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Elevate your basic chicken salad by ditching mayo for rich, creamy cottage cheese. Those zesty banana peppers throw in a surprising kick to this healthier spin on an old favorite. I stumbled on this mix during my fitness kick and now it's what I make every week for my lunch.
I brought this to a fitness-minded get-together last week and everyone was shocked when I told them it wasn't mayo but cottage cheese. Funny how sometimes the healthier option actually wins on taste!
Key Components
- Rotisserie Chicken: Grab organic, free-range if you can for better taste.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Gives that smooth, creamy feel with bonus protein.
- Banana Peppers: Brings that zippy tang and stand-out flavor.
- Fresh Celery: Gives you that must-have crunch.
- Red Onion: Adds bold flavor and pretty color.
- Dijon Mustard: Kicks up the creamy mix.
- Fresh Green Onions: Not a must but adds nice fresh flavor.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Smooth Cottage Cheese Mix
- First, blend your cottage cheese until it's totally smooth. This step really matters for good texture. Throw in mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper while you're blending. You want a smooth mix with no lumpy bits.
- Chopping Veggies
- Chop your celery, red onion, and banana peppers into small, same-sized bits. This way every bite tastes balanced. If you're using green onions, cut them thin and use some green parts too for a pop of color.
- Working With Chicken
- Pull apart or cut your rotisserie chicken into small chunks, taking off skin and bones. Mix it into your blended cottage cheese until it's all coated. The warm chicken helps all the flavors come together.
- Putting It All Together
- Mix in your chopped veggies carefully so you don't break up the chicken too much. Give it a taste and add more seasonings if needed, keeping in mind the flavors will get stronger as it sits.
I came up with this when I was looking for a lunch packed with protein that didn't need mayo. It's funny how trying to eat healthier can lead to something that tastes even better.
Prep Ahead Plan
Whip up twice as much on Sunday and you'll have easy lunches ready all week long. Split it into single servings so you can just grab and go. The best part? It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day.
Ways To Enjoy It
- Put it on top of some crunchy lettuce for a low-carb option
- Roll it up in a carb-friendly wrap
- Scoop it into a hollowed tomato for a fancy look
- Serve with avocado slices or boiled eggs on the side to round it out
Keeping It Fresh
Store in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir if any liquid pools up. The veggies stay nice and crunchy while the chicken stays moist thanks to that cottage cheese base.
Wrapping Up
This Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad shows how healthy swaps can turn into something better than what you started with. Every bite gives you that protein boost with bright, tangy flavors. Whether you're tracking your macros or just want something tasty for lunch, this recipe proves eating healthy doesn't mean bland food. It's not just a substitute anymore—it's become my go-to favorite all on its own.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is the cottage cheese blended?
- Blending makes it super creamy, just like mayo, giving a smooth texture.
- → Will other types of chicken work?
- Absolutely, any cooked chicken works. Rotisserie is just quick and handy.
- → How long can I store it?
- Keep it in a sealed box in the fridge, good for up to 3 days.
- → Can I tweak the spice level?
- Sure! Go for mild or hot peppers depending on the kick you want.
- → Is this good for keto?
- Yup, with only 5.1g net carbs, it’s keto-approved.