I absolutely love this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe because it balances creamy, savory, and a touch of sweetness in such a delightful way. The juicy blackberries add just enough pop without overpowering the tender chicken and rich cottage cheese, making it perfect for a light lunch or a healthy snack. Whenever I need something fresh but filling, this salad is my go-to.
You ll find that this recipe comes together quickly, especially if you have cooked chicken on hand, and it s wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re watching carbs or just want a nutritious, satisfying meal, this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe is worth trying – it ticks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Fruity Twist: The blackberries add a natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for anyone looking to keep their meals light without sacrificing taste.
- Quick & Easy to Make: Comes together in under 40 minutes, so you can whip this up even on busy days.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it straight from the bowl or pair it with keto bread or fresh greens for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe work in harmony to create layers of texture and flavor. Each component adds something special, and a few simple shopping tips can help you get the best results.
- Chicken Breasts: Using fresh or leftover cooked chicken breast keeps it lean and protein-packed.
- Cottage Cheese: Look for full-fat cottage cheese for extra creaminess and richness.
- Mayonnaise: I prefer homemade or avocado oil mayo for cleaner ingredients and a subtle flavor.
- Celery Stalks: Adds crunch and freshness, essential for texture contrast.
- Green Onions: Provide a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the salad.
- Blackberries: Fresh blackberries work best; choose ripe but firm berries to prevent mushiness.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning brings everything together; adjust to taste.
- Chopped Walnuts: Adds nuttiness and crunch – lightly toasted walnuts make it extra special.
- Keto Bread (optional): Great for making sandwiches if you want to keep it low carb but still enjoy bread.
Variations
I love how easy it is to mix things up with this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe – you can tailor it exactly to your taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make this your own.
- Fresh Herbs: I sometimes add chopped fresh dill or basil for a burst of herbal freshness that pairs amazingly with the blackberries.
- Nuts Swap: If walnuts aren t your thing, pecans or almonds also add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruit Variation: Raspberries or chopped strawberries work if you don t have blackberries, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Dressing Variation: Swap the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing – it s a nice change and keeps it low carb.
How to Make Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prep Your Chicken
I usually bake my chicken breasts seasoned simply with salt and pepper at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and juicy. Once cooled, shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces – this makes every forkful loaded with tender chicken. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you re already halfway done, which makes this salad even easier to prepare.
Step 2: Prepare Your Crunchy Veggies and Fruit
Dice the celery and slice the green onions thinly – these add fresh crunch and a subtle onion flavor. Then, halve or quarter your blackberries depending on their size, aiming for pieces that blend well but still keep their juicy texture. This step is really where the salad gets its vibrant look and bright flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Mix
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, celery, green onions, blackberries, and chopped walnuts. Then add the cottage cheese and mayonnaise, mixing gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. The cottage cheese adds creaminess and a bit of tang, which balances the textures perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to your liking – I usually start light and adjust from there.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
I recommend chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes if you have the time-it helps all the flavors meld beautifully. You can enjoy it straight from the bowl, scoop it onto keto bread for a satisfying sandwich, or serve over a bed of fresh baby greens for an extra dose of veggies.
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Cook Chicken Ahead: Poaching or baking extra chicken breasts and storing them in the fridge saves time for making this salad on busy days.
- Avoid Watery Salad: Drain some of the liquid from the cottage cheese before mixing if you want to prevent the salad from becoming too runny.
- Toast Your Nuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty aroma and adds a richer crunch to your salad.
- Handle Berries Gently: Fold blackberries in last and mix gently to keep them from breaking down and turning your salad purple.
How to Serve Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a few extra whole blackberries and some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving-the colors just pop and add fresh brightness. A small drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also elevate the salad s flavors without adding carbs.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with simple sides like cucumber slices, avocado wedges, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, you could add roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini to keep things low carb but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe inside hollowed-out avocados or cucumber boats-it turns a simple salad into a pretty, elegant appetizer that guests love. You can also plate it alongside assorted cheese and charcuterie for a gorgeous low carb spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge and find it keeps well for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, and be mindful that blackberries may darken a bit but still taste great.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn t ideal because the cottage cheese and blackberries become watery upon thawing. I recommend making just enough for a few days instead of freezing, to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature – reheating tends to separate the dressing and changes the texture. If you prefer warm chicken, serve the chicken slightly warm but add the rest of the salad chilled and toss gently before eating.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend thawing and draining them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the salad soggy. Fresh blackberries are preferable if you want that crisp, juicy burst with each bite.
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Is this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe suitable for keto diets?
Absolutely! This salad is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it an excellent keto-friendly meal option.
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Can I substitute the cottage cheese with another dairy product?
You can try Greek yogurt or mascarpone, but keep in mind that cottage cheese gives a unique texture and tang that pairs well with the blackberries. Make sure any substitution is thick to avoid a watery salad.
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How long does this chicken salad keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a bit, but beyond that, the berries and cottage cheese can start to degrade.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it s so fresh, simple, and satisfying. I love sharing it with friends who are looking for something tasty that won t derail their low-carb goals. Once you try it, I m confident you ll reach for it again and again – it s truly one of those recipes that proves healthy food can also be delicious and fun.
Print
Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A refreshing and protein-packed Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad featuring tender chicken breasts combined with creamy cottage cheese, crisp celery, and sweet blackberries, perfect for a light lunch or keto-friendly meal.
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
- 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts
- 1/2 tsp Salt and Pepper
Optional
- Keto Bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Prepare the chicken breasts by your preferred method such as baking, boiling, or grilling until fully cooked. Once cooked through, shred and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the celery stalks into small pieces and slice the green onions thinly to add crunch and flavor to the salad.
- Combine main ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, halved or quartered blackberries, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss these ingredients together for an even distribution.
- Add creamy elements: Stir in the cottage cheese and mayonnaise thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are well coated and the mixture is creamy.
- Season to taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad and mix carefully to ensure the seasoning is balanced throughout the dish.
- Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad as is for a low-carb meal or serve on keto bread for a satisfying sandwich option.
Notes
- You can cook the chicken using any preferred method: baking, boiling, or grilling based on your taste and convenience.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your desired creaminess and dietary needs.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Blackberries add a subtle sweetness and a fresh burst of flavor, but you can substitute with raspberries if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
