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Looking for a high-protein, family friendly lunch idea? This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is simple, versatile, and perfect for the whole family.
Cottage Cheese is definitely having a moment right now, and for good reason! Packed with protein and creamy goodness, it's a brilliant ingredient to work into family meals. This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a must try for an easy, nutritious lunch.
If you're after more ideas using cottage cheese, check out these favourites: Cottage Cheese Smoothie, Cottage Cheese Egg Bites, Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, Cottage Cheese and Peaches and Lentil Lasagne (which used cottage cheese as a white sauce alternative.)
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Reasons to Love this Recipe
- Quick and easy to make - meal prep for busy weekdays.
- High in protein and nutritious, thanks to both the chicken and cottage cheese.
- Versatile - enjoy it in so many different ways (see serving suggestions)
Ingredients Information (and Substitutions)
- Chicken - cooked chicken breast works best. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded poached chicken or slow cooker shredded chicken.
- Cottage Cheese - This is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise / sour cream in the salad.
- Lemon Juice - Adds a little acidity. You can swap for a splash of vinegar (apple cider or white wine vinegar works well)
- Dijon Mustard - Adds a subtle tang and depth. You can skip or use wholegrain mustard for a different texture.
- Optional Add Ins - Add your favourite classic chicken salad ingredients to suit your family's taste. I used finely chopped red onion and red grapes for a touch of sweetness. Other great additions include celery, fresh herbs like dill or parsley or chopped walnuts for crunch.
Step by Step Instructions (with Images)
- Step 1: Add the cottage cheese, lemon juice and Dijon mustard to a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. (Optional: Blend cottage cheese before mixing)
- Step 2: Add the shredded chicken any additional mix-ins you like (I used red onion and grapes). Stir again until everything is mixed. Taste and season accordingly.
Top tips
Don't like the texture of cottage cheese? Add the cheese to a food processor or a high speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Alternatively you can use an immersion (stick) blender - simply blend the cottage cheese straight in the tub or bowl.
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon into cucumber boats or lettuce wraps for a refreshing, light option.
- Use as a sandwich filling - delicious in soft bread, sourdough, bagels, pittas or wraps.
- Serve on crackers, oatcakes or rice cakes for an easy snack.
- Add to a green salad.
- Enjoy as a dip with veggie sticks.
- Use it to top slices of apples (sounds strange by my kids love this!)
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind when the chicken was cooked and the use-by date on the cottage cheese.
Recipe FAQs
Yes this can be suitable from 6 months +, provided your baby is developmentally ready and has started finger foods. However, there are a few things to consider.
ALLERGIES - cottage cheese is dairy, a common allergen, so make sure you have introduced dairy separately and safely before hand.
SODIUM LEVELS - Cottage cheese can be high in sodium. Offer small amounts and choose a low sodium brand. You may also wish to substitute some of the cottage cheese with plain greek yogurt.
CHOKING - The shredded chicken mixed with cottage cheese can sometimes be a bit claggy in the mouth, which could increase the risk of it becoming a chocking hazard.
Any additions (such as onion, grapes etc) should be chopped and prepared in a baby safe way. (e.g grapes quartered lengthways)
Always serve when baby is sitting upright, and supervise closely.
For informational purposes only-each baby develops at their own pace. Make informed decisions for your child and consult a professional for personalised advice.
You can blend the cottage cheese until smooth before mixing it with the chicken. This makes it creamier and removes the lumpy texture some people do not like.
More Chicken Recipes
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Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 225g / 1 cup cottage cheese as is or blended depending on preference
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 250g / 9oz cooked chicken breast shredded or chopped
Optional add ins
- ¼ red onion finely diced
- 85g / ½ cup red grapes quartered lengthways
- ½ rib celery finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley finely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese, lemon juice and Dijon mustard to a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. *NOTE 1
- Add the cooked chicken any additional mix-ins you like (I used red onion and grapes). Stir again until everything is mixed. Taste and season accordingly.
Video
Recipe Notes
- If you do not like the texture of cottage cheese curds, or prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese before mixing with the chicken.
- Add ins are optional but add more flavour and texture, pictured we have added red onion and grape.
Wendy
Delicious for all and this peri woman loved that it is high protein. I went without grapes but the kids loved them added and I added chopped apple too.
Amy Whiteford
So glad to hear this worked well for both you and the kids! Love that you added chopped apple, and great to know the grapes were a hit too!