If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying meal that packs a serious protein punch, this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and a burst of sweet grapes balanced by crunchy celery, every bite offers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week. Let me walk you through all the details so you can enjoy this nutritious, hearty salad that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward yet complementary ingredients. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the succulent chicken to the zesty kick of lemon juice, making the salad both wholesome and irresistible.
- 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein-packed star of the dish, providing lean, tender meat once cooked and shredded.
- 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning: Adds a savory depth to the chicken, ensuring every bite is flavorful right from the start.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess to the salad, binding the ingredients together with a rich, smooth texture.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Boosts the protein content while contributing a light, tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the mayo.
- 65 g grapes, quartered: Provides bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the savory and creamy components perfectly.
- 2 celery ribs, chopped: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle freshness to every forkful.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the salad with a zesty punch that cuts through the richness.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Offers an herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the salad with a warm, savory undertone.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the dish beyond ordinary.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor without the crunch of fresh onions.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle heat that ties all flavors together.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt or chicken seasoning. Cook them over medium heat, either by pan-searing or baking, until they’re tender all the way through. This ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful—crucial for a delicious salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the chicken is cooking, combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a lovely richness and body to the salad without weighing it down.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. Shredding the chicken allows the dressing to coat each piece evenly and integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, creamy dressing, quartered grapes, chopped celery, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir gently until everything is combined, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Season and Chill
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning until it suits your palate perfectly. For the best flavor development, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives all the ingredients a chance to mingle and marry their flavors beautifully.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is an easy way to elevate the dish visually and add extra freshness. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or dill on top to bring vibrant color and a hint of herbal brightness. A few whole grapes placed strategically can also enhance appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple, wholesome sides. Try serving alongside whole grain crackers, crusty bread, or a bed of mixed greens for a light, balanced meal. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables or a quinoa pilaf make fantastic companions that complement the high protein content well.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your High Protein Chicken Salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or inside whole-grain pita pockets for a fresh, hand-held option. You can also spoon it over crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap or stuff it into cherry tomatoes or cucumbers to make bite-sized finger foods perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled tightly covered to preserve freshness and prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
Since this salad contains mayonnaise and fresh produce like grapes and celery, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor tend to degrade after freezing and thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days instead.
Reheating
This chicken salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary and not advised. If you prefer a warm meal, enjoy the cooked chicken with your favorite sides separately and keep the salad chilled as a cool, refreshing accompaniment.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to your salad. Just make sure to shred it well and adjust seasoning as needed since store-bought chicken often has its own seasoning.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep. Make a big batch and portion it out for quick and nutritious lunch or dinner options throughout the week. Just keep it stored properly in the fridge and consume within 3 days.
Can I replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. This swap will increase the protein content even more and add a tangy flavor, but it will make the salad less creamy and more refreshing.
Are grapes necessary in this recipe?
While grapes add a wonderful burst of sweet juiciness that balances the savory elements, you can omit or substitute them with chopped apples or dried cranberries if you prefer a different flavor profile or need a less sweet option.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or adding some chopped jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce in the dressing can also give a flavorful kick without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements that come together in the most satisfying way. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. I encourage you to try it, customize it to your taste, and savor each nourishing bite that keeps you energized and happy.
Print
High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Chicken Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish featuring tender shredded chicken combined with a creamy cottage cheese and mayonnaise dressing. Enhanced with fresh grapes, celery, and zesty seasonings, it makes a perfect healthy lunch or light dinner that’s rich in protein and bursting with balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing & Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 65 g grapes, quartered
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with salt or the chicken seasoning blend. Cook the chicken breasts on the stovetop over medium heat in a lightly oiled pan until cooked through and tender, about 8-10 minutes per side depending on thickness, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Dressing: While the chicken is cooking, blend the cottage cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth and creamy using a blender or food processor. This will form the base dressing for the salad.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from heat and allow them to cool slightly. Then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the cottage cheese and mayonnaise dressing. Add the quartered grapes, chopped celery, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Season and Chill: Taste the salad and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor and texture, making it more refreshing.
- For added crunch, consider adding chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
- This salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing variation.
