If you are looking for a vibrant, tangy, and protein-packed salad, the Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe is a fantastic dish to add to your rotation. Combining tender shredded chicken with a creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt dressing, this salad bursts with buffalo flavor and has a satisfying texture thanks to crunchy celery and sharp cheddar. It is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and refreshing that feels indulgent but still light enough for any meal. Whether you want a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dish, this salad brings robust flavor while keeping things wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this salad are thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, yet remain simple and easy to find. Each one plays a crucial role—from the juicy chicken tenderloins to the tang of buffalo sauce and the creamy smoothness of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.
- Chicken tenderloins (1 pound): Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- 2% cottage cheese (½ cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, making the dressing rich without heaviness.
- 0% Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Boosts protein and gives a thick, velvety texture to the dressing.
- Buffalo sauce (3 tablespoons): The star of the recipe—provides that classic spicy kick everyone loves.
- Ranch seasoning (2 teaspoons): Balances the heat with herby coolness and savory depth.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens flavors and adds a hint of refreshing acidity.
- Sweet onion, finely diced (¼ cup): Gives a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Celery, finely diced (¼ cup): Adds a crisp and fresh texture that complements the creamy dressing.
- Mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated (¼ cup): Melts slightly into the salad, introducing a gentle sharpness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken tenderloins gently. In a pot, combine equal parts water and chicken broth—this will infuse the chicken with subtle flavor as it cooks. Bring this mixture to a boil, then add the tenderloins. Cooking slowly in broth ensures the chicken stays moist and tender, perfect for shredding later.
Step 2: Check for Doneness
Allow the chicken to cook for about 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer here guarantees perfectly cooked chicken—no dry or chewy bites, just juicy, tender meat that will soak up the buffalo dressing flawlessly.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Drain the cooked chicken and let it cool down enough so that you can comfortably shred it by hand or with two forks. Shredding creates the ideal texture, allowing each tender piece to absorb the creamy buffalo dressing, creating a beautifully unified dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that will coat the shredded chicken evenly. This combination gives a luscious dressing that’s spicy, tangy, and packed with savory goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Add the shredded chicken to the dressing, then toss in the finely diced sweet onion, diced celery, and freshly grated mild cheddar cheese. These add-ins build crunch, sweetness, and a subtle cheesy note that elevates the overall flavor profile dramatically.
Step 6: Combine Thoroughly
Mix all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the buffalo cottage cheese dressing. This ensures every single bite is bursting with flavor, with textures harmonizing beautifully between creamy, crunchy, and tender.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe is ready to be enjoyed chilled. This salad shines best cold, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly, making it perfect for sandwiches, salads, or simply on its own.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or chives to brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note. A few celery sticks on the side can also enhance the crisp textures while making the plate feel complete.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy crudité like carrot sticks or cucumber slices, crackers for scooping, or even a light mixed green salad. Serving with whole grain crackers or toasted bread rounds lends a delightful contrast and makes it easy to eat as a snack or meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stuff this salad into halved avocados for a creamy, low-carb option. You can also serve it atop a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutrient-rich salad bowl. Another crowd-pleaser is turning it into a sandwich filling or a wrap, great for on-the-go lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again as the dressing may settle.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the cottage cheese and fresh vegetables, which can become watery or lose texture when thawed. For best results, prepare fresh or consume leftovers chilled within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm meal, try gently warming the shredded chicken before mixing it with the dressing, but avoid heating the entire salad to preserve the fresh, creamy texture of the cottage cheese and yogurt.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives the dressing extra thickness and protein, making the texture richer and more satisfying.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by using more or less buffalo sauce according to your taste. The ranch seasoning and dairy components help balance the heat nicely.
Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on dairy for creaminess and flavor, so to make it vegan or dairy-free, consider using plant-based cottage cheese alternatives and vegan buffalo sauce, though the texture and taste might differ.
What is the best way to shred chicken tenderloins?
You can shred cooked chicken tenderloins by using two forks to pull the meat apart or simply use your hands once the chicken has cooled to a manageable temperature.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for lunches or dinners. Just keep any added garnishes separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to try the Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe soon. It’s a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and crunchy that feels special yet is incredibly easy to whip up. Whether for a healthy lunch or an easy dinner, this salad is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a flavorful, protein-packed dish combining shredded chicken tenderloins with a creamy, tangy buffalo sauce dressing made from cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Enhanced with fresh vegetables and mild cheddar cheese, it’s a versatile salad perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack.
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, then add the chicken tenderloins. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to gently cook the chicken.
- Ensure Doneness: Continue cooking for about 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Cool and Shred: Drain the poaching liquid and allow the chicken to cool enough to handle. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using forks or your hands.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2% cottage cheese, 0% Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy with a balanced spicy and tangy flavor.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, finely diced sweet onion, diced celery, and freshly grated mild cheddar cheese into the dressing bowl.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the buffalo cottage cheese dressing.
- Serve: Chill the salad briefly if desired, then serve it cold. It pairs well with crackers, fresh vegetables, as a sandwich filling, or on a bed of greens for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F to guarantee food safety.
- Use mild or medium buffalo sauce based on spice preference.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted with sour cream if unavailable.
- This salad can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
