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Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

A refreshing and nutritious twist on traditional chicken salad, packed with protein and flavor from fresh ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Potluck, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 500 g skinless chicken breast Opt for high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor.
  • 1 large red apple, thinly sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended.
  • 2 pieces Lebanese cucumbers, thinly sliced Their thin skin and crispness make them perfect for salads.
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced Soak in cold water to mellow the flavor.
  • 1 cup frozen green peas, blanched Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1 heaped cup cottage cheese Low-fat recommended for a lighter feel.
Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard For tang and depth.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar Adds acidity to balance the creaminess.
  • to taste pinch salt and black pepper Essential for flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  2. Remove chicken from water and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding.
Preparing the Salad
  1. While the chicken cooks, thinly slice the cucumbers, apple, and red onion.
  2. Once cooled, chop the chicken into small cubes.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, sliced cucumbers, apples, peas, onions, cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. Gently fold to coat evenly.
Serving the Salad
  1. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For optimal flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before enjoying.
  2. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill. If the salad is too thick, a splash of water or extra vinegar can help loosen it up. This salad is versatile; serve it with whole grain bread, on a bed of greens, or with crispy crackers.