Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45–65 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
– 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– ¼ cup mayonnaise
– ½ cup dried cranberries
– ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
– ½ cup celery, finely diced
– ¼ cup green onions, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Optional Ingredients
– ¼ teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon honey for extra sweetness
– ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
– Extra whole pecans and dried cranberries for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
1. Place chicken breasts in a saucepan.
2. Add enough water or chicken broth to cover the chicken.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat.
5. Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken and allow it to cool.
7. Shred into small bite-sized pieces using two forks.
You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Dressing
1. Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
4. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice.
5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth, rich dressing that coats the chicken beautifully.
3. Prepare the Remaining Ingredients
1. Wash and finely dice the celery.
2. Chop the green onions and fresh parsley.
3. Roughly chop the pecans.
4. Measure the dried cranberries.
5. If desired, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, then cool.
4. Combine the Chicken Salad
1. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the diced celery and green onions.
3. Add the dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
4. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley.
5. Pour the prepared cottage cheese dressing over everything.
6. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
5. Chill the Salad
1. Cover the mixing bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. This allows the flavors to blend and the salad to become even more delicious.
4. Stir gently before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve
1. Transfer the chicken salad to a serving bowl.
2. Garnish with whole pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley.
3. Serve chilled.
Enjoy it in lettuce cups, sandwiches, tortilla wraps, croissants, or alongside crackers and fresh vegetables!
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 330–380 kcal
Protein 32–36 g
Carbohydrates 15–19 g
Total Fat 17–21 g
Saturated Fat 2–4 g
Fiber 2–3 g
Sugar 9–12 g
Sodium 400–550 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary according to the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, pecans, and cranberry brands used.
Nut & Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts
– Peanuts: Not included in the basic recipe.
– Tree Nuts: Contains pecans.
– Dairy: Contains cottage cheese.
– Eggs: May be present in mayonnaise.
– Gluten/Wheat: No gluten-containing ingredients are required; check packaged ingredients.
– Soy: Check mayonnaise and packaged ingredients for soy.
– Other Allergens: Check labels for possible cross-contact warnings.
Nut-Free Alternative: If you have a nut allergy, omit pecans completely. Replace them with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds only if those are safe for the individual. Check all packaging and prevent cross-contact.
Q/S – Questions & Suggestions
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully and gives the salad a tangy, creamy flavor.
Q: Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
Blending is recommended for a smooth, creamy dressing. However, you can use cottage cheese directly if you prefer a slightly chunky texture.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Remove the skin and shred the meat before mixing.
Q: Can I replace pecans with walnuts?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be used, but remember they are also tree nuts.
Q: Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?
Yes. Replace mayonnaise with additional blended cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries are recommended because they provide concentrated sweetness. Fresh cranberries are much more tart.
Q: How can I make the salad sweeter?
Add a little honey or extra dried cranberries.
Q: How do I make this salad higher in protein?
Use extra chicken breast, high-protein cottage cheese, or plain Greek yogurt.
Q: How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
Store in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below and consume within 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze cottage cheese chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended because cottage cheese and mayonnaise can separate and become watery after thawing.
Q: What can I serve with cranberry pecan chicken salad?
It tastes wonderful with croissants, whole-grain bread, lettuce wraps, crackers, cucumber slices, or a fresh green salad.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
– Use fully cooled shredded chicken for the best texture.
– Blend cottage cheese until silky smooth.
– Toast pecans lightly to bring out their natural flavor.
– Add cranberries for a delicious sweet-and-tangy contrast.
– Chill the salad before serving for better flavor.
– Reserve some pecans and cranberries for an attractive garnish.
– Add the dressing gradually to achieve your preferred consistency.
Final Result: A creamy, flavorful chicken salad filled with tender shredded chicken, sweet chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, fresh celery, and smooth cottage cheese dressing. A delicious, protein-rich recipe perfect for lunch, meal prep, and sharing with family!