Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein Powerhouse: Packed with 40 grams of protein per serving, this salad is perfect for muscle recovery and keeping you full.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, you can whip this up even on your busiest days.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite veggies or swap out the chicken for another protein source to suit your taste.
Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cottage cheese and mayonnaise creates a rich, creamy texture that elevates the salad to a whole new level.

Introduction

Are you ready to take your lunch game to the next level? Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to a flavor explosion with our High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe! This isn’t just any salad; it’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and a rainbow of fresh veggies that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner solution, this salad is your new best friend. Let’s dive into this deliciously nutritious recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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)
🧀 1 cup cottage cheese
🍇 65 g grapes (quartered, about 24 grapes)
🥬 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)

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt or your favorite chicken seasoning. Boil it in a covered pot for about 20 minutes until fully cooked. Alternatively, you can use an Instant Pot for a quicker option. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, skip this step!
Blend the Base: While the chicken is cooking, grab your blender or immersion blender. Combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl and blend until smooth. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your salad.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Mix It All Together: Add the blended cottage cheese and mayonnaise mixture to the shredded chicken. Toss in the quartered grapes, chopped celery, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for a couple of hours. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately. Enjoy your delicious high protein chicken salad!

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve created this mouthwatering salad, let’s talk about how to present it! Here are some fun ideas:

On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens for a colorful and nutritious base.
In a Wrap: Spread the salad onto a whole grain wrap, add some extra veggies, and roll it up for a portable lunch option.
Stuffed Avocado: Halve an avocado and fill the center with the chicken salad for a creamy, healthy treat.
With Crackers: Serve the salad with whole grain crackers or pita chips for a crunchy contrast.
As a Sandwich: Use your favorite bread to make a delicious sandwich filled with the chicken salad and some leafy greens.

How to Store and Shelf Life

To keep your high protein chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, consider preparing the chicken and the dressing separately, then combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe? Yes, canned chicken can be a convenient alternative, just make sure to drain it well.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or any of your favorite veggies.
How can I make it dairy-free? Substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan mayo.
Can I freeze this salad? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken separately if needed.
What can I serve with this salad? It pairs well with whole grain bread, crackers, or a side of fruit.
How spicy is this salad? It’s not spicy at all, but you can add hot sauce or chili flakes if you like some heat!
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise? Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier option.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance for quick lunches!