Description
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing, and creamy dish perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy snack. Featuring blended cottage cheese as a base, it creates a smooth and tangy dressing that coats tender cooked chicken, crunchy celery, and red onion, all accented with fresh dill and a hint of Dijon mustard. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a nutritious option that’s rich in protein and ideal for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 cup cottage cheese (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Salad Mix
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- ⅓ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 1½ to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth, creating a creamy base for the dressing.
- Mix the Dressing: Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped cooked chicken, finely diced celery, red onion, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl. Fold gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Season and Chill: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. For optimal flavor, chill the salad for 20 to 30 minutes before serving if time allows.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful protein option.
- Adjust the amount of dill according to your preference; fresh herbs brighten the salad.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors but it can be served immediately.
- This salad can be served on its own, over greens, or as a sandwich filling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with a creamy plant-based alternative; however, the texture will differ.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
