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I count on this protein-packed chicken salad all week for grab-and-go lunches or a quick snack. The lean chicken and ultra-smooth cottage cheese dressing stay interesting, even when I mix things up with whatever's in my fridge.
I’ll admit, when I first tried cottage cheese in this, I was pretty doubtful. But once it blended smooth and creamy, there was no turning back. Even my pickiest eaters go wild for it now!
Delicious Ingredients
- Chopped celery ribs: Adds the crunch. Go for light green stalks with peppy leaves—they’re the freshest.
- Black pepper, ground: Delivers just a bit of punch. Freshly cracked is always the way to go.
- Chicken (boneless skinless breasts or rotisserie): Packs the protein. Make sure it’s pink and firm for best results.
- Mayonnaise: Brings rich creamy vibes. Full-fat or olive oil-based will give you a different texture—use what you like.
- Grapes, quartered: Sweet pops in every bite. Look for firm ones with tight skins.
- Cottage cheese: Will turn into a tangy creamy sauce. Full-fat varieties give the smoothest blend.
- Dried oregano: Toss in for earthy flavor. Crush it up a bit in your hands first to get that smell going.
- Seasoning (use your favorite poultry blend or just salt): Kicks the flavor up. Any simple sea salt works too.
- Lemon juice, fresh: Balances out the creaminess with a quick zing. Always use freshly squeezed if you can.
- Onion powder: Mellows and rounds out everything. Make sure your jar smells nice and fresh.
- Garlic powder: Brings in that cozy, savory taste to tie the salad together.
- Salt, to taste: Gives that perfect finishing touch. Don’t skip this sprinkle—it perks up every flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers subtle smoky notes that totally amplify the final dish. Find a deep red powder that smells sweet and smoky.
Simple How-To Guide
- Serve or Chill:
- If you want to dig in right away, go for it. But if you can, let it chill for about an hour so the flavors settle together and the sauce soaks in everywhere.
- Tweak Seasoning:
- Throw in salt and black pepper. Want a creamier or tangier dish? Mix in more mayo or lemon juice. Stir well so it’s all combined.
- Mix Everything:
- Add your cottage cheese-mayo mixture to the chicken, drop in the lemon juice, quartered grapes, celery, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir things up until every bite looks coated and delicious.
- Pull Chicken Apart:
- Pop your cooked chicken into a big bowl and let it cool off for a minute. Shred it up with two forks—keep it chunky or make it really fine, up to you.
- Blend the Creamy Stuff:
- Scoop cottage cheese and mayo into a blender or processor. Blend it up smooth. This becomes the thick creamy coating for the whole salad.
- Cook Chicken:
- If using fresh chicken breasts, toss them in a pot, add water on top, sprinkle with seasoning or salt, then bring to a light boil. Cover and let them cook gently about twenty minutes until done and tender. Rotisserie? Skip to shredding.
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Can’t help loving each bite with a juicy pop of grape in that creamy and savory mix. Funny thing is, the kids sneak grapes when I’m chopping—now it’s just part of the process at home!
Storing Leftovers
Stash leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving, give it a quick stir to mix the dressing back in if it separates. Skip freezing—it’ll make the whole thing watery and weird.
Swaps You Can Make
Trade out the mayo for Greek yogurt if you’re after something tangy and less rich. If you don’t have grapes, toss in apples or mix in some dried cranberries for sweetness. Sunflower seeds are awesome for crunch without nuts.
Ways to Enjoy It
Scoop a big pile onto hearty bread, swirl into lettuce cups for something lighter, or tuck inside pita for an easy grab-and-go meal. I also love it over a bed of greens—perfect for a filling lunch or picnic treat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to swap in store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken?
Yep, go for it. Just pull the chicken apart and toss everything else in.
- → Why put cottage cheese in this mix?
It adds a rich creaminess and loads of protein, but doesn’t take over the dish.
- → Need it more creamy?
Add more mayo or whip up the cottage cheese before mixing. Greek yogurt works great for even more smoothness.
- → How long should I chill it?
Let it hang out in the fridge for an hour or two if you can. But you can eat it right away if you’re in a rush.
- → Will this work as a stuffing for wraps or sandwiches?
Totally. Just shred your chicken small and it’ll fill a sandwich, wrap, or even scoop up with crackers perfectly.
- → What’s the best way to keep leftovers good?
Put it in a tight-sealed container, stick it in the fridge, and finish it within about three days.