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Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

A refreshing and protein-packed chicken salad featuring cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise, perfect for summer picnics and quick lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup frozen green peas, blanched Fresh or frozen works great; blanch in boiling water for vibrant color.
  • 500 g skinless chicken breast Opt for organic if available; rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option.
  • 1 large red apple, thinly sliced Choose sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
  • 2 Lebanese cucumbers thinly sliced Slightly sweeter and crunchier; can substitute with any cucumber.
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced Provides a milder taste than yellow onions.
  • 1 heaped cup cottage cheese Use full-fat or low-fat according to preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste Season generously.

Method
 

Cooking the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, ensuring it does not boil.
  2. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is opaque throughout and registers 165°F. Remove from water and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding or chopping.
Preparing Ingredients
  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers, apple, and red onion while the chicken cooks.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, sliced cucumbers, apples, peas, onions, and cottage cheese.
  2. Add the Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold until evenly coated.
Chilling and Serving
  1. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  2. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Great for meal prep and tastes better the next day! Can add nuts or other seasonal veggies for variety.