If you’re craving a dish that brings a perfect balance of spicy kick, creamy texture, and wholesome protein, the Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. This vibrant salad combines tender shredded chicken soaked with bold buffalo sauce, mellowed by the cool creaminess of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, and brightened with fresh lemon juice and crunchy veggies. It’s a fresh, satisfying meal bursting with flavor, ideal for lunches, light dinners, or anytime you want something both comforting and a little exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe just right is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender chicken to the creamy dressing and crisp veggies, every item contributes layers of taste and texture for an unforgettable salad experience.
- Chicken tenderloins (1 pound): These cook quickly and shred beautifully, making for a tender protein base.
- 2% cottage cheese (½ cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, helping to mellow the buffalo heat.
- 0% Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Lightens the texture and boosts creaminess without added fat.
- Buffalo sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides that signature spicy, tangy flavor that sets this salad apart.
- Ranch seasoning (2 teaspoons): Brings a familiar herbaceous note that complements the buffalo spice perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and balances the richness in the dressing.
- Sweet onion, finely diced (¼ cup): Gives a hint of sweetness and crunch for contrast.
- Celery, finely diced (¼ cup): Adds crispness and freshness to every bite.
- Mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated (¼ cup): Offers a creamy, slightly sharp cheese element to round out the salad.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken tenderloins into a pot filled with an equal mix of water and chicken broth. Bringing this to a boil infuses the chicken with savory flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Let the chicken cook for about 15 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Shred and Cool
Once cooked, drain the liquid and let the chicken cool down enough to handle. Shredding the chicken by hand or with forks ensures that it soaks up all the flavors in the dressing later on.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a perfectly tangy and spicy base for the salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl, along with diced sweet onion, celery, and freshly grated cheddar cheese. Gently stir everything together so the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients, uniting the textures and flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors meld and the salad to firm up slightly for a refreshing bite.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives are fantastic garnishes that add a pop of color and an herbaceous lift. You could also sprinkle some extra grated cheddar or a few celery leaves for a bit of crunch and aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy raw veggies such as carrot sticks or cucumber slices, or classic salty crackers for scooping. It also works great alongside a crisp garden salad or some warm, toasted pita bread for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful and tasty boat. Or spoon it onto a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, more traditional salad presentation. For sandwiches, spready it between whole grain bread or wrap it in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, but the texture of the celery might soften over time—still delicious but less crunchy.
Freezing
Due to the dairy components like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as the texture tends to break down upon thawing, resulting in a watery and less appealing dish.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled, but if you prefer it warm, gently reheat the shredded chicken separately and then mix into the dressing just before eating. Avoid heating the entire salad together to preserve the creaminess and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While tenderloins cook quickly and shred nicely, chicken breasts work just as well if shredded after cooking. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid dryness.
Is there a substitute for buffalo sauce?
If you prefer milder flavors, you can swap buffalo sauce for hot sauce of your choice or even a smoky barbecue sauce for a different twist, though it will alter the classic buffalo profile.
Can this salad be made dairy-free?
You can make a dairy-free version by replacing cottage cheese and Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or a cashew-based cream, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
What are some ways to add more veggies?
Feel free to toss in grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, or even some corn kernels to boost the nutritional profile and crunch of your salad while keeping things colorful.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes! Thanks to the real chicken and cottage cheese, this salad provides a hearty serving of protein making it a satisfying meal that keeps you energized.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe a try. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy bold buffalo flavor without the heaviness of traditional wings, perfectly balanced with wholesome ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes. Once you taste that creamy, spicy mix with tender chicken and fresh veggies, you’ll see why it’s one of those recipes you want to keep on rotation.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with a creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt dressing, enhanced by tangy buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a chilled salad, sandwich filling, or served with veggies and crackers.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
Dressing
- ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
- ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Salad Mix-Ins
- ¼ cup finely diced sweet onion
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup freshly grated mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a pot, combine equal parts water and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chicken tenderloins and cook.
- Cook Thoroughly: Boil the chicken for about 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Shred: Drain the chicken and let it cool before shredding it finely for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and fresh lemon juice until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the shredded chicken, diced sweet onion, diced celery, and freshly grated cheddar cheese to the dressing bowl.
- Combine Evenly: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Chill the salad before serving. Enjoy it with crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, as a sandwich filling, or laid on a bed of fresh greens.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Use mild cheddar for a balanced flavor; sharp cheddar can also be used for more intensity.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount for desired spiciness.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Substitute ranch seasoning with a homemade mix if preferred for freshness.
