Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Name: Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 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 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Keto bread (optional, for serving)

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If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge at noon thinking, “Please tell me there’s something easy in here,” this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is about to be your new best friend.

I love a good chicken salad. It’s reliable. It’s comforting. It shows up for you on busy weekdays. But this version? It’s lighter, fresher, and just a little unexpected—in the best way. We’re swapping most of the mayo for creamy cottage cheese, adding juicy blackberries, and tossing in crunchy walnuts for a lunch that feels special without any extra work.

And if you’re watching carbs or trying to eat a little lighter without sacrificing flavor, this one checks all the boxes. It’s low carb, high protein, and ready in about 40 minutes (with only 10 minutes of actual prep).

Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

There are chicken salads… and then there’s this one.

Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Light but creamy. Cottage cheese gives you that rich texture without drowning everything in mayo.
Sweet and savory magic. The blackberries add little bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the chicken perfectly.
Meal-prep friendly. Make it once, enjoy it for days.
Keto-friendly option. Serve it on keto bread or in lettuce wraps for a satisfying low carb lunch.
Family-approved. Even picky eaters (and cottage cheese skeptics!) won’t notice the swap.

True story: one reader said her husband hates cottage cheese… and devoured this without realizing it was in there. That’s the kind of kitchen win we all need more of.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients—nothing fancy.

2 chicken breasts
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 teaspoon salt and pepper
Keto bread (optional, for serving)

That’s it. No complicated sauces. No hard-to-find items. Just fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in a beautiful way.

How to Make Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Perfect for a week when your to-do list feels longer than your patience.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Cook your chicken breasts using your favorite method:

Bake
Boil
Grill

Whatever works for your schedule. I often bake mine at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.

Once the chicken is done, let it cool slightly. Then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. You want pieces small enough to scoop easily but not mushy.

Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the chicken cools:

Dice the celery.
Slice the green onions.
Slice the blackberries in halves or quarters (depending on size).
Chop the walnuts if they aren’t already chopped.

This step takes about 5 minutes. It’s quick, I promise.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Shredded chicken
Celery
Green onions
Blackberries
Walnuts

Then stir in:

Cottage cheese
Mayonnaise

Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

That’s it. Seriously.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

You can enjoy this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad:

On keto bread
In lettuce wraps
Over mixed greens
Straight from the bowl (no judgment here)

Each serving has about 447 calories and 6 net carbs, making it a satisfying, protein-packed option for lunch.

Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad served on toasted keto bread with fresh blackberries and celery — This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is served on toasted keto bread for a fresh, protein-packed lunch.

A Quick Note About the Mayo vs. Cottage Cheese

You might notice we’re still using a small amount of mayo.

Here’s the thing: cottage cheese replaces most of the mayonnaise to lighten things up and boost protein, but that little bit of mayo adds familiar flavor and helps smooth out the texture.

If you prefer, you can:

Use all cottage cheese and skip the mayo entirely.
Blend the cottage cheese first for an ultra-smooth consistency.

It’s flexible. And we love flexible recipes around here.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

Let’s make sure your salad turns out amazing every time.

1. Let the Chicken Cool First

If the chicken is too warm, it can make the cottage cheese watery. Give it 10–15 minutes to cool before mixing.

2. Slice the Blackberries Gently

Blackberries are delicate. Use a sharp knife and light pressure so they don’t turn into purple mush. A few juicy streaks are fine—it adds character.

3. Toast the Walnuts (Optional but Delicious)

If you have an extra 3 minutes, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet. It brings out their nutty flavor and makes the whole salad taste a little more special.

4. Chill Before Serving

If you can wait 30 minutes, pop the salad in the fridge. The flavors settle in and get even better. But if you’re starving, I fully support digging in immediately.

Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad in a rustic bowl with walnuts, celery, and blackberries — A hearty bowl of Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad loaded with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet blackberries.

My Little Kitchen Story

I first made this on one of those weeks when life felt like one giant checklist. School pickups. Work deadlines. Laundry that refused to fold itself.

I wanted something healthy but not boring. Something I could scoop onto bread and eat in five minutes flat.

The first bite surprised me. The sweetness from the blackberries with the savory chicken? It felt fancy—but it took almost no effort. My family cleaned the bowl faster than I expected.

That’s when I knew it was blog-worthy.

FAQs About Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It’s perfect for meal prep lunches.

Can I substitute grapes for blackberries?

Yes! Grapes work beautifully if you want a more traditional flavor. Slice them in half to keep the texture balanced. But if you haven’t tried blackberries yet, I really encourage you to—they add a slightly tangy sweetness that’s hard to beat.

What if I don’t like cottage cheese?

You probably won’t even notice it here. But if texture is your concern, blend the cottage cheese before mixing. It becomes smooth and creamy, almost like a thick dressing.

Is this recipe really low carb?

Yes. With about 6 net carbs per serving, this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad fits well into a low carb or keto lifestyle—especially if served on keto bread or in lettuce wraps.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Please do. It’s a huge time-saver. Just shred it and mix as directed. Dinner (or lunch) is practically done.

Serving Ideas to Keep It Interesting

If you’re like me, you don’t want to eat the same thing the exact same way every day.

Try it:

Stuffed into avocado halves
Wrapped in butter lettuce
On toasted keto bread
Scooped with cucumber slices
Over a simple spinach salad

It’s one of those recipes that works with whatever you have in your kitchen.

A Fresh Twist You’ll Come Back To

There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that feels indulgent but secretly isn’t. This Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad gives you creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all in one bowl—without weighing you down.

It’s easy enough for a chaotic Tuesday and pretty enough to serve at a brunch with friends. And once you realize how good cottage cheese can be in chicken salad, you might never go back.

So the next time lunchtime rolls around and you need something quick, filling, and a little refreshing, this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is ready to save the day.

Now tell me… are you team lettuce wrap or keto bread?

More Fresh & Flavorful Ideas to Try

If this Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad has you loving lighter, protein-packed lunches, here are a few more delicious ideas to keep your weekly menu feeling fresh and exciting:

Craving another bold and satisfying spin on chicken salad? This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is loaded with flavor and perfect for easy meal prep days.
If cottage cheese is officially your new kitchen favorite, don’t miss this cozy and filling High Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and great for busy weeknights.
For a richer, classic-style option that’s always a hit at brunch or gatherings, try the creamy Million Dollar Chicken Salad. It’s indulgent in the best way.
Love that sweet-and-savory balance? This bright and colorful Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad brings a totally different flavor twist while keeping things fresh and satisfying.
And if you’d like to see another wholesome take on this trend, this nourishing Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad offers even more healthy inspiration.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just trying to keep lunch interesting, these recipes make it easy to mix things up without adding stress to your day.