Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m so excited to share one of my latest obsessions with you: Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad. This isn’t your grandma’s chicken salad! We’re talking bold flavors, a creamy texture, and a sweet-tart twist that will make your taste buds sing. Get ready to discover your new go-to lunch, light dinner, or potluck superstar.
I’ve always been a fan of classic chicken salad, but I was itching to create something even more exciting. My goal was to pack it with flavor and nutrients. I wanted a healthy chicken salad that didn’t sacrifice taste.
Through a series of late-night kitchen experiments (fueled by my love for all things food!), I stumbled upon the magic of combining juicy blackberries with creamy cottage cheese and tender chicken. This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad turns ordinary meals into something truly special. The result? A flavor explosion that’s both comforting and refreshing. Are you ready for a new flavor adventure?
Trust me, once you try this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy, and it’s so easy to make. It will leave you craving more! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started! I can’t wait to share my passion with you and transform your next meal into something extraordinary.
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab most of these during your normal shopping trip. For a different take, check out this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup cottage cheese. (I use low-fat, but full-fat works too!)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, halved or quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise. (I prefer avocado mayo!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice. (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. (for a little extra tang!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. (or to taste)
No worries if you don’t have cilantro! I use parsley all the time in my version of Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad.
This creamy Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad gets its amazing taste from the combination of sweet blackberries, creamy cottage cheese, and savory chicken. For a bold flavor booster, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Here’s my Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad secret that takes it from good to incredible: a tiny splash of blackberry balsamic vinegar. It really amplifies the blackberry flavor!
For ingredient prep shortcuts, buy pre-cooked chicken or use leftover grilled chicken. To keep your blackberries fresh, store them in the refrigerator unwashed until you’re ready to use them.
I love adding extra lemon juice to my Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad for that extra kick! This ingredient list is all about making this recipe your own. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. For a **high protein chicken salad** option, consider this High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad.
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad – watch the magic happen! These step-by-step instructions are written like we’re cooking together in my kitchen. Ready? Let’s go!
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cottage cheese, blackberries, red onion, and cilantro. This is where the magic starts happening!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine. Be careful not to mash the blackberries too much!
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor. In my kitchen, this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad usually takes about 45 minutes to chill perfectly.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
While your Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is doing its thing in the fridge, get ready for some amazing aromas when you take it out. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Don’t worry if your Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad looks a little loose after mixing. The cottage cheese will thicken up as it chills.
My personal cooking discovery? Adding a tablespoon of blackberry jam to the dressing! It adds an extra layer of sweetness and really complements the fresh blackberries. It was a happy accident, but now I do it every time!
For a busy weeknight shortcut, prep all of your ingredients ahead of time! You can chop the red onion and cilantro, and even make the dressing, the day before. This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad recipe is so simple!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this incredible Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad hits the table with some crispy crackers. This recipe is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic!
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this fruit chicken salad:
- On a bed of lettuce: For a light and refreshing salad.
- In a sandwich or wrap: Use your favorite bread, croissants, or tortillas.
- With crackers: Serve it as an appetizer or snack.
- Stuffed in bell peppers: A colorful and healthy option.
- On top of avocado toast: A delicious and Instagram-worthy meal.
For bold flavor pairings, try serving this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with a side of baby carrots or some celery sticks. The crispness of the vegetables complements the creaminess of the salad perfectly.
This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, so I use this easy blackberry chicken salad recipe all the time!
For a creative leftover transformation, try turning this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad into a grilled cheese sandwich! Spread it on bread, add some cheese, and grill until golden brown. Trust me, it’s amazing! It reminds me of another bold flavor favorite that you might like, my Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!
My personal presentation idea is to serve this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad in small mason jars with a sprig of fresh mint on top. It looks so elegant and adds a touch of freshness.
I love to take a little creative license – for a fusion variation, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. The salty feta pairs perfectly with the sweet blackberries and creamy cottage cheese. This tangy cottage cheese chicken salad is a crowd pleaser!
The reactions I get when I serve this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad are always priceless. People are always surprised by the unique combination of flavors, but they always love it!
FAQs:
I know you’re gonna have questions, so let’s jump right in!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is so easy to make, even if you’ve never cooked before. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create! This healthy chicken salad is great for all skill levels!
What if I mess up my Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t worry about messing up! Even if you add too much salt or not enough lemon juice, this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad will still be delicious. It’s all about experimenting and finding what you like best. I messed up my own batch countless times, but it was always something edible!
How can I prep this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad for busy weeknights?
You can prep this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and making the dressing the day before. Then, just mix everything together when you’re ready to serve. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
While fresh blackberries are best, you can use frozen blackberries if they are not available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
I prefer using rotisserie chicken because it’s so convenient and flavorful. But you can also use grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even canned chicken. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded or diced.
Is this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad good for meal prep?
Yes! This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. You should totally use it for high protein chicken salad bowls!
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Nuts are a great addition to this sweet and savory Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad. Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a little extra crunch.
My family doesn’t like blackberries. What other fruit can I use?
If your family doesn’t like blackberries, you can substitute them with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even grapes. Get creative and find what you like best!
I saw a Facebook post mentioning Lebanese Style Chicken Salad with Labneh Dressing Recipe – would that work in this recipe?
I haven’t personally tried Lebanese Style Chicken Salad with Labneh Dressing in this delicious Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad recipe, but I bet some of those flavors would complement it well! You might be able to swap out some of the ingredients. I did see a Facebook post mentioning Lebanese Style Chicken Salad with Labneh Dressing Recipe – might be worth checking out!
CONCLUSION:
This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad brings me so much joy because it’s a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that I can enjoy any time of day. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
My Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Flavor Secrets:
- A tiny splash of blackberry balsamic vinegar: This really amplifies the blackberry flavor.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes: For a little extra heat.
- Fresh lemon juice: It brightens up the whole dish.
I’ve tested so many delicious Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad variations! For a sweeter version, add a drizzle of honey. For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce. For a savory version, add some chopped bacon.
This fruit chicken salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any time you want a light and refreshing meal. No matter which version you make, I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative! If you want a heartier dish, you should also check out my White Chicken Chili.
I’m so excited for you to try this amazing Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad and experience the delicious magic for yourself! This easy blackberry chicken salad recipe will be a favorite, I promise! You should try pairing it with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps!
I’ve had so much fun sharing my passion with you, and I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with! Happy cooking, fellow food lovers! This cottage cheese chicken salad will be a winner!
Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a refreshing and healthy lunch or light dinner option. The sweet blackberries and creamy cottage cheese perfectly complement the savory chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, blackberries, and red onion.
- Add the chopped basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Gently mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
Serve on a bed of lettuce or with whole-wheat crackers for a complete meal.