Save to Pinterest Enjoy a zesty and protein-packed meal with this Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese. This recipe transforms tender shredded chicken into a creamy, flavorful dish using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt as a wholesome base. It is the perfect option for anyone looking for a quick, healthy lunch that doesn't compromise on the bold, tangy flavor of classic buffalo sauce.
Save to Pinterest With its satisfying crunch from fresh celery and onion and the smooth creaminess of the dressing, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a fast weekday meal, this high-protein salad is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins
- Water and low-sodium chicken broth (approx. 4 cups/1L total, 50/50 ratio)
- Pinch kosher salt (for boiling)
- ½ cup (120 g) 2% cottage cheese
- ¼ cup (60 g) 0% Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp buffalo sauce (e.g., Franks Red Hot Buffalo)
- 2 tsp ranch seasoning (e.g., Hidden Valley)
- ⅓ cup sweet onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup celery, finely diced
- ⅓ cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Pinch kosher salt, to season as needed
Instructions
- 1. Boil and Shred the Chicken
- In a 3-quart pot, add a 50/50 mixture of water and chicken broth, enough to cover the chicken. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Place chicken tenderloins in the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain and let the chicken cool. Shred using two forks or your fingers.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- 3. Assemble the Salad
- Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced onion, and grated cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Fold everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with cracked black pepper and a pinch of kosher salt as needed.
- 4. Serve
- Serve chilled with crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, or as a sandwich filling. Optionally, heat gently and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra convenience, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie or roasted chicken instead of boiling your own. If you are watching your salt intake, be sure to use low-sodium broth and sauces.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Make it spicier by adding extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a classic buffalo wing flavor profile, you can swap the shredded cheddar cheese for crumbled blue cheese.
Serviervorschläge
This versatile salad can be served chilled with crackers and fresh vegetable crudités. It also works wonderfully as a hearty sandwich filling or can be gently heated if you prefer a warm meal.
Save to Pinterest This Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a delicious and efficient way to enjoy a high-protein lunch. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it a satisfying staple for any healthy meal plan.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching fresh chicken?
Absolutely. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly and reduces prep time significantly. Simply shred about 1 pound of cooked chicken and proceed with assembling the salad.
- → How can I make this salad spicier?
Increase the buffalo sauce to 4-5 tablespoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. You can also mix in some hot sauce directly with the shredded chicken before combining with the creamy base.
- → What can I substitute for cottage cheese if I don't like it?
You can replace cottage cheese with additional Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or mashed avocado for a creamier texture. Blue cheese crumbles also work beautifully and enhance the classic buffalo flavor profile.
- → How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld and improve overnight. Note that the texture may become slightly more liquid as it sits.
- → What are the best ways to serve this buffalo chicken salad?
Enjoy it chilled with whole grain crackers or fresh vegetable crudités like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers. It also makes an excellent sandwich filling, wrap stuffing, or can be served over mixed greens for a lighter meal.
- → Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is ideal for meal prep. Prepare a batch on Sunday and portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Keep crackers separate to maintain crunch.