Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Let me introduce you to your new lunchtime hero: Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad. This recipe delivers every bit of creamy, tangy, juicy freshness you crave in a chicken salad, but with a playful twist— luscious blackberries, crunchy walnuts, and a pop of green onion nestled in a velvety cottage cheese base. It’s the ultimate bright and wholesome makeover for a classic, and ideal if you want big flavor, serious texture, and a light feel, all in one pretty bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I absolutely love about this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is how the individual ingredients shine. Nothing overly fancy, but each brings a little something special—whether it’s bold flavor, a crunch, or eye-catching color—to make this salad feel like a treat every time.

• Chicken Breasts: Go for freshly cooked chicken—baked, boiled, or grilled—then shred or chop for tender, juicy bites in every forkful.
• Cottage Cheese: This creamy, high-protein element keeps things light and adds a velvety richness compared to heavier traditional dressings.
• Mayonnaise: Just a bit of mayo works magic, binding all the ingredients together and lending a familiar, satisfying creaminess.
• Celery Stalks: Don’t skip the celery—it brings that distinct, refreshing crunch that’s a must in any chicken salad.
• Green Onions: These provide a gentle oniony bite and a pop of color, making each bite more vibrant.
• Blackberries: The starring fruit—halve or quarter them for lovely bursts of juicy sweetness in the salad.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets all the other flavors shine through—taste and adjust to perfection.
• Chopped Walnuts: Crunchy, nutty, and heart-healthy, they add an extra layer of texture that you’ll adore with the berries.
• Keto Bread (optional): For extra indulgence, scoop the salad onto your favorite low-carb bread or toast.

How to Make Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, start by cooking your chicken breasts. Whether baked, boiled, or grilled, make sure they’re cooked through, then shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Let them cool a bit—you want them warm, not hot, so they don’t wilt the other crunchy ingredients.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies

Dice up those celery stalks and slice the green onions. This step is about boosting the salad’s crunch and color, so try to keep the pieces relatively small and even. This ensures every bite is balanced.

Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients

In your largest mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll be thankful for the space!), combine the cooled, shredded chicken with the chopped celery, sliced green onions, halved or quartered blackberries, and those wonderful chopped walnuts. It’s already looking like a celebration.

Step 4: Stir in the Cottage Cheese and Mayonnaise

Add the cottage cheese and mayonnaise right into the bowl. Gently fold everything together until everything is coated in that satisfyingly creamy mixture without smashing the berries. The Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is starting to come together.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the mixture and give it one final, gentle stir. Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and get ready to serve—just try not to eat it all directly from the bowl.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

You can absolutely dig in as is, but if you want to level up, serve it atop a slice of keto bread or stuff it inside crisp lettuce leaves for an even lighter meal. The Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a true delight whichever way you enjoy it.

How to Serve Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Garnishes

To truly make your salad feel like something special, top it with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts, a few fresh blackberry halves, or even a scattering of sliced green onions and a dusting of cracked black pepper. These little touches elevate both the flavor and the presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs fabulously with a crisp green salad, a cup of chilled cucumber soup, or a handful of colorful cherry tomatoes. If you’re feeling extra, a side of pickled vegetables or some chilled asparagus spears keep everything refreshing and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad into halved avocado “boats” or stuffing it into mini bell peppers for a dazzling party snack. Another favorite: pile it high on endive leaves or stack it on cucumber rounds for irresistible little bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it’s ready to spoon into a lunchbox or bowl on a whim. Give it a gentle stir before serving as some settling may occur.

Freezing

Unfortunately, due to the fresh cottage cheese and the delicate nature of blackberries, this salad doesn’t freeze well; the texture of the dairy and berries simply won’t be the same after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

Reheating

This is truly a chilled salad, and it’s not meant to be reheated. For best taste and texture, just let it sit out at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to take off the super-cold edge from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad. Just remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and let it cool before mixing in.

Are there substitutions for cottage cheese?

If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, try an equal amount of Greek yogurt or ricotta. The end result will be a little tangier or richer, but still creamy and low in carbs.

Will the blackberries make the salad too sweet?

Nope! Blackberries bring a juicy burst of sweetness, but once combined with savory chicken, nuts, and creamy dressing, everything balances beautifully without being sugary.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

For a dairy-free twist, try using a plant-based yogurt or a thick vegan mayo in place of cottage cheese and traditional mayo. You’ll still get a creamy texture and tons of flavor.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Definitely! The Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad holds up well for a couple of days in the fridge and is a joy to scoop out for easy lunches all week long.

Final Thoughts

Don’t miss out on the fresh, creamy, and unexpectedly delightful flavors of Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad. It promises to brighten up your meal routine and might just become your new favorite twist on classic chicken salad. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

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