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Chicken salad with cottage cheese is more than a recipe in my kitchen — it’s a reflection of how I cook and live: simple, real, and always practical.
Hi, I’m Amanda. I built this space for women like me — busy, stretched thin, and just trying to feed their people without losing their minds. This salad came to life on one of those “what’s-left-in-the-fridge” days: leftover chicken, cottage cheese, a splash of lemon, and whatever crunch I could find. It wasn’t planned, but it became a staple.
No stove. No stress. Just a bowl of something fresh, creamy, and good. That’s what I call a win.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
Chicken salad with cottage cheese is the kind of recipe you’ll make once and keep coming back to. It’s light, creamy, and packed with protein — no mayo, no stress.
A fast, protein-rich lunch
With chicken and cottage cheese, this comes together in minutes and keeps you full for hours.
Creamy without being heavy
Lemon juice and garlic powder bring brightness, while cottage cheese gives it that creamy texture — without the grease.
Flexible for real life
Spoon it over greens, wrap it in lettuce, or serve it with crackers. It’s easy to tweak for picky eaters or prep ahead for busy days.
Want something cozy with the same cottage cheese twist? Try this Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip next — it’s creamy, spicy, and weekend-ready.
What You’ll Need
To make this chicken salad with cottage cheese, you’ll need just a few fridge staples and some simple seasonings. It’s flexible, forgiving, and built for busy days.
Core Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup seedless grapes, halved (optional for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or sliced almonds for crunch
- Swap grapes for chopped apple or dried cranberries
- Skip onions for a kid-friendlier version
Ingredient Notes
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken bites to make prep even easier. And for extra creaminess, feel free to mash the cottage cheese slightly before mixing it in.
How to Make It
This chicken salad with cottage cheese comes together in one bowl, no cooking required. Just chop, mix, chill, and eat.
1. Prep the base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and grapes (if using). Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
2. Add the creamy mix
Spoon in the cottage cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, and herbs. Stir gently until everything is coated and creamy, but not mushy.
3. Season to taste
Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir again and taste — adjust seasoning as needed. If it feels too thick, add a tiny splash of lemon juice or olive oil.
4. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and improves the texture.
5. Serve it your way
Serve chilled over greens, in lettuce wraps, or with whole grain crackers. Add a handful of nuts or a few extra herbs on top if you like.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a reason this chicken salad with cottage cheese has become a fridge staple in so many homes. It’s not just easy — it works hard behind the scenes to give you comfort, flavor, and real nourishment.
Cottage cheese gives it creaminess — without the grease
Low-fat cottage cheese brings that dreamy, creamy feel without the heaviness of mayo. It keeps this chicken salad with cottage cheese light and satisfying — perfect for warm days or lighter eating goals.
Balanced flavors in every bite
Lemon juice lifts, garlic powder deepens, and sweet grapes (or apples) add juicy contrast. Everything is layered, nothing overwhelms.
It actually gets better as it sits
A short rest in the fridge makes this chicken salad with cottage cheese even tastier. The lemon and garlic infuse into the chicken, and the texture settles into a creamy, crunchy mix.
Built-in texture = no boring bites
Celery crunch, tender chicken, and smooth cottage cheese mean every forkful has something different. You won’t zone out while eating this — it keeps you present in the best way.
A feel-good recipe you’ll make on repeat
It’s high-protein, low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and surprisingly comforting. Add it to your diced chicken meal prep list — it’s fridge-friendly and family-approved.
Easy Variations and Real-Life Swaps
This chicken salad with cottage cheese is flexible by nature. Whether you’re feeding toddlers, meal prepping, or craving a little heat, these swaps make it yours.
For picky kids
Skip the red onions and use apple chunks instead of grapes. Stir in a tiny bit of honey mustard for extra sweetness — it works like magic.
Vegetarian idea
No chicken? No problem. Try canned chickpeas or chopped boiled eggs to keep it creamy and protein-rich.
Crunch factor upgrades
Want more bite? Add sliced almonds, toasted walnuts, or sunflower seeds to your chicken salad with cottage cheese.
Want it spicy?
Toss in chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a spoonful of hot sauce. If spice is your thing, this Harissa Honey Chicken brings the heat too.
Lighten it further
Use half Greek yogurt and half cottage cheese. It’s tangy, fresh, and still holds together beautifully.
Add a sweet surprise
Try diced pineapple, a few mandarin oranges, or dried cranberries. A fruity pop can bring this chicken salad with cottage cheese into picnic or brunch territory.
Mistakes to Avoid
This is a forgiving recipe — but a few small tweaks make the difference between “pretty good” and “wow, I need to make that again.”
Don’t skip the chill time
Letting your chicken salad with cottage cheese sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes gives it time to settle and soak up all that flavor.
Avoid watery cottage cheese
Pick a thick, low-fat variety. If it’s runny, drain it first — too much liquid can turn this salad soupy instead of creamy.
Use fresh lemon juice
That brightness only works when it’s fresh. Bottled lemon juice dulls everything down — go with the real thing if you can.
Go easy on the mix-ins
Too many grapes, nuts, or onions can overwhelm the cottage cheese base. Keep things balanced, then adjust to taste.
Start with well-seasoned chicken
Bland chicken makes a bland salad. Leftovers from this Baked Pesto Chicken are flavorful and ready to go.
Your Questions Answered
Here’s what real cooks (and busy moms) are asking about chicken salad with cottage cheese — and how to make it work for your kitchen.
Can you mix chicken and cottage cheese?
Absolutely — they’re a great match. Cottage cheese gives chicken salad a creamy, mild flavor and adds protein without extra fat. It blends especially well with lemon, garlic, and crunchy mix-ins like celery or walnuts.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise?
Yes! Cottage cheese is a lighter, protein-rich alternative to mayo. In this chicken salad with cottage cheese, you still get that creamy texture, but with fewer calories and more nutrients. If you miss a little tang, a dash of mustard or Greek yogurt can help.
Is chicken and cottage cheese healthy?
Together, they’re a powerhouse. Chicken provides lean protein, while cottage cheese adds calcium, B vitamins, and even more protein. This combo is great for low-carb, high-protein diets — and it keeps you full without weighing you down. For a fun spin, you could try a chicken crust pizza made with similar ingredients.
What is a good substitute for mayonnaise in chicken salad?
Cottage cheese is one of the best swaps — creamy, mild, and wholesome. Other options include Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or hummus. But if you want something truly satisfying and lower in fat, this chicken salad with cottage cheese hits the mark every time.
Look — this isn’t fancy food. It’s not what you serve at a candlelit dinner or pin a ribbon on. But this chicken salad with cottage cheese? It shows up. It feeds you when you’re tired, juggled out, or just need something you don’t have to overthink.
I hope it finds a spot in your fridge and in your rhythm — the way it did in mine.
And I hope it reminds you that simple can still feel like a gift.
Stay nourished. Stay grateful. You’ve got this.
Craving more one-pot wonders? Find me on Facebook and Pinterest — real food, made for real life.
chicken salad with cottage cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup seedless grapes halved (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or sliced almonds
- Optional: Swap grapes for chopped apple or dried cranberries
- Optional: Omit onions for a kid-friendlier version
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, celery, red onion, and grapes (if using). Toss gently.
- Add cottage cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, and herbs. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled over greens, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers. Top with nuts or extra herbs if desired.