Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese

A warm, savory aroma envelops the kitchen as you prepare a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. This Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese is a delightful combination of shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce, all coming together in just under 30 minutes. It’s a satisfying meal that is packed with protein and flavor without weighing you down.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a game-day snack. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to five days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a protein powerhouse, loaded with shredded chicken and cottage cheese.
• The creamy texture is balanced by a delightful crunch from celery and onion.
• Prep is quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that elevates traditional salad to a new level.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious salad.

For the Salad

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (shredded)
• ⅓ cup sweet onion (finely diced)
• ⅓ cup celery (finely diced)
• ⅓ cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated)

For the Dressing

• ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
• ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
• 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce (of choice, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo)
• 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley)

For Seasoning

• few turns cracked black pepper (to season)
• pinch kosher salt (to season, as needed)

Use any leftover cooked chicken for convenience.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream.
• Ranch seasoning can be substituted with homemade herbs.
• Cheddar cheese can be switched for pepper jack for extra spice.
• Any low-fat cottage cheese works well.

How to Make It

Start crafting your Buffalo Chicken Salad with these easy steps.

Boil the Chicken

Place chicken tenderloins in a pot of boiling water. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, then shred with two forks.

Make the Chicken Salad

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, onion, celery, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed, and season with cracked black pepper and kosher salt as needed.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 5 days in a sealed container
Freezer: no, ingredients don’t freeze well
Reheat: enjoy cold or microwave for 1-2 minutes

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your chicken is fully cool before mixing to keep the salad fresh.
• Adjust buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference for a milder or spicier kick.
• Freshly grated cheddar melts beautifully into the salad, enhancing the texture.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor or allow it to chill for enhanced taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pile it high on greens for a refreshing wrap.
• Scoop it into whole-grain pita pockets for a satisfying lunch.
• Serve with vegetable sticks for a fun appetizer.