Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or grilled works great!)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd for best texture)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (for extra creaminess!)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy kick!)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch!)
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries or raisins (for sweetness!)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat!)
- ¼ tsp paprika (for smokiness!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Cook and shred/dice the chicken (if not using pre-cooked chicken).
- Chop all vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, celery, and parsley.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this helps the flavors meld together!).
- Garnish with extra parsley and black pepper before serving.
Notes
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
✔ Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly: Pre-chop veggies and cook chicken ahead for quick assembly.
✔ Best Served Chilled: Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
✔ Avoid Freezing: Cottage cheese can become watery when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.