COTTAGE CHEESE BUFFALO CHICKEN SALAD

This cottage cheese buffalo chicken salad is the ultimate creamy, spicy, and protein-packed twist on a classic! We combine whipped cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and Frank’s RedHot to make a tangy buffalo sauce that coats every tender bite of chicken.

Ready in just five minutes, it’s perfect for meal prep, quick and healthy lunches, or game day snacks. Using cottage cheese instead of mayo or Greek yogurt makes it lighter, higher in protein, and incredibly smooth.

We are loving creating high-protein cottage cheese salads that are creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. If you love this one, be sure to try our cottage cheese chicken salad, cottage cheese tuna salad, and cottage cheese egg salad next! They’re all reader favorites!

Why You Will Love Buffalo Chicken Salad With Cottage Cheese

• Only 6 Ingredients: This chicken salad comes together with just 6 simple ingredients!
• Packed With Flavor: The ranch seasoning and hot sauce give this cottage cheese buffalo chicken salad a delicious, bold flavor.
• High-Protein: It’s packed with protein from the shredded chicken and whipped cottage cheese!
• So Creamy: Whipped cottage cheese creates a smooth and creamy texture with no curds. It makes every bite rich and satisfying.
• Fast & Easy: Using rotisserie chicken makes this chicken salad so quick and easy to prepare. It comes together in minutes with minimal prep work required.
• No Mayo Needed: The whipped cottage cheese is all you need to make this chicken salad creamy and smooth. It’s lighter than mayonnaise and less tangy than Greek yogurt. It has a mild flavor, which works perfectly in this recipe to allow the other flavors to shine.

Ingredients Needed

• Cooked Chicken: Use any shredded fully cooked chicken as the base of this chicken salad. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
• Celery: Add chopped celery for a refreshing crunch.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add another layer of flavor and texture.
• Cottage Cheese: The base of the creamy sauce is whipped cottage cheese! You can use fat-free, low-fat, or full-fat cottage cheese.
• Hot Sauce: Use Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce or your favorite hot sauce for this recipe.
• Ranch Seasoning: Add ranch seasoning to the sauce for that classic buffalo chicken flavor!

Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

• How to Whip Cottage Cheese: For this recipe, whip the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Check out our post on whipped cottage cheese for detailed instructions and pro tips!
• Cottage Cheese Substitution: No cottage cheese? No problem! Swap in your favorite plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed alternative. For extra richness and flavor, stir in a little mayo. You can also try our buffalo chicken salad with Greek yogurt or whip up our buffalo chicken dip with Greek yogurt. Both are creamy, flavorful favorites you won’t want to miss!
• Shredded Chicken to Use: Use fully cooked chicken for this recipe. Some great options are shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, baked chicken, air-fried chicken, slow-cooked shredded chicken, poached chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Salad With Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Chop the celery and slice the green onions.

Step 2: Add the shredded fully cooked chicken, celery, and green onions to a large bowl.

Step 3: Blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. Then, add it to a separate bowl.

Step 4: Add the hot sauce and ranch seasoning to the bowl with the whipped cottage cheese.

Step 5: Thoroughly mix the sauce until smooth and combined.

Step 6: Pour the sauce into the large bowl.

Then, thoroughly mix until the chicken salad is evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

This buffalo chicken salad with cottage cheese is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it on its own, with crackers or celery sticks, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a low-carb option. For another option, use it as a sandwich filling on a Hawaiian roll for a sweet-and-spicy contrast. You can also pile it on toast, wrap it in a tortilla, or serve it over a bed of greens. For extra flavor, add a light drizzle of our blue cheese dressing or homemade ranch dressing on top!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cottage cheese buffalo chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Chicken Salad Recipes To Try!

• Classic Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
• Chicken Salad With Grapes and Tarragon
• Healthy Waldorf Chicken Salad
• Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
• Curry Chicken Salad

If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.