Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Brighten your table with this colorful Carrot Apple Salad that combines crisp red and green apples with crunchy carrots, sweet dried cranberries, and juicy mandarin segments. The salad gets its distinctive flavor from a creamy dressing made with vanilla yogurt and a touch of mayo, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The quick prep time of just 20 minutes makes this an easy dish to prepare ahead, and after chilling for a few hours, the flavors meld beautifully together. This refreshing salad works as a side dish for any meal or a light lunch option.

I brought this to our family's Memorial Day gathering last year, and my cousin's children—notorious vegetable avoiders—asked for seconds and thirds. The secret is in the balance of familiar sweet flavors with crisp, fresh vegetables.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Apples: Using both red and green varieties creates a beautiful color contrast and balances sweet and tart flavors. Choose firm, crisp apples that will hold their shape
• Matchstick Carrots: Pre-cut saves time, but freshly cut carrots offer superior flavor and crunch. I recommend cutting your own whenever possible
• Vanilla Yogurt: This unexpected ingredient adds a subtle complexity that makes this salad special. Full-fat yogurt creates the richest flavor
• Dried Cranberries: Their tart-sweet chew adds textural interest and bright pops of color. Look for ones without excessive added sugar
• Mandarin Segments: These add juicy sweetness and visual appeal. Drain them thoroughly to prevent watering down the dressing

Detailed Preparation Instructions

1. Preparing Your Apples

Step 1:

Wash and dry apples thoroughly

Step 2:

Cut into quarters and remove cores

Step 3:

Slice into thin planks, then into matchsticks

Step 4:

Immediately place in a bowl with lemon juice, tossing to coat

Step 5:

Let sit for 5 minutes to prevent browning

2. Creating the Perfect Base

Step 1:

Combine prepared carrots and apples in a large bowl

Step 2:

Add finely diced onion—cutting these small ensures flavor without overwhelming bites

Step 3:

Sprinkle in dried cranberries, distributing evenly

Step 4:

Toss gently to combine all elements

3. Crafting the Dressing

Step 1:

In a separate bowl, whisk vanilla yogurt until smooth

Step 2:

Add mayonnaise and continue whisking until completely blended

Step 3:

Sprinkle in sugar, salt, and pepper

Step 4:

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed

4. Final Assembly

Step 1:

Pour dressing over salad ingredients

Step 2:

Fold gently with a rubber spatula to coat evenly

Step 3:

Add mandarin segments last, folding just enough to incorporate

Step 4:

Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld

Make-Ahead Strategy

This salad actually improves with time, making it perfect for busy entertainers. I often prepare it the night before, adding the mandarins just before serving for the freshest appearance.

Presentation Perfection

Serve in a clear glass bowl to showcase the beautiful colors, and consider garnishing with a few additional cranberries and a light dusting of cinnamon for special occasions.

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Final Thoughts: This bright, refreshing salad has become my signature contribution to gatherings year-round. The combination of familiar ingredients transformed by an unexpected dressing never fails to delight guests and family alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free cottage cheese depending on your preference. The higher the fat content, the creamier the result will be.

→ What if I don't have a food processor?

You can use a blender instead. Alternatively, you can skip blending and use the cottage cheese as is for a more textured salad, though it won't be as creamy.

→ How long will this chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?

This chicken salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

→ Can I substitute the banana peppers?

If you don't have banana peppers, you can substitute with pepperoncini, pickled jalapeños (for more heat), or even diced dill pickles for a different but still tangy flavor.

→ What are some ways to serve this chicken salad?

Enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a lettuce wrap, on whole grain bread, stuffed in a tomato or avocado half, or with cucumber slices or whole grain crackers for a low-carb option.