This high-protein chicken salad is a low-calorie, low-carb, flavor-packed delight made with creamy cottage cheese, tangy banana peppers, and rotisserie chicken—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
This tasty high-protein chicken salad, made with cottage cheese and banana peppers, ticks all the boxes! It’s high in protein, low in calories and carbs, full of flavor and texture and so easy to make since it’s made with leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s a healthy twist on chicken salad that’s a new favorite in our house.
The blended cottage cheese base helps create a high-protein chicken salad that’s much healthier and lower in calories than traditional chicken salads made with mayonnaise. And due to the flavorful seasonings, tangy banana peppers, crunchy celery and onions, you may not even guess it’s made with cottage cheese!
Since it can be made in 10 minutes, it’s ideal for busy days when you need something nutritious and filling in a flash. Whether you enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a low-carb wrap or pita, or by itself, it’s a great lunch or dinner option that’s satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Store-bought rotisserie chicken: To keep the salad easy, we simply use store-bought rotisserie chicken, which we cut into small chunks. We recommend buying a rotisserie chicken that is organic, free-range, and free of hormone.
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Low-fat cottage cheese: We use a low-fat cottage cheese (2% milkfat) in this salad since we found little difference in taste between the low- and high-fat cottage cheese when done. However, you can use a higher-in-fat cottage cheese if you like as it only slightly reduces the level of protein.
Banana peppers (mild or spicy): Banana peppers offer a tangy, mild or slightly spicy kick, but you can adjust the heat level by choosing either mild or spicy peppers to suit your taste.
Celery, red onion and green onion: Celery and red onion bring a refreshing crunch, while green onions add a touch of mild, aromatic flavor. While we enjoy the green onions, you can skip if you like.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, spicy or Dijon mustard and salt and pepper add depth of flavor and a bit of tang. We recommend tasting and adjusting the seasoning as you like (such as salt, pepper, etc.).
How to Make
STEP 1: In a food processor, pulse cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth
STEP 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine blended cottage cheese mixture, chopped chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery and green onion. Stir until well combined. Taste salad and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately or store in fridge until ready to serve.
How to Store
This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving leftovers, give it a good stir to redistribute any separated liquids.
More High Protein Salads
If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
This high-protein chicken salad is a low-carb, low-cal, flavor-packed meal made with cottage cheese, banana peppers, and rotisserie chicken.
Instructions
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Blend cottage cheese: In a food processor, pulse cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth
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Combine and serve: In a large mixing bowl, combine blended cottage cheese mixture, chopped chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery and green onion. Stir until well combined. Taste salad and adjust seasonings (such as salt and pepper) if needed. Serve immediately or store in fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 175.9kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 24.7gFat: 6.3gSaturated Fat: 2.1gCholesterol: 67.5mgSodium: 878mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 2.8gNet Carbs: 5.1gProtein Percentage: 56%
