Quick Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad, Fast, Protein-Packed and Zesty

This cottage cheese chicken salad is all about speed and freshness, ready in minutes with minimal chopping. It’s a great lunch, sandwich filler, or light dinner for busy days. Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time and keep flavors bright. If you want something sweet to finish the meal, try our quick Easter Cheesecake for an easy dessert.

Why This Recipe Works

Cottage cheese brings creaminess and protein without mayo, keeping the salad light and satisfying. Using pre-cooked chicken cuts prep time dramatically while still delivering a hearty bite. Crunchy celery and bell pepper add texture that contrasts the soft cottage cheese and tender chicken. A hit of red onion and lemon juice wakes up the flavors without complicated seasoning. Fresh parsley keeps the salad bright and herbaceous with almost no effort. This balance makes the recipe practical for packed lunches, quick dinners, or topping a bed of greens.

Flavor and Texture

The mix of creamy cottage cheese and diced chicken creates a smooth, protein-forward base that feels substantial. Celery and bell pepper deliver crispness so every forkful has contrast. Red onion provides a sharp bite that lemon juice mellows, giving a clean citrus lift. Parsley adds herbal freshness that prevents the salad from tasting one-note. Salt and pepper are all you need to finish they let the main ingredients shine while keeping the profile simple and fast.

Ingredients

* 1 cup cottage cheese
* 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
* 1/2 cup celery, chopped
* 1/4 cup red onion, diced
* 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step Instructions

1. Place the cottage cheese in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl.
3. Drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the ingredients until well mixed and evenly coated.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken to cut prep time to under 10 minutes. Swap cottage cheese sizes to change texture without adding steps — small curd tends to blend smoother. If you’re short on chopping time, pre-chopped veggies from the store work fine and keep the dish speedy. Want more warmth and depth without fuss Try a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of extra lemon just before serving. For a grab-and-go lunch, scoop the salad into lettuce cups or stuff into a whole grain pita for a tidy handheld meal with no extra plating.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for best texture and flavor. Keep any extra lemon or seasonings separate if you plan to use it as a sandwich filler so bread doesn’t get soggy. For meal prep, portion into individual containers with a crisp lettuce leaf on top to keep it fresh. Stir briefly before serving if the cottage cheese releases a little liquid.

Short Closing Note

This recipe is designed to be practical, adaptable, and quick without sacrificing taste. It’s an ideal pick for anyone juggling work, family, or busy schedules.

Conclusion

For another high-protein take and helpful variations, check this High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad – The Balanced …

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