This high protein cottage cheese chicken salad with banana peppers transforms leftover rotisserie chicken into a creamy, satisfying meal that my teenagers actually request for lunch. I discovered this game-changing combination during my competition prep days when I needed maximum protein without the heavy mayo-laden calories.
Last Tuesday, my son opened the fridge and said “Mom, what’s that amazing smell?” pointing to this cottage cheese chicken salad. That’s when I knew I’d cracked the code on making healthy food taste incredible. The secret lies in blending cottage cheese until silky smooth, then combining it with tangy banana peppers for a flavor punch that rivals any deli salad. This recipe delivers serious protein power while keeping carbs refreshingly low, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
I’ve served this recipe to skeptical family members countless times, and even my cottage cheese-hating husband asks for seconds. The blended cottage cheese creates an incredibly creamy base that tastes nothing like traditional cottage cheese texture, while the banana peppers add just enough tang and crunch to keep every bite interesting. This salad comes together in under ten minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each serving packs over 25 grams of protein, making it perfect for post-workout meals or satisfying lunches that actually keep you full. The best part is how well it meal preps – I usually make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store this cottage cheese chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, though I recommend eating it within two days for the best texture and flavor. Pro tip: I always keep the salad slightly under-seasoned initially since flavors intensify overnight in the fridge. This salad tastes incredible served over crisp lettuce leaves, stuffed into whole wheat pita pockets, or enjoyed with cucumber slices for extra crunch — or try it with my 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Flatbread for a high-protein twist. My family loves it as a protein-packed sandwich filling on sourdough bread, and I often serve it alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal. For best results, give it a quick stir before serving since the ingredients may separate slightly during storage.
Conclusion
This high protein cottage cheese chicken salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and zesty banana peppers creates a lunch that’s both nutritious and delicious. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover why it’s become a weekly staple in my meal prep routine — just like my Greek Yogurt Yeast Bread, which also pairs beautifully with creamy salads.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
Creamy, high-protein chicken salad made with blended cottage cheese and tangy banana peppers – perfect for meal prep
In a food processor, pulse cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese mixture with chopped chicken, banana peppers, red onion, celery and green onion.
Stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the cottage cheese mixture.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Serve over lettuce, in pita pockets, or with crackers. Each serving provides approximately 25+ grams of protein.
Hi there! I'm Sarah Thompson, and if you've ever stood in your kitchen wondering, "How do I actually make protein taste good?" – you're exactly where I was seven years ago.
