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Why Make This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic dish. It combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day. This recipe is healthy, packed with protein, and easy to prepare. Whether you need a quick lunch or a filling dinner, this salad satisfies your cravings while keeping things light and nutritious.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (shredded)
- ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
- ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce (of choice, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo)
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley)
- ⅓ cup sweet onion (finely diced)
- ⅓ cup celery (finely diced)
- ⅓ cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- Few turns cracked black pepper (to season)
- Pinch kosher salt (to season, as needed)
Directions
Boil and Shred the Chicken: Start by boiling the chicken tenderloins in a pot of water until fully cooked. This usually takes about 15 minutes. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
Make the Chicken Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, sweet onion, celery, and cheddar cheese. Mix all the ingredients until well combined. Season with cracked black pepper and kosher salt to taste.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
This buffalo chicken salad is versatile. You can serve it on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or on whole-grain bread as a sandwich. It also pairs well with veggie sticks or whole-grain crackers for a nutritious snack.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir, as the ingredients may settle.
Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce before boiling.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives for extra crunch and flavor.
Variation
You can switch up the dressing by using a different flavor of Greek yogurt or adding avocado for a creamier texture. You could also substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken as a time-saving alternative. Just drain and shred it before mixing.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this buffalo chicken salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for a few days.
