Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

There’s something unexpectedly magical about the combo of juicy blackberries, creamy cottage cheese, and savory shredded chicken. When I first threw this together on a whim—honestly just trying to use up some leftovers—I didn’t expect much. But wow, this low-carb chicken salad turned out to be the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, tangy, and just a little sweet.

It’s light and refreshing, but still super satisfying thanks to the protein from the chicken and cottage cheese. The blackberries burst with a little tartness that totally brightens the whole dish. It’s a bit unconventional, sure, but trust me—it works. I now make this on repeat when I want something healthy, filling, and just a little different.

This is the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for brunch with friends, but easy enough to meal prep for weekday lunches. And if you’re watching your carbs, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s low in sugar, high in protein, and doesn’t rely on mayo or heavy dressings.

If you’ve ever found chicken salad to be boring, dry, or too rich—this one is here to change your mind.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Here’s why this salad deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation:

• Low Carb & High Protein: It’s naturally low in carbs thanks to the cottage cheese base (no mayo here!) and has plenty of protein to keep you full and energized.
• Sweet Meets Savory: The juicy blackberries pair surprisingly well with the savory chicken and creamy cheese—it’s a flavor combo you didn’t know you needed.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it great for grab-and-go lunches.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here—just wholesome, real food.
• Kid-Friendly: It’s a great way to sneak some extra fruit and protein into a meal the whole family can enjoy.
• Customizable: Add crunch with nuts, change the fruit, or swap herbs for a flavor twist.

Texture-wise, it’s dreamy: creamy from the cottage cheese, tender from the shredded chicken, and juicy from the berries. Every bite is a little different, and that keeps it interesting.

Prep Time and Servings

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 280
• Protein: 28g | Carbs: 7g | Fat: 14g

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes this salad shine:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for ease.
• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or 2%) – This replaces mayo and adds protein and creaminess.
• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries – Slightly tart and sweet, they add freshness and flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped celery – For a crisp, refreshing crunch.
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion – A little sharpness to balance the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Optional, but adds brightness and color.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Adds a zippy freshness to tie it all together.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your liking.
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or almonds – For crunch and healthy fats.

Ingredient tip: If you don’t love cottage cheese, try blending it first for a smoother texture—more like a creamy dressing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s build this salad in less than 15 minutes! Here’s how:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

• If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook and shred it first. Rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped grilled chicken works great here.
• Dice the celery and red onion, chop the herbs, and gently rinse and pat dry your blackberries.

2. Make the Cottage Cheese Base

• In a large bowl, add 1 cup cottage cheese.
• Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
• Optional: If you prefer a smoother base, blend the cottage cheese for 30 seconds in a food processor before mixing it in.

3. Mix In the Chicken and Veggies

• Add your shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley into the bowl with the cottage cheese.
• Stir until everything is well coated and creamy.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—you want to keep some texture from the chicken and veggies!

4. Gently Fold in the Blackberries

• Add your blackberries last so they don’t get crushed.
• Gently fold them in to keep them mostly whole—you want those juicy little flavor bombs to pop when you bite into them.

5. Taste and Adjust

• Give it a taste! Add more salt, pepper, or lemon zest as needed.
• If you like a bit of crunch, stir in the optional nuts now.

6. Chill or Serve Immediately

• You can serve this immediately, or chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• This also tastes even better the next day!

How to Serve It

This salad is as versatile as it is tasty. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Lettuce wraps: Spoon it into romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a handheld lunch.
• Stuffed in avocado halves for a fancy brunch vibe.
• Scooped onto a low-carb wrap or tortilla for a quick lunch on the go.
• On a bed of arugula or baby spinach for a fresh salad bowl.
• Topped with extra berries and chopped nuts for a little flair.

Additional Tips for Success

Here’s how to make sure your blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad turns out just right:

1. Use cold ingredients. This salad tastes best when it’s chilled and fresh out of the fridge.
2. Drain excess liquid. If your cottage cheese is watery, give it a little stir and drain any extra before using.
3. Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds brightness and cuts through the richness perfectly.
4. Gently fold in the berries. You want them whole and juicy—not mashed into the mix.
5. Make it your own. This is a super forgiving base—add cucumber, swap in strawberries, or sprinkle in feta.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are a few easy ways to switch up the flavors:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with canned chickpeas or grilled tofu cubes for a protein-rich veggie version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the cottage cheese mix.
• No Dairy: Try plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
• Different Fruit: Swap blackberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even diced green apple.
• Herb Twist: Sub parsley with fresh dill, basil, or cilantro for a new flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s keep it halal and fresh! Here’s how to build a full meal around this salad:

• Side Ideas:
  • A simple cucumber-tomato salad with lemon juice and olive oil.
  • Roasted sweet potatoes or baked zucchini fries.
  • A light lentil soup for a cozy combo.
• Drinks:
  • Iced herbal tea with lemon and mint.
  • Sparkling water with berries and lime slices.
  • A cold glass of almond milk or a fruity mocktail.
• Kid-Friendly Pairings:
  • Serve it with soft pita bread or whole grain crackers.
  • Add sliced cucumbers and carrots for a dipping-style plate.

Storage and Freezing

This salad is great for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended—blackberries and cottage cheese don’t freeze well and the texture can change.
• Meal Prep Tip: Store the blackberries separately and mix them in right before eating if you’re prepping multiple days ahead.

Special Equipment

No fancy tools needed, but a few things make it easier:

• Sharp knife and cutting board – for all the chopping.
• Mixing bowl – large enough to hold everything without crowding.
• Citrus zester or fine grater – for that bright pop of lemon zest.
• Blender or food processor (optional) – if you prefer your cottage cheese base super smooth.

FAQ

Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first. They’ll be softer and might bleed into the mix, so fresh is better if available.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs (about 7g per serving), so it fits well into most low-carb or keto meal plans.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s actually better the next day. Just store in the fridge and stir before serving.

I don’t like cottage cheese—what else can I use?
Try plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. You can also blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture.

How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?
Poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts—just season with salt and pepper. Shred once cool.

What if I want a creamier texture?
Blend the cottage cheese or add a spoonful of plain yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil.

Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Try chopped cucumbers, radishes, or bell peppers for extra crunch.

Is this halal?
Yes, this recipe uses chicken and contains no alcohol or pork products—totally halal-friendly.

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, just drain well and shred it up. It’s a great shortcut for busy days.

What kind of cottage cheese should I use?
Full-fat or 2% works best for flavor and creaminess. Avoid fat-free if possible—it tends to be watery.

Final Thoughts

This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad has become one of my all-time favorite “healthy but actually craveable” meals. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, juicy, and savory with a bright pop from the berries and lemon. Plus, it’s fast, filling, and fits into just about any dietary goal—low carb, high protein, and packed with real ingredients.

I hope you give this unexpected combo a try—you might be as surprised as I was at just how good it is!

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