Name: High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup grapes, halved; 1/4 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1 tablespoon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; Greens or crunchy veggies for serving

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Short, Catchy Intro

So you want something tasty that also flexes its protein muscles and does not make you cook like a TV chef for two hours, huh Same. This High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is basically the workout buddy of lunches. It packs lean chicken, creamy cottage cheese, juicy grapes, and a little crunch so your lunch will sing rather than snooze.

If you like recipes that are low fuss and high reward try my take on a warm bowl vibe over at white chicken chili for chilly nights. You can make this chicken salad in under 10 minutes if your chicken is already cooked which, let us be real, it probably is if you meal prepped this week

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This salad checks boxes like a tiny overachiever. It tastes fresh and a bit fancy because of the grapes and red onion combo but it does not require a souffle. It is high in protein so you feel full and like you made a good life choice. It is also idiot proof, even I did not mess it up the first time.

No weird ingredients you need a grocery store for this.
Versatile serve it on greens, in a wrap, or with crunchy veg and no one will judge.
Meal prep friendly it holds up for a few days in the fridge so you can be lazy later. IMO this is a weekday hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups cooked chicken shredded
1 cup grapes halved
1 4 cup diced celery
1 4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Greens or crunchy veggies for serving

Tip if you want extra creaminess use full fat cottage cheese for a richer texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Put cottage cheese into a mixing bowl. Add the mustard and stir until smooth. Keep it simple and don’t overthink it.
Add the shredded cooked chicken to the bowl. Toss to coat so every bit gets some cottage cheese love.
Fold in the halved grapes. They bring sweet juiciness and a nice surprise bite.
Add the diced celery and red onion. Mix gently so the salad stays chunky instead of becoming a mushy mess.
Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust because seasoning is not optional.
Serve on a bed of greens, pile into a wrap, or make a crunchy veggie bowl. Eat immediately or chill for an hour if you want the flavors to settle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding too much onion because you suddenly want to taste like a vampire deterrent. Use the amount listed unless you like tears at lunch.
Letting it sit forever without seasoning. Cold food needs love too so salt and pepper are essential.
Skimping on texture by chopping everything too small. This salad shines when you can bite into distinct elements.
Using watery cottage cheese and not draining excess liquid if needed. Patience here avoids soggy disasters.
Thinking you need fresh chicken only. Rotisserie chicken is a legit shortcut and totally allowed

Alternatives & Substitutions

Swap the grapes for diced apple if you want a tart crunch instead of sweet grapes. I personally love apple but grapes win when I want something more snackable. If you do not do dairy try plain unsweetened Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a similar tang and protein punch. For a dairy free option use mashed avocado and a splash of lemon for creaminess.

Don’t have mustard Try a teaspoon of Dijon or a little honey mustard for a sweeter note. Want more crunch add chopped almonds or walnuts for texture and healthy fats. If you want a warm version stir the mixture into cooked quinoa and warm gently in a pan. FYI you can also swap the chicken for canned tuna in a pinch but then it is a different vibe entirely

Also check out this fun fried rice recipe if you want to turn leftover chicken into something warm and comforting high protein chicken fried rice

FAQ

Q Why cottage cheese instead of mayo
A Why not It keeps things lighter and boosts protein It also gives a tangy creaminess that mayo only dreams about

Q Can I use frozen grapes that I forgot to thaw
A You could but they will water down the salad as they thaw I prefer fresh or thaw fully and pat dry

Q How long will this keep in the fridge
A Up to three days if you keep it in an airtight container After that the texture changes and the celery loses its attitude

Q Can I meal prep this for lunches all week
A Yes pack it in individual containers with greens on the side Keep the salad cold and assemble fresh for best crunch

Q Is this kid friendly
A Totally Kids usually like the sweet grapes and mild cottage cheese Just chop the onion finer or omit if they protest

Q Want more protein What can I add
A Toss in extra shredded chicken or a scoop of plain Greek yogurt You can also sprinkle hemp seeds or a few chopped nuts for a protein boost

Q Any dressing variations
A Mix in a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of honey if you want sweet tang A splash of apple cider vinegar works too

Final Thoughts

You just made a simple dish that punches above its weight in flavor and protein Keep this recipe in your arsenal for quick lunches, light dinners, or when you want to impress someone without sweating too much. Make a big batch and thank future you for being responsible and slightly smug about meal prep. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it

Conclusion

For a full guide and extra tips on this exact style of chicken salad see this helpful resource on High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad