When I first made this cottage cheese chicken salad, I had a bunch of leftover rotisserie chicken and a half tub of whipped cottage cheese sitting in my fridge. I’m a big believer in low-stress cooking, so I tossed together what I had with some crunchy celery and green onion. The result? A creamy, tangy, satisfying salad that had my kids asking for seconds. Whether tucked into a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce, or spooned over greens, this recipe is now on heavy rotation in my house. It’s not just tasty—it’s also high in protein and makes the perfect light lunch or quick dinner when things get busy. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on chicken salad, this version with cottage cheese might just be your new favorite.
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Table of Contents
Why Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Deserves a Spot in Your Meal Plan
Creamy, Light, and Packed with Protein
This cottage cheese chicken salad stands out for more than its flavor—it’s also a nutrition powerhouse. Using whipped cottage cheese instead of traditional mayo adds creaminess without the excess fat. It’s rich in protein, which helps keep you fuller longer, and its subtle tang complements chicken beautifully. Each serving of this salad delivers a balanced combo of lean rotisserie chicken, crunchy celery, and fresh green onions—all coated in a creamy cottage cheese dressing that’s flavored with garlic powder and stone-ground mustard.
You might be surprised how well cottage cheese works as a base. When whipped, it becomes smooth and spreadable, perfect for salads and dips. It’s also lower in calories and sodium than mayonnaise, which makes it an easy upgrade. If you’re a fan of healthy eating without compromising flavor, this version of chicken salad is a total win. Plus, it’s a smart way to repurpose cooked chicken you already have in the fridge.
Perfect for Sandwiches, Wraps, and Meal Prep
What makes this chicken salad so versatile is how easy it is to use in different meals. You can scoop it into lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch, pile it onto whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich, or use it in a wrap with spinach and tomatoes. It holds up well in the fridge, which makes it ideal for meal prepping early in the week. I like to keep a container ready for grab-and-go lunches—it saves time and helps me avoid less healthy options.
For more fast-prep lunch ideas, check out my 5 Ingredient Chicken Salad and this refreshing Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad.
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Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad: Healthy, Creamy, Quick Dinner Recipe
This cottage cheese chicken salad is light, creamy, and packed with protein. A healthy, kid-friendly lunch or dinner that’s ready in 10 minutes!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
280 grams (2 cups) fully cooked rotisserie chicken breast, shredded or chopped
80 grams (2/3 cup) chopped celery
60 grams (1/2 cup) sliced green onions
120 grams (1/2 cup) whipped cottage cheese
5 grams (1 teaspoon) stone-ground mustard or Dijon
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and sliced green onions.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the whipped cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.
3. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Make it your own with add-ins like grapes, walnuts, or pickles.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Customizing Your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad for Any Taste
Easy Add-Ins to Boost Flavor and Texture
One of the best things about this cottage cheese chicken salad is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Want a little sweetness? Add halved red grapes or chopped apples. Craving some crunch beyond celery? Toss in toasted almonds, chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds. If you love a little tang, a few diced pickles or a splash of pickle juice takes it up a notch.
You can also play with herbs—fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon all add brightness that pairs well with both the chicken and the cottage cheese base. If you like spice, try a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe works as a foundation you can build on, and the cottage cheese keeps everything creamy without overpowering your add-ins.
Need a dairy-free alternative? Swap the cottage cheese for mashed avocado or a plain dairy-free yogurt. You’ll get a similar texture with just as much satisfaction.
For another summer-ready salad with fruit and texture, try my Peach Basil Chicken Salad or explore this fresh Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad.
Make It Low-Carb, High-Protein, or Kid-Friendly
This cottage cheese chicken salad fits right into a variety of eating styles. For a low-carb version, serve it in lettuce wraps or scooped into bell pepper halves. If you’re going high-protein, pair it with hard-boiled eggs or a side of edamame. My kids love it in slider buns or rolled up in a tortilla with baby spinach.
You can even turn it into a dip for crackers or sliced veggies, making it perfect for potlucks or after-school snacks. Just refrigerate it until it’s cold and firm—it’ll hold together better and keep its flavor longer. Whatever your goal—healthy eating, convenience, or just a good lunch—this salad delivers.
How to Store and Meal Prep Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Smart Storage for Freshness and Flavor
Once you’ve made your cottage cheese chicken salad, it’s best to let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This not only brings the flavors together but also helps the texture thicken slightly. Store your finished salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator—it stays fresh for up to 4 days. I like to portion it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Because it’s made with cottage cheese, which has more moisture than mayo, avoid freezing it. The texture won’t hold up well when thawed. For best results, give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been in the fridge overnight. If you’re packing it to go, a cold pack or insulated lunch bag keeps it perfectly safe for lunchtime.
For another make-ahead-friendly meal, check out this Easy Persian Chicken Recipe or try this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad for a bolder flavor spin.
Meal Prep Tips for Busy Weeks
This cottage cheese chicken salad is ideal for meal prepping because it’s simple and doesn’t get soggy like lettuce-based salads. Make a double batch on Sunday and use it in different ways all week. On Monday, try it in a pita. Tuesday, spoon it over a salad bowl. Wednesday, wrap it in a tortilla. By Thursday, it still tastes just as good layered in a sandwich with tomato and spinach.
For protein variation, you can swap rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken breasts or even canned chicken in a pinch. You’ll still get the same creamy, satisfying flavor with the cottage cheese base. If you’re feeding kids, keep the spice level mild and pack it in sliders or with crackers.
Meal prep doesn’t have to mean boring—and this chicken salad proves it.
Creative Ways to Serve It
This cottage cheese chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it cold on toasted multigrain bread for a satisfying sandwich, or spoon it into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option. It also works beautifully as a protein-rich topping for mixed greens—just drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice for balance.
Hosting a brunch or picnic? Scoop the salad into mini phyllo cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer. For school lunches, pack it in a container with whole-grain crackers and baby carrots for a healthy bento-style box. The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a kid-friendly favorite that’s anything but bland.
If you enjoy pairing fruit and protein, you might love this Peach Quinoa Salad or my refreshing Grilled Peach Salad.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Can I make cottage cheese chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling. Prepare it up to 3–4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Is cottage cheese a good substitute for mayonnaise in chicken salad?
Absolutely. Whipped cottage cheese adds creaminess with less fat and more protein, making it a smart swap without losing flavor.
What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken breast is ideal for convenience and flavor, but grilled or baked chicken works just as well. Even canned chicken is a good backup.
Can I freeze cottage cheese chicken salad?
No, freezing is not recommended. The texture of cottage cheese changes when frozen and thawed, which affects the quality of the dish.
Conclusion: The Salad You’ll Want on Repeat
Cottage cheese chicken salad isn’t just another lunch recipe—it’s a smart, satisfying dish that checks all the boxes: quick to make, packed with protein, and full of fresh flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, a dip, or straight from the bowl, it’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again. With simple ingredients and lots of room for custom twists, this salad fits right into busy routines and healthy habits.
For more quick and nourishing options, explore my Simple Peach Arugula Salad or this Air Fryer Chicken Salad.
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