Ever wish you could whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes?
Imagine diving into a creamy, protein-packed chicken salad that’s not only quick to make but also offers a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. This High Protein Chicken Salad combines simple ingredients into a delightful dish that’s great for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping for the week! It’s time to bring this healthy homemade goodness into your kitchen!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you dive into this tasty chicken salad? Well, for starters, cleanup is a breeze! You just need one bowl, making it a total win for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s super affordable— a friendly reminder that you don’t need to break the bank to eat healthily. And let’s not forget about how family-friendly this dish is; swap out ingredients to suit even the pickiest eaters! Who doesn’t love versatility in their meals? 😄
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Directions:
Making this tasty dish is so simple! Just follow these easy steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, celery, red onion, and optional grapes.
- Add the Dijon mustard and mix well. (Consider being enthusiastic – the chicken deserves it!)
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Go ahead, be generous!
- Serve on lettuce leaves or in a sandwich, if desired. It’s your salad; do what you want!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for easy meal prep magic.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad (Overview)
Crafting this chicken salad is like a stroll in the park! You’ll start by tossing together the chicken, cottage cheese, and crunchy bits, allowing the flavors to mingle. A dollop of Dijon mustard binds it all together. Pro tip: taste as you go—you have the power to make this salad exactly how you enjoy it! 🙌
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Salad
Presentation matters, my friend! Serve it on vibrant lettuce leaves for a beautiful contrast of green and cream. Picture the crispness of the lettuce against the creamy chicken salad while the sweet pops of grapes provide that extra zing. It’s not only a feast for your palate but for your eyes too!
How to Store High Protein Chicken Salad
Planning to make it ahead? This chicken salad keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to make it even easier, consider prepping it over the weekend. When you’re ready to enjoy, just mix and dig in like it was just made!
Tips to Make High Protein Chicken Salad
Want to elevate your chicken salad game? Here are some insider tricks:
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep. Who doesn’t love a little convenience?
- Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangy flavor.
- Experiment with herbs like parsley or dill for an aroma boost.
- Don’t skip the groups of grapes; that sweetness makes everything pop!
- Adjust the mustard amount based on your cravings—it’s your salad, your rules!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Switch things up by adding avocado for creaminess or toss in some nutty walnuts for crunch. Want to make it vegan? Substitute the chicken with chickpeas and the cottage cheese with vegan yogurt! The world of flavors is at your fingertips! 🌍💚
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly for a quick meal. Just shred it up and toss!
2. How can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prepare it a day or two in advance, storing it in an airtight container. Just keep the lettuce separate until you’re ready to serve!
3. Can I freeze this chicken salad?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just give it a good stir after thawing—don’t worry if it looks a little different!
Remember, tasty meals don’t need to be complicated. Enjoy your delightful High Protein Chicken Salad!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High Protein Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- 1 cup cottage cheese Can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved Optional; adds sweetness to the salad.
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adjust the quantity based on your preferences.
- Salt and pepper to taste Be generous!
- Lettuce leaves for serving Optional; adds a great crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, celery, red onion, and optional grapes.
- Add the Dijon mustard and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on lettuce leaves or in a sandwich, if desired.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days for easy meal preparation.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.