Looking for a quick, healthy, and protein-packed meal? This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers Recipe is the perfect solution! Combining tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and tangy banana peppers, this salad is not only delicious but also low in carbs and high in protein. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, looking for a post-workout meal, or simply want a light yet satisfying dish, this recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Let’s dive into this flavorful and nutritious recipe!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers Recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you can have a healthy, protein-packed meal ready to enjoy.
Second, it’s versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste—add extra veggies, swap the banana peppers for pickles, or adjust the seasoning to your preference. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a practical and budget-friendly option.
Finally, it’s perfect for a variety of diets. Whether you’re following a low-carb, high-protein, or gluten-free diet, this salad fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. It’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a post-workout snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup banana peppers (sliced)
- 1/4 cup celery (chopped)
- 2 tbsp red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Equipment Used
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken. Then, chop the celery, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cottage cheese, banana peppers, celery, red onion, and parsley.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and Dijon mustard over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Well: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers Recipe is a healthy, low-carb meal packed with protein. Per serving (1/2 of the recipe), it contains approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Sugar: 3g
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Extra Veggies: Add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Include a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works well in this recipe for a quick and easy option.
2. How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad tastes great when made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- For extra crunch, mix in a handful of chopped nuts or seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers on its own, over a bed of greens, or in a low-carb wrap for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a high-protein snack.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Â
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup banana peppers sliced
- 1/4 cup celery chopped
- 2 tbsp red onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
InstructionsÂ
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken. Then, chop the celery, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cottage cheese, banana peppers, celery, red onion, and parsley.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and Dijon mustard over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Well: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.