When I was little, my aunt made this wild chicken salad with crushed walnuts and grapesserved on paper plates, outside, in the hot sun. This high protein chicken salad isn’t quite that wild, but it’s just as funand way more macro-friendly. It’s everywhere online right now (yes, even the fancy fitness folks are talking about it).
This salad is creamy, bright, and packed with tender chicken, a whipped cottage cheese dressing, and crunchy celery. Kind of like your go-to deli chicken salad’s glow-up cousin. It’s pantry magic meets protein goals. Full details in the blog!
I tested this during “leftover chicken panic hour” one Tuesday andboomnew lunch obsession. It’s the kind of easy recipe you’ll actually keep on repeat. I added a secret kick too. Trust me, you’ll want to know.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chicken Salad
This isn’t your ordinary chicken salad. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
Protein-packed: Thanks to juicy chicken and cottage cheese, this salad fuels your day with 40g of protein per serving. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a star among high protein salad recipes.
Quick & adaptable: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for everything from chicken salad meal prep to last-minute lunches.
Perfect flavor balance: Creamy cottage cheese, sweet grapes, and smoky paprika create a mix of textures and flavors that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.
Meal magic: Whether you’re crafting high protein lunches for work or scooping it onto crackers at home, it fits anywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Swaps to Try)
Let’s lay out everything you’ll need for this dreamy chicken salad. I’ll also let you in on some easy swaps in case you’re running low on something.
Ingredient
Amount
Swap Ideas
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1.4 lbs
Rotisserie chicken, shredded
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (more to taste)
Greek yogurt for a lighter option
Cottage cheese
1 cup
No substitutethis is the creamy hero here!
Grapes
65g (about 24, quartered)
Diced apples for crunch
Celery
2 ribs, chopped
Jicama for a similar crunch
It’s a pantry-friendly recipe at heartbut don’t stress if you need to make a few changes. Just remember: cottage cheese is what makes this one of the best high protein salad dressings around!
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Protein Salad
Here’s how to bring your high protein chicken salad to life in just a few simple steps:
Start with your chicken: If you’re using raw chicken breasts, season them with salt and your favorite chicken seasoning, then bake or poach until cooked through (about 20 minutes). Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Grab a mixing bowl: Stir together the mayonnaise, cottage cheese, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your creamy, high-protein salad dressing base!
Add the crunch: Toss in the chopped celery and quartered grapes for that perfect balance of crispy and juicy.
Bring it together: Fold in your chicken, ensuring everything is coated evenly in the creamy dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste (a little extra paprika never hurts).
Pro Tip: Multitasking Game Plan
Need this faster? While the chicken cooks, prep your other ingredients. Blending efficiency with flavor is how this salad becomes your go-to for high protein lunches for work.
Step
Timing
Cook chicken
20 minutes
Mix dressing
5 minutes
Combine ingredients
5 minutes
Serving, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips
Here’s how to make this recipe work for you, whether it’s today’s lunch or tomorrow’s protein-packed snack:
Serving ideas: Scoop it into crisp lettuce cups for a summery low-carb option, or spread it onto sourdough for something cozier. Crackers and fresh fruit on the side? Chef’s kiss!
Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they sitjust stir before serving.
Make it meal-prep friendly: Portion it out into individual containers with some crackers, fruit, or veggies for easy grab-and-go protein salad recipes all week long.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Fridge (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
Wrapped in a lettuce leaf
1 day (best fresh!)
Trust me, you’ll look forward to this one every time you open the fridge. It’s meal prep magic!
Expert Insight: The Benefits of a High Protein Chicken Salad
Incorporating lean chicken in a high protein chicken salad not only boosts muscle repair and satiety but also supports balanced energy levels throughout the day. Combining protein with fresh vegetables enhances nutrient density, making it an ideal meal for both fitness enthusiasts and anyone seeking a wholesome, satisfying dish.
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The Road to My High Protein Chicken Salad
This high protein chicken salad didn’t come together overnightI burned the chicken once and over-seasoned it another time. After lots of trial and error, I finally landed on this balanced, tasty version that my whole family loves. It’s the sum of all those kitchen mishaps and little lessons learned along the way.
FAQs ( Seriously Genius High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad – High Protein Recipes. )
What makes this high protein chicken salad so unique?
This Seriously Genius High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad combines lean chicken breast with creamy cottage cheese, boosting its protein content significantly. Unlike traditional chicken salads loaded with mayonnaise, this recipe offers a macro friendly chicken salad option that fits perfectly into a high protein salad recipes plan. It’s also great for those looking for a satisfying, low carb lunch or protein-packed meal prep idea.
Can I use this chicken salad for meal prep?
Absolutely! This high protein chicken salad is an excellent choice for chicken salad meal prep because it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Its protein-packed salads ingredients like cottage cheese keep it fresh and creamy without the need for excessive dressings, making it ideal for high protein lunches for work or quick grab-and-go meals.
Is this recipe suitable for low carb diets?
Yes, this high protein cottage cheese chicken salad fits well into high protein salads low carb plans. The recipe avoids carb-heavy ingredients, focusing instead on protein-rich foods like chicken and cottage cheese. It makes a perfect protein salad idea for those watching their carb intake but wanting something satisfying and nutrient-dense.
What is the best dressing for this high protein chicken salad?
Since cottage cheese already adds creaminess, you can keep the dressing simple with a high protein salad dressing like a light Greek yogurt-based sauce or a drizzle of olive oil with lemon juice. This keeps the salad macro friendly and complements the flavors without overpowering the protein-packed salads ingredients.
Can I substitute cottage cheese with other ingredients?
While cottage cheese is key for its unique texture and protein boost in this recipe, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or ricotta if you prefer. These alternatives still support the high protein salad recipes goal but might slightly change the flavor and consistency of the salad.
Wrapping Up This High Protein Chicken Salad Adventure
High protein chicken salad is a weeknight hero that’s quick, creamy, and packed with flavor you actually crave. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a protein-packed salad that’s juicy, crunchy, and sings with cottage cheese magic. You’ll love how this turns outpromise it’s worth every messy, happy bite.
Feel free to swap grapes for apples or jazz it up with a smoky paprika twist. Leftovers keep wellpro tip from a kitchen buddyand it’s perfect for easy chicken salad meal prep. Serve it on lettuce, toast, or straight from the bowl for cozy homemade vibes.
Give it a whirl and snap a pic! Did you grow up eating a version of this? Share your favorite add-ins or swap-outs below. Pass this recipe alongit’s the kind of comforting, protein salad recipe your lunchbox *and* soul will thank you for.
This High Protein Chicken Salad is perfect for a tasty and healthy lunch. Loaded with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy cottage cheese and mayo mix, it’s ideal for Chicken Salad Meal Prep. Enjoy this Protein Salad Recipe as a great option among High Protein Salads Low Carb and Protein Packed Salads.
1/2 cup mayonnaise – plus more to taste ( store-bought or homemade
click for my recipe)
1 cup cottage cheese
65 g grapes – quartered (24 grapes
any color)
2 celery ribs – chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – plus more to taste
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 chicken breasts or use cooked rotisserie chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, cottage cheese, lemon juice, chicken seasoning or salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well.
Add chopped celery and quartered grapes to the bowl and stir to combine.
Add the chicken pieces and gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve on its own, in a wrap, or with crackers and fresh fruit.
Notes
Adjust mayonnaise and lemon juice to taste for desired creaminess and tang
Perfect for meal prep and stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
