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
Scale
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.
