Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich

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This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich is everything you want in a lunchtime favorite: creamy, crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet. It takes the classic chicken salad up a notch by incorporating protein-rich cottage cheese, juicy grapes, and crisp celery into every bite. Served on your favorite crusty sandwich roll or croissant with leafy green lettuce, it delivers satisfying flavor and texture with every mouthful.

Whether you’re prepping a quick weekday meal, hosting a brunch, or packing a picnic basket, this chicken salad sandwich checks every box. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and is always a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the addition of cottage cheese gives it a light, creamy consistency that’s not overly heavy or mayonnaise-laden.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can use rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breast, or even canned chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped finely so it combines smoothly with the cottage cheese and other mix-ins. Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time, making it a favorite go-to.

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Ingredients for the Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chicken – The star of the recipe, you’ll need cooked and shredded chicken for a hearty and satisfying base.

Cottage Cheese – Adds a creamy texture and ups the protein without overpowering the other flavors.

Mayonnaise – Just a touch to balance the tanginess of the cottage cheese and create a smooth blend.

Celery – Brings crunch and freshness to each bite.

Red Grapes – Offer a burst of juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients.

Green Onions – Add mild onion flavor that brightens the mix without being too strong.

Sweet Pickle Relish – Enhances the salad with a sweet-tangy note and subtle crunch.

Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.

Sandwich Rolls or Croissants – Choose your favorite bread for serving; something sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Lettuce Leaves – Optional, but they add freshness and texture when layered in the sandwich.

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How To Make the Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the celery, halve the grapes, slice the green onions, and shred your cooked chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well blended. This will form the creamy base for your salad.

Step 3: Add the Crunch and Sweetness

Fold in the chopped celery, green onions, sweet pickle relish, and halved grapes. Gently stir until evenly distributed. This step adds the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Step 4: Stir in the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until everything is fully coated in the creamy mixture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out your sandwich rolls or croissants and line them with lettuce leaves if using. Spoon generous portions of the chicken salad onto the bread and gently press the tops on.

Step 6: Serve or Chill

You can serve the sandwiches immediately or refrigerate the chicken salad for an hour to let the flavors meld even more. It also keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

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How to Serve and Store This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich

These sandwiches are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them on buttery croissants, sturdy sandwich rolls, or even tucked inside pita bread. For a lighter option, spoon the chicken salad onto a bed of greens or wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves.

When it comes to storing, place any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches. If you’ve already assembled the sandwiches, it’s best to store the bread separately to prevent sogginess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cottage cheese should I use?

Go for full-fat or 2% small curd cottage cheese for the best creamy consistency. It blends well without being too watery.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have time to mingle.

How can I make this lower in fat?

Use low-fat cottage cheese and skip or reduce the mayo. You can also serve it on lettuce instead of bread.

What can I use instead of grapes?

If grapes aren’t your thing, try diced apples, dried cranberries, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Not recommended. The texture of the cottage cheese and grapes won’t hold up well after freezing and thawing.

What if I don’t have relish?

A finely chopped sweet pickle works just as well. You could also try a touch of honey mustard or chopped bread-and-butter pickles for that tangy-sweet bite.

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Want More Chicken Recipe Ideas?

If you’re loving this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich, here are a few other chicken dishes that deserve a spot in your meal rotation:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you’re craving zesty, buttery richness.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a comforting, creamy pasta dinner.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese when you want cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a veggie-packed pasta bowl.
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken if you’re in the mood for something crunchy and crowd-pleasing.

These recipes are packed with flavor and all bring something unique to the table!

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Have you tried this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you go with grapes or swap in apples? Prefer croissants or rolls?

Drop a comment and share your personal spin on this sandwich. Your tips and variations might just inspire someone else’s perfect lunch!

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