Buffalo chicken cottage cheese salad

This Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a zesty and protein-packed lunch option featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and tangy buffalo sauce. With a preparation time of only 20 minutes and a total time of 35 minutes, this easy American-style recipe yields 4 servings and is perfect for those following a high-protein or gluten-free diet.

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Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch—this salad combines the crunch of fresh celery and onion with the bold heat of buffalo sauce. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a satisfying post-workout snack, this dish is a versatile addition to your rotation.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins, approximately 4 cups (1L) of a 50/50 mixture of water and low-sodium chicken broth, and a pinch of kosher salt for boiling.
• Dressing: ½ cup (120 g) 2% cottage cheese, ¼ cup (60 g) 0% Greek yogurt, 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tbsp buffalo sauce, and 2 tsp ranch seasoning.
• Salad Mix-ins: ⅓ cup finely diced sweet onion, ⅓ cup finely diced celery, ⅓ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese, cracked black pepper to taste, and a pinch of kosher salt to season.

Instructions

1. Boil and Shred the Chicken

In a 3-quart pot, combine a 50/50 mixture of water and chicken broth to cover the chicken and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer chicken tenderloins for 15–20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain, let cool, and shred using two forks or your fingers.

2. Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice. Mix until the texture is smooth.

3. Assemble the Salad

Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced onion, and grated cheddar cheese to the dressing. Fold everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with cracked black pepper and kosher salt as needed.

4. Serve

Serve the salad chilled or gently warmed. It pairs perfectly with crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, or as a filling for a sandwich.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To store your buffalo chicken salad, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For a lower-sodium version, ensure you are using low-sodium chicken broth and a lower-sodium buffalo sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer more heat, make it spicier by adding extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a classic buffalo profile, you can swap the cheddar cheese for crumbled blue cheese.

Serviervorschläge

Enjoy this zesty salad chilled alongside crunchy crackers or fresh crudités like carrot sticks and extra celery. It also makes a fantastic high-protein filling for wraps or whole-grain sandwiches.

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Each serving of this Buffalo Chicken Salad contains approximately 210 calories, 7g of fat, 4g of carbohydrates, and 31g of protein. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens such as milk or eggs, especially in store-bought ranch seasonings and buffalo sauces.

Recipe Help

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of boiling fresh chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie or roasted chicken can be shredded and used to save time without compromising flavor.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?

Increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

→ What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

Blue cheese is a classic alternative that complements the buffalo flavor very well.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, using gluten-free buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning ensures the dish remains gluten-free.