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High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 64 reviews

This High Protein Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious lunch option packed with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy blend of cottage cheese and mayonnaise. Ideal for meal prepping, it works perfectly in wraps, served with crackers, or alongside fresh fruit for a satisfying and protein-rich meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or 1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken
  • 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning or salt

Dressing and Mix-ins

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 65 g grapes, quartered (about 24 grapes, any color)
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 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

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with chicken seasoning or salt. Boil the chicken in a covered pot on the stovetop for about 20 minutes until cooked through, or use an Instant Pot for quicker cooking. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Dressing: While the chicken cooks, combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise in a blender, food processor, or with an immersion blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender and cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken finely for the best texture.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the creamy cottage cheese and mayonnaise mixture, quartered grapes, chopped celery, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder to the shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all flavors.
  5. Season to Taste: Add ground black pepper and additional salt as desired. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours if possible to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with wraps, crackers, or fresh fruit, or enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust Creaminess: For a richer texture, add extra mayonnaise, blended cottage cheese, or plain Greek yogurt.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the salad to chill for 1-2 hours to enhance the flavors before serving.
  • Shred Finely: Shred the chicken finely for uniform texture and easier eating, especially in wraps.
  • Season Well: Be generous with seasoning both during cooking and mixing to prevent blandness.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge, consume within 3-4 days, and avoid freezing as the texture may degrade.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat