Creamy & Crunchy High Protein Chicken Salad
Looking for a quick, healthy lunch that actually keeps you full? This high protein chicken salad packs 40g of protein per serving and combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and a creamy mayo-cottage cheese blend. Perfect for meal prep, it works great in wraps, on sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 443
Ingredients:
- 1.4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken)
- 2 tsp chicken seasoning (or salt)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (plus more to taste)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 65 g grapes, quartered (about 24 grapes)
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the chicken – Boil chicken breasts in salted water or chicken seasoning for 20 minutes (covered), or use an Instant Pot. (Skip this step with rotisserie chicken.)
- Blend the creamy base – In a blender or food processor, mix cottage cheese and mayo until smooth.
- Shred the chicken – Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine everything – Add grapes, celery, lemon juice, and seasonings to the bowl along with the creamy mixture. Stir well to coat.
- Taste & chill – Adjust seasoning, then chill for at least 1 hour for maximum flavor.
- Serve & enjoy – Perfect in wraps, sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers & fruit.
Pro Tips:
- Make it extra creamy – Add more mayo or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
- Let it rest – Chill for 1–2 hours before serving to enhance flavor.
- Meal prep ready – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition (per serving):
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 443 | 40g | 7g | 28g | 1g | 4g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using USDA data and may vary based on ingredients.