Name: Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487462H35M14S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped; 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 1/4 cup jarred banana peppers, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 1/4 cup celery, diced; 2 tablespoons green onion, sliced; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a delightful, high-protein dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Its creamy texture and zesty flavor make it an appealing option for any occasion, from casual meals to potlucks. Packed with nutritious ingredients like cottage cheese and banana peppers, this salad is not only low in calories but also rich in taste and protein. Enjoy it on its own or as a filling topping for your favorite crackers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High Protein Content: This chicken salad offers a substantial 24.7 grams of protein per serving, making it ideal for those looking to boost their protein intake.
Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of cottage cheese and banana peppers provides a unique twist that elevates the traditional chicken salad into something special.
Low Carb Option: At only 6 grams of carbs per serving, this dish fits perfectly into low-carb diets.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on personal preferences or what you have available at home.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: A food processor simplifies the blending process, ensuring your cottage cheese becomes smooth without lumps.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without spilling.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients like onions and celery quick and safe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

1 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped into small chunks
1/2 cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese, blended smooth
1/4 cup jarred banana peppers, diced (mild or spicy)
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup celery, diced
2 tablespoon green onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon or spicy mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper

How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Step 1: Blend Cottage Cheese

In a food processor, pulse the cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps for a creamy texture.

Step 2: Combine and Serve

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese mixture with the chopped chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery, and green onion. Stir until well combined. Taste the salad and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

On a Bed of Greens

Use fresh lettuce or spinach as a base for the salad. This adds crunch and extra nutrients.

In a Wrap

Spoon the chicken salad into a whole grain wrap. Roll it up for a convenient lunch option that’s easy to take on the go.

With Whole Grain Crackers

Serve the salad alongside whole grain crackers for a satisfying crunch. This pairing makes for a great snack or appetizer.

Stuffed in Avocados

Hollow out an avocado and fill it with the chicken salad. This adds healthy fats and creates an impressive presentation.

How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

To make your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance flavor and texture, bringing your salad to life.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad before serving; you might want to add more salt, pepper, or mustard based on your preference.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with Additions: Consider adding chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Rotisserie chicken saves time, but feel free to use grilled or baked chicken for a healthier twist.

Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Pairing side dishes with your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options.

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition without extra calories.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can complement your chicken salad nicely, providing additional protein.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers sweetness and hydration, balancing the savory flavors of the chicken salad.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide healthy carbs and pair well with the spices in your dish.
Cucumber Slices: Crisp cucumber slices can serve as refreshing bites, perfect for cleansing the palate.
Hummus and Veggies: A platter of hummus with assorted raw vegetables adds fiber and keeps things light yet filling.
Baked Zucchini Fries: These make a great alternative to traditional fries while keeping calories low.
Greek Yogurt Dip with Pita Chips: For another protein boost, serve yogurt dip alongside crunchy pita chips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers can be easy, but some common mistakes may affect the flavor and texture.

Skipping the blending step: Not blending the cottage cheese leads to a chunky texture. Always blend until smooth for a creamier salad.
Overseasoning: Adding too much salt or pepper can overpower the flavors. Start with smaller amounts and adjust gradually to find the perfect balance.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old vegetables can ruin your salad. Always opt for fresh banana peppers, onions, and celery for the best taste.
Not chilling before serving: Serving immediately may miss out on flavor enhancement. Chill your salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for improved taste.
Using too much chicken: Overloading on chicken can make the salad dry. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced, moist dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Good for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture.

Reheating Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Gently heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use grilled chicken or leftover chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken for a healthier option.

Is this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator and makes an excellent meal prep choice.

What can I substitute for banana peppers?

If you prefer less spice, consider using bell peppers or chopped cucumbers as alternatives.

How can I customize my Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad?

Feel free to add ingredients like diced avocado or nuts for extra flavor and crunch!

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is not only high in protein but also versatile and flavorful. You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding various vegetables or spices. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying meal that fits into your healthy eating plan!

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

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Author: Florence
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a deliciously creamy and zesty dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This high-protein salad combines the rich texture of cottage cheese with the unique flavor of banana peppers, making it not just nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. With only 15 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up this delightful meal that’s both low in calories and high in taste. Whether enjoyed on its own, served in a wrap, or paired with whole grain crackers, this salad is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep—just store it in the fridge for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week.

Instructions

In a food processor, blend together cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the blended mixture with the chopped chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery, and green onion. Mix well.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.