Name: Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped; 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth; 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 or spicy mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

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This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a delicious and nutritious meal option that packs a punch in flavor and protein. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the zesty kick of banana peppers. It’s low in carbs and calories, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy dish without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or packing it for a work lunch, this recipe will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in Protein: This salad boasts an impressive protein content, thanks to the rotisserie chicken and cottage cheese.
Low-Carb Delight: With minimal carbohydrates, it’s perfect for those following a low-carb diet or seeking healthier meal options.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your palate.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of mustard, garlic powder, and banana peppers creates a unique taste that’s both savory and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Large mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: This tool is crucial for blending the cottage cheese into a smooth texture, ensuring creamy consistency in your salad.
Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without making a mess.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables like celery and onion for even distribution in your salad.

Ingredients

For the 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 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing

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 together the cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 2: Combine and Serve

In a large mixing bowl, add the blended cottage cheese mixture along with the chopped rotisserie chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery, and green onion. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste your salad and adjust seasonings if needed. You can serve it immediately or store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad can easily adapt to your preferences.

On a Bed of Greens

Fresh Spinach: Serve your salad over fresh spinach leaves for extra nutrients.
Mixed Greens: Use a mix of arugula and romaine for a crunchy texture.

In a Wrap

Whole Wheat Tortilla: Spread the salad on a whole wheat tortilla, roll it up, and slice it for an easy wrap.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps.

With Crackers or Bread

Whole Grain Crackers: Pair the salad with whole grain crackers for added crunch.
Toasted Bread: Serve it on toasted slices of whole grain bread or baguette.

As a Stuffed Tomato

Hollowed Tomatoes: Hollow out large tomatoes and fill them with the cottage cheese chicken salad for an appealing presentation.

How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

To enhance your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers, consider these simple tips. They will help you create an even more delicious dish.

Use fresh ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality rotisserie chicken for the best flavor.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving and adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate.
Experiment with flavors: Add herbs like dill or parsley for an aromatic twist.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Add extras: Consider mixing in nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutritional benefits.

Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Pairing side dishes with your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the salad.
Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks provide a crunchy, healthy contrast.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber while keeping it nutritious.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and earthiness to the meal.
Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a comforting side dish.
Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with lemon zest complements the flavors of the chicken salad beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using the wrong type of chicken: Using pre-cooked or grilled chicken instead of rotisserie chicken can change the flavor. Always opt for rotisserie for a richer taste.
Over-blending the cottage cheese: Blending too long can turn it runny. Blend just until smooth to keep the right consistency.
Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Not chilling before serving: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to meld. Chill for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste.
Forgetting about texture: Adding too many soft ingredients can make the salad mushy. Balance with crunchy veggies like celery.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep refrigerated and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods.

Freezing Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

This salad is not recommended for freezing as the cottage cheese may separate upon thawing.
If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers:

How do I customize my Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers?

You can add different vegetables or herbs such as bell peppers, parsley, or even olives for added flavor and crunch.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, using low-fat cottage cheese keeps this salad light while still packing a protein punch.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Your Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers will last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This high-protein chicken salad is perfect for meal prep and makes a great lunch option throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a delicious, high-protein option that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With its fresh ingredients and customizable nature, it’s perfect for any meal. Try this recipe today and feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices!

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

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Author: Florence
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is a delightful, nutritious dish that combines creamy cottage cheese and savory rotisserie chicken with the zesty crunch of banana peppers. This quick recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, offering a low-carb, high-protein option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a satisfying salad that’s versatile enough to serve in wraps, on greens, or as a hearty filling for stuffed tomatoes. Fresh vegetables and zesty seasonings come together to create a refreshing meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Instructions

Blend cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended mixture with chopped rotisserie chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery, and green onion.
Stir until well combined; taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.