High Protein Pepperoncini Chicken Salad Recipe
Say goodbye to boring chicken salads! This high protein chicken salad is a healthier version of your traditional chicken salad. And it isn’t just creamy and flavorful - it’s made with simple ingredients and is a powerhouse of nutrition, perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. Packed with lean protein and tangy, zesty ingredients, it’s a fresh twist on a classic favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Resting Time20 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Lunch/Salad, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free
Method: No Cook
Servings: 6 servings (1/2 cup)
Chicken Salad
- 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken skin removed
- 1 serving blended cottage cheese (recipe below) can sub Greek yogurt, dairy-free yogurt or mayo
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise or light mayonnaise
- 1/2 red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pepperoncinis chopped
- 1 tbsp pepperoncini juice
- 1 tbsp hot pepper jelly
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives chopped
Blended Cottage Cheese
- 1 cup blended cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp pepperoncini juice
Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender with the pepperoncini juice until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped rotisserie chicken, blended cottage cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix well until evenly coated. Stir in the finely chopped red onion, chopped pepperoncinis, salt, pepper, garlic powder, pepper jelly, onion powder, and pepperoncini juice. Combine thoroughly.
Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled over a bed of lettuce, on a croissant, stuffed into a gluten-free wrap, or alongside fresh veggies or gluten free crackers for dipping.
- This recipe is great for doubling - make a big batch and portion it for easy lunches all week.
- I love making homemade mayo instead of buying it. Let me know if you try it!
- Since this recipe is simple, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. Opt for fresh rotisserie chicken, high-quality mayo (or homemade), and freshly chopped veggies for the best flavor.
- Blending the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth creates the creamy texture that makes this salad feel indulgent. If it’s still a bit grainy, blend for a few extra seconds.
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 509mg | Potassium: 303mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg