High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s packed with protein, then this High Protein Chicken Salad recipe is just what you need! This salad is not only healthy but also super easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its combination of crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and creamy dressing, it has quickly become a favorite in my household. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—just make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can load it into wraps, serve it alongside some fresh fruit, or even enjoy it on its own. Trust me—once you try this high protein chicken salad, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for when you need a meal on the fly.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids love the sweetness of the grapes and the creamy texture—making it a hit at any table.
• Meal prep friendly: Make ahead of time and store in the fridge for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
• Packed with protein: With 40 grams of protein per serving, it’s a fantastic way to fuel your day!
• Customizable flavors: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This High Protein Chicken Salad recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful dish!

For the Chicken

• 1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken)
• 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning (or salt)

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (plus more to taste)
• 1 cup cottage cheese

For the Salad

• 65 g grapes (quartered; about 24 grapes)
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Variations

One of the best things about this High Protein Chicken Salad recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative and adjust ingredients based on your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or even chickpeas instead of chicken for a different twist!
• Add crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra texture.
• Mix up the fruits: Try adding diced apples or cranberries for a different flavor profile.
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can brighten up the flavors beautifully.

How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by cooking your chicken with salt or chicken seasoning. Boiling it in a pot covered will take about 20 minutes, which keeps it juicy and tender. If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While your chicken cooks, blend together cottage cheese and mayonnaise using a blender or food processor until smooth. This creamy mixture forms the base of our delicious dressing.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from heat and place it in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Shredding allows every part of that flavorful chicken to soak up all those yummy seasonings.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add your creamy dressing along with all remaining ingredients—grapes, chopped celery, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper—to the bowl with shredded chicken. Mix everything together well; you want every bite full of flavor!

Step 5: Season to Taste

Taste your salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Don’t be shy! A little extra seasoning can make all the difference.

Step 6: Chill Out!

For best results, let your salad chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. However, if you’re too eager to dig in (and I totally understand!), feel free to serve immediately!

Enjoy this High Protein Chicken Salad recipe as part of lunch or dinner—it’s sure to become one of your new favorites!

Pro Tips for Making High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

Creating the perfect chicken salad is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish and make it even more delightful.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh celery and grapes ensure a crunchy texture and vibrant flavor. They also add essential nutrients, making your salad not just tasty but also super healthy.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending the cottage cheese with mayonnaise creates a creamy base that’s rich in protein without being too heavy. This helps your salad achieve that perfect consistency!
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing your chicken salad to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours enhances the flavors as they marry together. It also gives you a refreshing dish, especially on warmer days.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste buds! Adding herbs like dill or parsley can give it a fresh twist, while spices can add depth.
• Make It Ahead: This salad is ideal for meal prep! Make a big batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have quick, nutritious lunches ready to go.

How to Serve High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

Serving your High Protein Chicken Salad is just as fun as making it! There are many creative ways to present this delightful dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Sliced Avocado: A few slices of avocado not only enhance the presentation but also provide healthy fats.

Side Dishes

• Whole Grain Crackers: Crunchy crackers offer a satisfying contrast to the creamy chicken salad. Look for whole grain options for added fiber.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements the savory flavors of the chicken salad perfectly, providing sweetness and hydration.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple side of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette can lighten up your meal while adding extra nutrients.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers bring an earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the chicken salad, making for a wholesome plate.

Enjoy crafting your delicious High Protein Chicken Salad and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This High Protein Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout. Here’s how to store it effectively:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• This salad can last for up to 3-4 days when properly stored.
• If using fresh ingredients like celery, consider adding them right before serving to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

• While this salad can be frozen, it’s best to freeze only the chicken portion separately.
• Once thawed, mix the chicken with the other ingredients for optimal taste and texture.
• To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and keep it for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen the chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• You can warm it gently in a pan over low heat or microwave it in short bursts until heated through.
• Avoid reheating the entire salad mixture as it may affect the texture of the mayonnaise and cottage cheese.

FAQs

Got questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time while still delivering delicious flavor. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it with your other ingredients.

How much protein does this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe contain?

This delightful salad packs about 40 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a tasty meal.

Can I customize the ingredients in this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Add nuts for extra crunch or swap grapes with diced apples for a different sweetness—get creative!

Is this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep! It stores well and maintains its flavor over a few days in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this High Protein Chicken Salad as much as I do! It’s not just nutritious; it’s also bursting with flavor and offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re packing a lunch or serving it at a gathering, I’m sure you’ll appreciate how easy and satisfying this recipe is. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!