I absolutely love this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe because it s a refreshing twist on the typical chicken salad we all know and enjoy. The burst of juicy blackberries paired with creamy cottage cheese makes each bite exciting and satisfying, especially when you’re looking for something light but filling. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick lunch, this recipe never fails to brighten my day.
You’ll find that this salad works wonderfully for summertime picnics, low carb diets, or just about any time you want a flavorful, protein-packed meal without the heaviness. When I first tried adding blackberries to my chicken salad, I was skeptical, but now it’s a family favorite that even picky eaters enjoy. Trust me, this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe is worth trying because it brings something new and delicious to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The blackberries add a natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken and creamy cottage cheese perfectly.
- Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Ideal if you re watching your carbs but don t want to sacrifice taste or texture in your meals.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen already, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether on its own, over greens, or with keto-friendly bread, you can tailor it to your mood and diet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe was chosen for how well it complements the others – the crunch of celery, the mild tang from cottage cheese, and the nutty walnuts create a delightful texture combo alongside tender chicken.
- Chicken Breasts: Fresh or cooked chicken works; I like to grill mine for a smoky flavor, but boiling keeps it tender and juicy too.
- Cottage Cheese: Choose whole milk cottage cheese for creaminess; avoid the watery low-fat versions to keep the salad rich.
- Mayonnaise: A little mayo binds everything nicely and adds a subtle tang-go for full-fat for the best texture.
- Celery Stalks: Adds a refreshing crunch; make sure to dice finely so the texture isn t overwhelming.
- Green Onions: Sliced thin for a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Blackberries: Fresh is best here; slice them depending on size to prevent overpowering one bite.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning-taste and adjust as you go.
- Chopped Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and a touch of earthiness to balance the sweetness.
- Keto Bread (optional): If you want something extra with your salad, keto-friendly bread works great for a sandwich or open-faced meal.
Variations
I love how easily you can tweak this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe depending on your taste or what s in season. Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, swap mayo for Greek yogurt, or add herbs to make it your own – the possibilities are endless, and it s always delicious.
- Herb Add-Ins: I often toss in fresh dill or basil, which brings a lovely brightness – it s a personal favorite during warmer months.
- Nut Switch-Up: Pecans or almonds work just as well if walnuts aren t your thing or if you want a different crunch.
- Dairy Swap: For a lighter option, try replacing mayo with plain Greek yogurt; it gives a slightly tangier flavor and cuts calories.
- Fruit Variations: Blackberries are great, but I ve also experimented with blueberries or diced green apple for a fresher, sweeter bite.
How to Make Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chill Your Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken breasts however you prefer-baked, boiled, or grilled all work beautifully here. I usually grill mine for a hint of smokiness, but boiling is the easiest and keeps the chicken moist. Once cooked through, let the chicken cool completely before shredding it into bite-sized pieces; trust me, this makes the salad much more enjoyable to eat.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies and Fruit
Dice the celery finely and slice the green onions thinly to add crunch and mild zing. For the blackberries, depending on their size, cut them in halves or quarters to balance out each spoonful with just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 3: Toss Everything Gently Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, blackberries, and chopped walnuts. Add the cottage cheese and mayonnaise, stirring everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated-try not to mash the blackberries too much here to keep some fresh texture.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle toss and then serve immediately – or chill for a cool, refreshing taste later. This salad is perfect on its own, but I love it on slices of keto bread for a filling low-carb meal.
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Cool Your Chicken Completely: This prevents the cottage cheese from melting and keeps the texture creamy rather than runny.
- Use Fresh Blackberries: Frozen ones tend to be mushy when thawed and can water down your salad.
- Gentle Mixing: Fold ingredients gently so the berries keep their shape for visual appeal and texture contrast.
- Walnut Freshness: Toast walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch.
How to Serve Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my salad with a few whole blackberries and some fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. It makes the dish look more inviting, especially when serving for guests or a light lunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber slices, a side of mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon juice, or even a handful of olives for a Mediterranean flair. Keep sides light to complement the creamy texture without overloading carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve served this as a filling inside bell pepper halves or atop crispy low-carb crackers for an elegant appetizer. Another fun idea is layering it in small mason jars for grab-and-go lunches – looks cute and keeps the salad fresh longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and recommend eating within 2-3 days. The salad holds up well, though the blackberries might soften slightly, so give a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing
Honestly, I don t recommend freezing this salad because the texture of cottage cheese and fresh berries suffers when thawed. It s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is typically served cold, so reheating isn t necessary. If you want warm chicken flavor, reheat the chicken separately and then combine it with fresh ingredients just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use other berries instead of blackberries in this salad?
Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped strawberries can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind the flavor profile and sweetness level each berry brings to make sure it pairs well with cottage cheese and chicken.
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Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?
Absolutely! This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe is designed to be low in carbs and high in protein, making it a perfect choice for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute cottage cheese and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut-based yogurt and avocado mayo, but the texture and flavor will be a bit different. Experimenting with these swaps is fun if you re avoiding dairy.
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How long does this chicken salad stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored properly in a sealed container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh berries, I recommend consuming it sooner rather than later to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
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What s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?
Any well-cooked, tender chicken breast works great. Grilling adds flavor, boiling is easiest, and baking gives a nice even texture. Just be sure to cool the chicken fully before mixing to keep the salad creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it s easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and fits perfectly into a low carb lifestyle without feeling restrictive. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do – it’s the kind of recipe that sparks smiles around the table and keeps you coming back for more. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how you like to put your own spin on it!
Print
Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A refreshing and low-carb chicken salad featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, fresh blackberries, crunchy celery, and walnuts. This Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad combines savory and sweet flavors for a nutritious meal or snack, perfect for keto bread or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 Chicken Breasts
Salad Mix
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Celery Stalks, diced
- 2 Green Onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup Blackberries (sliced in half or quarters, depending on size)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts
- 1/2 tsp Salt and Pepper
Optional
- Keto Bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Prepare the chicken breasts according to your preferred method such as baking, boiling, or grilling until cooked through. Once done, shred and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare vegetables: Dice the celery stalks and slice the green onions.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, blackberries, and chopped walnuts.
- Add creamy components: Stir in the cottage cheese and mayonnaise, mixing thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
- Season the salad: Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad on its own or spoon it onto your favorite keto bread for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Notes
- Chicken can be cooked by your preferred method—baking, boiling, or grilling—each adds a unique flavor profile.
- Blackberries add natural sweetness and a pop of color; adjust quantity to taste.
- Optional keto bread can make this salad more filling and bread-like for low-carb diets.
- Walnuts add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats to the salad.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
