If you ever need a protein-packed lunch that feels like an upgrade from your basic chicken salad, this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad will quickly become your new go-to. Creamy, tangy cottage cheese blends seamlessly with rotisserie chicken and crunchy veggies, while a hint of Dijon mustard and banana peppers adds an addictive, zippy twist. You’ll love how this salad brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or tossing it together for a last-minute lunch, Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is bound to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy recipe relies on a short list of wholesome, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays its part in giving Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad its signature texture, color, and tangy richness. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters!

Low-fat cottage cheese: Acts as a creamy, protein-rich base without heavy mayo.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and subtle sharpness that brightens up each bite.
Onion powder: Delivers mellow depth and ties the dressing flavors together.
Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes and offers a soft background heat.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let every ingredient shine—be generous, but taste as you go.
Rotisserie chicken (chopped): Infuses the salad with tender, juicy protein and a comforting heartiness.
Jarred banana peppers (drained and diced): Provide tangy pops of flavor and a colorful, slightly spicy twist.
Celery (diced): Contributes crunch and a refreshing bite to balance the creaminess.
Red onion (diced): Adds a vibrant hue and gentle sweetness for extra freshness.
Green onion (thinly sliced): Sprinkles in mild oniony flavor and a splash of lush green color.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base

Start by loading the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, along with a healthy pinch of salt and black pepper into your food processor. Pulse this mixture until smooth and creamy. This blended base will coat every bite of chicken and veggies, locking in all that craveable flavor without a drop of mayonnaise.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and add the chopped rotisserie chicken, diced banana peppers, celery, red onion, and green onion. Spoon in your silky-smooth cottage cheese mixture. Stir everything together until every bit of chicken is coated and the vegetables are well-distributed. Taste and season with a little extra salt and pepper if you like—it’s all about layering flavors so the Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad truly pops.

Step 3: Chill or Serve

If you love a slightly chilled chicken salad, cover your bowl and let it sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This helps all the flavors marry together beautifully. If you’re extra hungry, feel free to scoop and serve right away. Either way, you’ve got a bowlful of creamy, tangy, crunchy goodness that’s ready for anything.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple dusting of extra black pepper on top goes a long way, but don’t be afraid to get fancy! Scatter some fresh chopped parsley or dill for herbal brightness, or add a sprinkle of extra sliced green onion for color and crunch. These fresh toppings elevate your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad from simple to stunning in seconds.

Side Dishes

This salad is so versatile, it loves good company. Serve it atop a bed of crunchy romaine or baby spinach for extra greens, or tuck a scoop inside a whole-grain pita for a satisfying, hand-held lunch. Pair with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or a crisp apple for a sweet, juicy contrast to the tangy salad. Even sturdy crackers or toasted baguette work perfectly for easy snacking!

Creative Ways to Present

Let Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad be the star in stuffed avocado halves, piled high on cucumber rounds, or spooned into mini bell peppers for party-ready bites. Or, turn it into a meal-prep superstar by packing it alongside salad greens, roasted veggies, or cooked quinoa for hearty, make-ahead lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and tuck them into the fridge—they’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days. This makes Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad a fantastic pick for meal prepping or quick weekday lunches. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as cottage cheese and fresh veggies tend to lose their distinct textures once thawed, you’ll find the dish simple enough to whip up fresh as needed. If you do freeze components, keep the chicken separate and only add cottage cheese and veggies after thawing for best results.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, simply let your serving sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Freshly cooked or leftover chicken breast works just as well. Simply shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before stirring it in. Rotisserie chicken packs extra juiciness and flavor, but any cooked chicken is fair game for this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a meal prep champion. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out for easy lunches all week. Just store in a well-sealed container and stir before scooping onto salads, sandwiches, or crackers.

What other veggies can I add?

Feel free to toss in extras like diced bell peppers, chopped pickles, shredded carrots, or even baby spinach for color and extra crunch. This salad is a blank canvas—customize it to suit your taste or whatever’s in your crisper drawer!

Is Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad gluten-free?

It sure is! All the base ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your Dijon mustard and jarred peppers don’t have added gluten-containing ingredients if you’re serving someone with sensitivities.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Traditional cottage cheese isn’t dairy-free, but if you have a favorite plant-based cottage cheese alternative, go ahead and give it a try! The texture will be a little different, but the overall dish will still be packed with flavor and creamy goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about reinventing a classic, and Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad does just that—delivering comfort and freshness in every bite. I hope you’ll give this delicious, protein-packed twist a try and make it your new favorite for lunches, meal prep, or anytime you crave something easy and satisfying!