Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

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If you’re looking for a healthy, low-carb, and high-protein meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying, this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a must-try! Using cottage cheese instead of mayo gives this salad a light and creamy texture while adding extra protein and reducing unhealthy fats. Combined with sweet blackberries, crunchy walnuts, and crisp celery, this dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This salad is a fantastic option for meal prep, a light lunch, or even a quick dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those following a low-carb lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

• High in Protein & Low in Carbs: With cottage cheese and chicken as the main ingredients, this salad is packed with lean protein and minimal carbs.
• Light & Refreshing: Unlike traditional chicken salads with heavy mayo, the cottage cheese adds a fresh and creamy texture.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad stores well, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
• Great for Keto & Low-Carb Diets: With only 6 net carbs per serving, this dish is perfect for those maintaining a low-carb lifestyle.
• Simple & Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for a busy schedule.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as-is, over lettuce, in lettuce wraps, or on keto bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Salad:

• 2 Chicken Breasts – Cooked, shredded, and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 cup Cottage Cheese – The base for the creamy dressing.
• ¼ cup Mayonnaise – Adds richness while keeping it low-carb.
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced – For crunch and freshness.
• 2 Green Onions, sliced – Adds a mild onion flavor.
• ½ cup Blackberries, sliced – Provides natural sweetness and antioxidants.
• ½ teaspoon Salt and Pepper – For seasoning.
• ¼ cup Chopped Walnuts – Adds crunch and healthy fats.

Optional:

• Keto Bread or Lettuce Wraps – For serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook & Shred the Chicken

• Choose your preferred cooking method:
  • Baked: Preheat oven to 375°F, season chicken with salt and pepper, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Boiled: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the chicken, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  • Grilled: Season and grill for 5-7 minutes per side.
• Once cooked, shred and chop into bite-sized pieces and let cool.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

• Dice the celery and green onions.
• Slice the blackberries in half or quarters, depending on their size.
• Chop the walnuts.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, celery, green onions, blackberries, and walnuts.
• Stir in the cottage cheese and mayonnaise until well combined.

Step 4: Season & Serve

• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve as-is, over lettuce, in lettuce wraps, or on keto bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 447
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Protein: High in lean protein from chicken and cottage cheese.
• Healthy Fats: Walnuts and mayonnaise provide essential healthy fats.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Meal Prep Tip: Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as dairy and fresh fruit do not freeze well.

Serving Suggestions

This low-carb chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• On Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce or romaine for a fresh, crisp wrap.
• In a Keto Sandwich: Serve on low-carb or keto-friendly bread.
• Stuffed in Avocados: Scoop into halved avocados for an elegant and nutrient-rich meal.
• With Veggies: Use cucumber slices or celery sticks for a crunchy, low-carb dipper.
• Over Mixed Greens: Serve over a bed of leafy greens for a simple salad bowl.

Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Variations

1. Make It Dairy-Free

• Swap cottage cheese for dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado.

2. Add More Protein

• Mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs or extra chicken for even more protein.

3. Use Different Nuts

• Try pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.

4. Add More Flavor

• Sprinkle in fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
• Add a dash of curry powder for a unique twist.

5. Make It Extra Creamy

• Increase the cottage cheese or mayo for a thicker consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prep and can be made up to 4 days in advance.

2. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.

3. Can I Use Frozen Blackberries?

Fresh blackberries are best, but you can use thawed frozen blackberries. Drain them well before adding.

4. Is This Recipe Keto-Friendly?

Yes! With 6 net carbs per serving, this salad is perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

5. Can I Add More Sweetness?

If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of erythritol.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a fantastic healthy, protein-packed meal with fresh flavors and crunchy textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a meal-prep option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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