Description
This High Protein Chicken Salad is a delicious, nutritious dish combining tender seasoned chicken with a creamy dressing made from cottage cheese and mayonnaise. Enhanced with fresh grapes, celery, and a blend of herbs and spices, it makes for a perfect quick meal or healthy snack rich in protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning (or salt)
Dressing and Salad Mix
- 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
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt or the chicken seasoning. Cook the chicken breasts until tender, using your preferred method such as poaching, boiling, or pan cooking, ensuring they are fully cooked through and juicy.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating the salad dressing base.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands, then place the shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: To the shredded chicken, add the smooth cottage cheese and mayonnaise dressing, quartered grapes, chopped celery, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Season and Chill: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding salt and ground black pepper as needed. Cover the bowl and chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- For easier shredding, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding.
- Grapes add a crunchy sweetness, but you can substitute with chopped apples or dried cranberries if preferred.
- To reduce fat content, use low-fat mayonnaise and cottage cheese.
- This salad can be served on a bed of greens, in sandwiches, or with crackers for a healthy meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
