Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers: 15-Minute Irresistible Favorite

Name: Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped into small chunks; ½ cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese; ¼ cup jarred banana peppers (mild or spicy), diced; ¼ cup red onion, diced; ¼ cup celery, diced; 2 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon Dijon or spicy mustard; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 5:37 p.m. wondering how dinner snuck up on you again, this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is about to become your new best friend.

It’s creamy without being heavy. Tangy without being overpowering. And packed with protein so it actually keeps you full (instead of having you rummaging for snacks an hour later). Whether you’re juggling work emails, soccer practice, or just trying to eat something that makes you feel good, this quick, no-cook meal checks every box.

Best part? It comes together in 15 minutes. No stove. No oven. No stress. Just simple ingredients doing what they do best.

Let’s make something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

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

Here’s why this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

High-protein powerhouse – Nearly 25 grams of protein per serving. Hello, staying power.
Low-carb and diabetic-friendly – With just about 5 grams of net carbs, it’s a smart choice if you’re watching your carbs.
Creamy without mayo – Blended cottage cheese gives you that silky texture without the extra fat.
Bright, tangy kick – Banana peppers wake everything up in the best way.
Perfect for meal prep – Make it once, enjoy it for a couple of days.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels light but satisfying. You know… the one that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down after lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, affordable ingredients—because I truly believe good food doesn’t need a long grocery list.

1 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped into small chunks
½ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese
¼ cup jarred banana peppers (mild or spicy), diced
¼ cup red onion, diced
¼ cup celery, diced
2 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon Dijon or spicy mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt and pepper

That’s it. No fancy ingredients. Just real food that works hard for you.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers

This recipe is so easy it almost feels like cheating.

Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese

Add the cottage cheese, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a food processor.

Pulse until smooth and creamy.
You’re looking for a texture similar to mayo—thick but silky.

If you don’t have a food processor, a blender works too. In a pinch, you can even mash it well with a fork, though it won’t be quite as smooth.

Step 2: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add:

Chopped rotisserie chicken
Diced banana peppers
Red onion
Celery
Green onion

Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture over the top.

Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

That’s it. You’re done.

Serve immediately, or pop it in the fridge until you’re ready.

Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers in a white bowl with celery, red onion and green onions — Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers made with rotisserie chicken, creamy blended cottage cheese, celery and red onion.

What Makes Cottage Cheese the Secret Star?

I know—cottage cheese in chicken salad sounds a little different.

But once you blend it? Magic.

It gives you:

Creaminess without heavy mayo
Extra protein
Fewer calories
A light, fresh flavor

And honestly? It makes this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers feel like a modern upgrade to the classic version we all grew up with.

The first time I made this, it was one of those “clean out the fridge” days. I had rotisserie chicken, a lonely jar of banana peppers, and cottage cheese that needed to be used. I blended it on a whim… and I’ve never gone back.

Sometimes the best recipes are happy accidents.

Serving Ideas (Because Variety Keeps Things Fun)

This salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:

Spoon it into lettuce cups for a light lunch.
Pile it on whole-grain toast.
Stuff it into a low-carb wrap.
Scoop it over mixed greens for a hearty salad.
Eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment here).

It’s especially great for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got protein-packed lunches ready to grab.

Simple Tips for the Best Results

A few little tricks make a big difference:

1. Use freshly chopped rotisserie chicken.
Pre-shredded can be a bit dry. Freshly chopped keeps the texture tender.

2. Drain banana peppers well.
Too much liquid can make the salad watery. A quick pat with paper towels works wonders.

3. Dice everything small.
You want a little bit of everything in each bite.

4. Let it chill for 30 minutes (if you have time).
The flavors mingle and get even better. But if you’re hungry now, go for it.

And if your mixture looks a little thick? That’s just extra comfort waiting to happen. You can always stir in a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up.

Nutritional Snapshot

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 175.9
Protein: 24.7g
Carbs: 6g
Net Carbs: 5.1g
Fat: 6.3g

It’s a light but satisfying meal that fits beautifully into a low-carb or diabetic-friendly lifestyle.

And because it’s high in protein, it actually keeps you full. No mid-afternoon energy crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Any cooked chicken works—grilled, baked, even leftover slow cooker chicken. This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is super flexible.

Can I use full-fat cottage cheese?

Yes! It will make the salad a bit richer and creamier. If that’s what you have, use it.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

Are banana peppers spicy?

Most jarred banana peppers are mild and tangy. If you love heat, look for spicy versions. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes, and it’s perfect for that. This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers holds up beautifully and tastes even better after the flavors settle.

A Little Real-Life Moment

I made this during a week when my to-do list felt longer than my patience. Dinner needed to be fast. Lunch needed to be healthier. And I needed something that didn’t require another grocery run.

This recipe saved me.

It’s now one of those “I don’t even need to look at the recipe” meals. And I love having a few of those in my back pocket.

Life is busy. Dinner doesn’t have to be.

Bringing It All Together

There’s something comforting about a meal that’s simple, nourishing, and dependable. This Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers is exactly that.

It’s quick enough for a hectic weekday, light enough for lunch, and satisfying enough to keep you from wandering back into the kitchen an hour later. Creamy, tangy, protein-packed goodness—without turning on the stove.

If you’re looking for a low-carb, high-protein recipe that feels fresh and flavorful, give this Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad with Banana Peppers a try. It just might become one of those recipes you make on repeat… the kind that quietly makes your week easier.

And around here, that’s exactly how we like to cook.