Cottage cheese chicken salad is the kind of recipe that feels like a little life hack. It’s creamy without mayo, packed with protein, and comes together in just minutes — exactly what you need when the day’s been long and dinner needs to be easy. After school pickups, back-to-back meetings, or those moments when the kitchen feels like one more to-do, this salad is a breath of fresh air. With rotisserie chicken, crunchy celery, and a whipped cottage cheese dressing that’s smooth and tangy, every bite is comforting, satisfying, and light.
If you’re loving easy, nourishing recipes like this, don’t miss our Big Mac Salad — it’s a fast-food favorite with a healthy spin. Or try the Spicy Cucumber Salad for a refreshingly bold side.
Table of Contents
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz fully cooked rotisserie chicken breast shredded or chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup whipped cottage cheese
- 1 tsp stone-ground mustard or Dijon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp crushed walnuts
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or use an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
- Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken, then chop the celery and slice the green onions.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, and green onions. In a small bowl, mix whipped cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss well to combine. Serve chilled or store for later.
Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
- No mayo, but still ultra creamy and flavorful
- High in protein — perfect for keeping you full longer
- Quick to prepare with store-bought rotisserie chicken
- Kid-friendly with simple, clean ingredients
- Light, fresh, and satisfying — ideal for lunch or snack
- Easily customizable to suit any taste or dietary need
- Packs beautifully for on-the-go meals
- Low-carb and great for mindful eating
This cottage cheese chicken salad isn’t just quick — it’s a feel-good staple that supports a balanced lifestyle. If you’re exploring more protein-packed, easy-prep ideas, check out our hearty Dense Bean Salad too.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fully cooked rotisserie chicken breast
- Celery
- Green onions
- Cottage cheese (whipped)
- Stone-ground mustard or Dijon
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Paprika
- Crushed walnuts
- Lemon zest
Equipment Needed
- Blender or immersion blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
Cooking Utensils
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
This light and creamy dish pairs wonderfully with refreshing recipes like our California Roll Cucumber Salad for a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Variations
You can easily tailor cottage cheese chicken salad to fit your personal tastes, dietary preferences, or what’s already in your fridge. These variations are quick to apply and make the salad even more versatile:
- Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing. This gives your cottage cheese chicken salad a flavorful kick without adding extra calories.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the whipped cottage cheese with a blended plant-based yogurt or silken tofu for a creamy, dairy-free result that still keeps the protein high.
- Sweet & Crunchy Add-Ins: Include diced apples, red grapes, or toasted almonds for extra crunch and natural sweetness — it works especially well if you’re serving this to kids.
For more flexible, flavor-packed ideas, check out our Spicy Cucumber Salad — another great side dish that layers bold taste with clean ingredients.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Step 1 – Whip the Cottage Cheese
First, blend your cottage cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. You can use a small food processor, high-speed blender, or an immersion blender. This whipped base is what makes the cottage cheese chicken salad so rich — without using mayo.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Next, chop or shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery and slice the green onions. Combine all three in a large mixing bowl and give them a gentle toss to evenly distribute.
Step 3 – Mix the Creamy Dressing
Meanwhile, in a smaller bowl, mix the whipped cottage cheese with the mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is completely combined and smooth. This mixture will coat the chicken beautifully, giving your cottage cheese chicken salad its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Step 4 – Toss and Serve
Finally, pour the cottage cheese dressing into the large bowl with the chicken, celery, and onions. Toss everything together until well coated. Chill for 10 minutes if desired, then serve.
This creamy, protein-rich cottage cheese chicken salad is great solo or wrapped in lettuce leaves. For more satisfying meal-prep friendly recipes, don’t miss our hearty Dense Bean Salad — it’s loaded with fiber and perfect for weekday lunches.
Tips and Tricks
Making the perfect cottage cheese chicken salad is all about easy steps and smart choices. Here are some helpful tips to make it even better:
- Whip the cottage cheese well: A smooth, creamy base helps the salad taste more like a traditional mayo mix.
- Choose quality rotisserie chicken: Go for plain or lightly seasoned options for best results.
- Prep ahead: The flavors deepen after a few hours in the fridge — it’s even better the next day.
- Customize the crunch: Swap celery for radishes or diced bell peppers for variety.
- Brighten with lemon: A little zest or juice adds freshness without overpowering.
- Serve cold: This dish shines when chilled and makes lunch on the go a breeze.
These little adjustments turn a good salad into a great one — just like our California Roll Cucumber Salad, where balance and texture make every bite pop.
Nutrition for cottage cheese chicken salad
Cottage cheese chicken salad is not only easy and flavorful — it’s also packed with nutrients that support wellness. From high protein to essential vitamins, each bite contributes to a healthier, energized day. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile per serving:
Nutritional Score Table
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 205 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
With plenty of lean protein and low carbs, cottage cheese chicken salad is a fantastic choice for anyone aiming to eat well, manage blood sugar, or support weight goals. Thanks to its high protein content, it promotes fullness and helps maintain muscle, while the low carbohydrate count supports stable energy levels throughout the day. Combined with nutrient-dense, whole ingredients, this salad fits naturally into a balanced dietary pattern — ideal for busy moms, students, and professionals alike.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
This recipe is one of the most versatile in our kitchen. Here’s how we love serving cottage cheese chicken salad:
- In lettuce cups: Crisp, hydrating, and low-carb — great for lunchboxes.
- On toast or sandwich bread: Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Rolled in wraps: Packable and easy to hold, especially for kids.
- Topped on greens: Turn it into a full salad bowl with spinach, arugula, or kale.
- As a dip: Pair with veggie sticks or crackers for a party-ready snack.
Want a full meal spread? Serve this next to our Spicy Cucumber Salad or even the savory Big Mac Salad for a protein-packed duo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Cottage cheese chicken salad fits beautifully into any meal prep plan. Here’s how to store it right:
- Fridge Storage: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- No Freezing: Cottage cheese may change texture after thawing, so freezing is not recommended.
- Serve Cold: This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches or protein snacks.
Just like our Dense Bean Salad, this recipe is built for easy storage and busy weeks.
FAQs
Can you use cottage cheese instead of mayo for chicken salad?
Yes, absolutely. Whipped cottage cheese creates a smooth and creamy base that mimics the texture of mayonnaise without the added fat or heaviness. It’s lighter, lower in calories, and adds a bonus dose of protein. This swap works especially well in savory dishes like cottage cheese chicken salad, giving you all the creaminess you want while supporting healthier eating habits.
Can you mix chicken and cottage cheese?
Definitely! Chicken and cottage cheese complement each other beautifully — the chicken brings lean, satisfying protein while the cottage cheese adds moisture and a mild tang. When blended, cottage cheese becomes velvety smooth, acting almost like a dressing. This combination is perfect for cold salads, wraps, or even as a dip, especially when seasoned with garlic, mustard, or herbs.
Can cottage cheese replace mayonnaise?
Yes. Cottage cheese is an excellent mayonnaise replacement in many recipes. While mayo is high in fat and low in nutrients, cottage cheese offers a high-protein alternative that’s naturally lower in fat. When whipped, it takes on a silky texture that works in dips, dressings, sandwich spreads, and of course, chicken salad. If you’re watching calories or trying to reduce processed ingredients, this is a simple and smart swap.
Is chicken salad healthy to lose weight?
It depends on the ingredients, but this cottage cheese chicken salad is a fantastic option if you’re aiming to lose weight. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and made with wholesome ingredients that support fullness and energy. The absence of mayo and the addition of cottage cheese help reduce saturated fat while keeping the dish satisfying. It’s a balanced choice for those managing calorie intake or following high-protein, low-carb eating plans.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes — in fact, it’s better when made ahead! The flavors have more time to meld, and the salad becomes even creamier after chilling for a few hours. Make it in the morning or the night before and store it in the fridge for easy meals during the week. Just give it a quick stir before serving to freshen up the texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cottage cheese chicken salad is everything we love in a recipe: quick, creamy, and packed with goodness. Whether you’re eating healthy, prepping ahead, or feeding a family, this salad fits right into your rhythm. Whip it up today and let it simplify your meals in the most delicious way. Tag your creations with #PrestoRecipes and join our kitchen-loving community.