How can I make it extra creamy without mayo?

Blend the cottage cheese until smooth, then mix with Greek yogurt and a tiny drizzle of olive oil. It turns velvety fast.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

Use two forks while the chicken is still slightly warm, or pulse in a stand mixer for 10 to 15 seconds. Don’t overdo it or it gets stringy.

I don’t recommend freezing the dressed salad because dairy can separate. Freeze cooked chopped chicken on its own, then mix fresh dressing later.

Let hot chicken cool before mixing, and pat veggies like cucumbers dry. Stir before serving and refresh with lemon if needed.

Yes. Keep the onions mild or swap for green onion, and skip spicy add-ins. Serve with crackers or roll into a wrap.

A creamy and herby chicken salad with cottage cheese, perfect for stable energy throughout the day.

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (Rotisserie, poached, or baked works.)
1 cup cottage cheese, 2% or 4% (Blend smooth if texture is a concern.)
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (To lighten and maintain creaminess.)
1 cup crunchy veggies (celery, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper) (Adds texture and volume.)
1/4 cup fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives) (Fresh herbs add brightness.)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (For acidity.)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Optional for added flavor.)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste kosher salt (Season appropriately.)
to taste black pepper (Season appropriately.)
a pinch smoked paprika (Optional for flavor.)

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Dice celery and red onion small, chop herbs, and shred your chicken. Blend cottage cheese for 30 seconds if desired for smoothness.

In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika together. Adjust flavors to taste.

Fold shredded chicken, diced veggies, and herbs into the dressing. If the mixture appears thick, add a splash of water or more lemon juice. Chill for at least 20 minutes.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let cooked chicken cool before mixing to prevent a watery salad.