This protein-packed cottage cheese hen salad is a lighter twist on the basic. It’s creamy, flavorful, and excellent for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or simple meal prep!
Once I need one thing fast, protein-packed, and satisfying, hen salad is at all times a go-to; and this cottage cheese model is likely to be my favourite but.
Mixing cottage cheese into the bottom makes it additional creamy whereas holding issues gentle and nourishing. There’s simply sufficient mayo to provide it that acquainted richness, and the combo of contemporary dill, lemon juice, and Dijon provides each chunk a vibrant, herby kick.
I like scooping it into lettuce wraps or piling it onto toasted English muffins topped with microgreens for a easy lunch. It’s a terrific possibility after I need one thing much like my Greek yogurt hen salad however with a brand new twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your common hen salad—and when you attempt it, you won’t return. Right here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Excessive in protein – With cottage cheese and shredded hen, this salad is significantly satisfying and nice for holding you full.
- Tremendous creamy – Mixing the cottage cheese makes the feel additional easy without having a lot mayo in any respect.
- Nice for meal prep – Make a batch and revel in it all through the week in sandwiches, wraps, or over salad greens.
Elements Wanted
You solely want a handful of easy components to make this creamy, protein-packed hen salad at dwelling!
- cottage cheese – the key to a brilliant creamy base without having tons of mayo. I used full-fat for the most effective texture and taste.
- shredded hen – cooked hen breast works greatest right here. You should utilize rotisserie hen or make your individual utilizing my gradual cooker shredded hen.
- purple onion – provides a crisp chunk and a bit sharpness to stability the creamy dressing.
- celery – for that basic crunch and freshness you anticipate in hen salad.
- mayo – only a couple spoonfuls for richness. I like utilizing avocado oil mayo for a lighter, cleaner possibility.
- lemon juice – provides brightness and lifts all of the flavors. Freshly squeezed is greatest!
- Dijon mustard – provides the salad a bit tang and depth. Don’t skip it, it makes a distinction.
- contemporary dill – I like utilizing contemporary dill right here, however dried works in a pinch. It provides that herby taste that pairs so properly with lemon and hen.
- garlic powder – a contact of savory taste with out overpowering the remainder of the components.
- sea salt and pepper – alter to style. Begin small and add extra as wanted after every part’s combined.
Recipe Substitutions
This hen salad is fairly versatile, so be at liberty to make a number of swaps relying on what you might have readily available:
- Cottage cheese: I used full-fat for the most effective texture, however low-fat cottage cheese ought to work simply fantastic. You may as well skip the mixing step and preserve it a bit chunky in case you want extra texture.
- Mayo choices: Common mayo, olive oil mayo, and even Greek yogurt can be utilized instead of avocado mayo. Simply remember it’ll barely change the flavour.
- Lemon juice swap: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work as a backup in case you’re out of lemons.
- Dairy-free possibility: I haven’t examined a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute right here, however when you’ve got one you’re keen on, it’s price experimenting!
How one can Make Cottage Cheese Hen Salad
Step 1: Add cottage cheese to a high-powered blender and mix till easy and creamy.
Step 2: Add the entire components to a big mixing bowl. Stir to mix. Style and add extra salt and pepper, if wanted.
Brittany’s Recipe Suggestions!
A couple of easy ideas to assist your cottage cheese hen salad end up creamy, flavorful, and excellent each time:
- Mix the cottage cheese till easy: This makes the salad additional creamy and offers it that basic hen salad texture without having a whole lot of mayo.
- Use cooked, cooled hen: Heat hen could make the dressing watery, so you’ll want to let it cool earlier than mixing every part collectively.
- Let it chill (in case you can!): The flavors deepen because the salad sits, so it’s even higher after a brief relaxation within the fridge.
How one can Serve
There are such a lot of methods to take pleasure in this cottage cheese hen salad—it’s tremendous versatile and works for any meal of the day:
- In a sandwich – Pile it onto toasted sourdough, an English muffin, a complete grain bun, or your favourite sandwich bread. Add sliced tomato, microgreens, or any of your favourite toppings.
- In a wrap – Spoon it right into a tortilla, collard inexperienced leaf, or lettuce wrap for a lighter, low-carb possibility. Attempt it in a cottage cheese wrap with sliced avocado for one thing additional nourishing.
- Over greens – Serve it over a mattress of arugula or spinach with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers for a simple salad bowl. A drizzle of lemon French dressing on prime is optionally available, however scrumptious.
- With crackers or veggies – Scoop it up with my every part however the bagel crackers, almond flour crackers, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper strips for a high-protein snack plate.
- By itself – Actually, it’s flavorful sufficient to eat by the spoonful straight from the fridge—and I positively have.
How one can Retailer Cottage Cheese Hen Salad
This hen salad is nice for making forward and retains properly within the fridge:
- Fridge: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. Give it a fast stir earlier than serving as it could launch a little bit of liquid because it sits.
- Freezer: I don’t suggest freezing this one—the creamy base and contemporary herbs don’t maintain up properly after thawing.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Sure! Canned hen will work in a pinch. Simply drain it properly and shred with a fork earlier than mixing it in.
Completely. It shops properly within the fridge for a number of days and is ideal for fast lunches or snacks all through the week.
Mixing provides the salad a easy, creamy texture. When you don’t thoughts a bit texture from the curds, you possibly can skip this step—it nonetheless tastes nice.
Sure! It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and works properly for low-carb or high-protein diets—simply skip the bread or serve it with veggies or over greens.
Extra Protein Salad Recipes
Be sure you try my full assortment of wholesome salad recipes on EBF!
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