Ultimate High-Protein, No-Mayo Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad (Ready in 10 Minutes)
You need a quick, high-protein lunch that skips the mayonnaise. This recipe uses creamy cottage cheese to create a satisfying, healthy chicken salad perfect for meal prep or a fast weeknight meal. It comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (small or large curd)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped grapes or sliced almonds for crunch
Instructions
- Place the cooked, shredded chicken into a medium bowl.
- Add the cottage cheese, chopped celery, and minced red onion to the bowl with the chicken.
- In a small separate dish, whisk together the Dijon mustard and lemon juice.
- Pour the mustard mixture over the chicken and vegetable ingredients.
- Add the salt and pepper.
- Use a fork or spoon to gently mix all ingredients until they are just combined and creamy. Do not overmix; you want some texture remaining.
- If using, fold in the optional grapes or almonds now.
- Taste the salad and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill for later use in your meal prep.
Notes
- For an extra smooth texture, pulse the cottage cheese in a food processor briefly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- This salad is excellent served on whole-grain bread, tucked into lettuce wraps, or served over a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb option.
- This recipe is great for making ahead; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 110
