the quartered grapes, chopped celery, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning by adding salt and more black pepper if needed. You can also add more mayonnaise or lemon juice according to your preference.
  6. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. However, it can also be enjoyed immediately. Serve on its own, over greens, or as a sandwich filling and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Adjust the lemon juice and mayonnaise quantities for desired creaminess and tang.
  • This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Adding nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds can add crunch and extra protein.
  • Make sure to shred the chicken finely for the best texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: high protein chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, healthy chicken salad, cottage cheese chicken salad, easy chicken salad