Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cheese Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack. Packed with shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, and a spicy jalapeño dressing, it offers a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad.

Ingredients

• 1 large Chicken Breast
• 3/4 cup Cottage Cheese
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 2 Green Onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 3 tbsp Chopped Fresh Jalapeño
• 5 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Jalapeño
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
• Juice of 2 Limes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the chicken breast using your preferred method such as baking, boiling, or grilling. Once fully cooked, shred and chop it into small pieces. Set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: Dice the celery and slice the green onions. Chop the jalapeños finely.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, green onions, 3 tablespoons chopped jalapeño, crumbled bacon, cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together well.
4. Step 4: In a food processor or blender, blend the sour cream, remaining 1/4 cup chopped jalapeño, fresh cilantro, onion powder, garlic salt, and lime juice until smooth to create the dressing.
5. Step 5: Pour the jalapeño dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve the salad over fresh salad greens, on keto bread, or enjoy it on its own for a tasty meal.

Tips & Variations

• For milder heat, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds before chopping.
• Swap bacon for cooked ham or turkey bacon for a different flavor.
• Add diced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Use smoked cheddar for a richer taste.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing mixed in for best flavor. When ready to eat, stir gently and enjoy cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it and use as directed.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet, especially when served on low-carb bread or salad greens.

Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews

This Cheese Chicken Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed dish combining tender shredded chicken breast with creamy cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh vegetables, and a zesty jalapeno-lime dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a satisfying snack, it can be served on salad greens, keto bread, or enjoyed on its own. The fresh cilantro and bacon add extra layers of taste and texture, making this salad both nutritious and delicious.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 large Chicken Breast

Cheeses

• 3/4 cup Cottage Cheese
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream

Vegetables & Herbs

• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 2 Green Onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
• Juice of 2 Limes

Meat

• 5 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken: Prepare the chicken breast by your preferred method—baking, boiling, or grilling—until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred the chicken into small pieces. Allow it to cool to room temperature before proceeding.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Dice the celery stalks, slice the green onions, and chop the fresh jalapenos finely to ensure even distribution in the salad.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, chopped jalapenos, crumbled bacon, cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Make Jalapeno Dressing: In a food processor or blender, add the sour cream, extra chopped jalapenos, fresh cilantro, lime juice, onion powder, and garlic salt. Blend these ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
5. Mix Salad with Dressing: Pour the freshly made jalapeno dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all components of the salad.
6. Serve: Serve the cheese chicken salad chilled. It works beautifully over a bed of fresh salad greens, spread on keto-friendly bread, or simply enjoyed on its own as a delicious, low-carb meal.

Notes

• You can cook the chicken breast using whichever method suits your taste—baking, grilling, or boiling are all excellent choices.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeno in the dressing according to your preferred spice level.
• For added crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.
• This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option if desired.

Keywords: Cheese Chicken Salad, Jalapeno Chicken Salad, Low Carb Chicken Salad, Keto Chicken Salad, Creamy Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad with Bacon