Zesty Citrus Chicken Salad
Elevate your meal prep with this refreshing Zesty Citrus Chicken Salad, bursting with vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful dinner, this Very Low Carb option is loaded with protein from the chicken and boasts a creamy dressing made from buttermilk and cottage cheese. Tossed with fresh vegetables and garnished with a delicate sieved hard-boiled egg, each bite is a delightful balance of taste and health. Share it with friends or keep it all for yourself; either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
10
Servings
95
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken
2 cups (diced)
cucumber
1 (peeled and seeded, then chopped)
green pepper
1/2 large (cut into slices)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
cottage cheese
1/2 cup (none)
mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
green onions
2 tablespoons (minced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
lettuce
as needed (leaves for serving)
hard-boiled egg
1 (sieved)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, chopped cucumber, and sliced green pepper.
2
In a blender, whip together the cottage cheese and buttermilk until smooth. Add the mustard, minced green onions, salt, and pepper, and blend again until well combined.
3
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
4
Prepare a bed of lettuce leaves on individual serving plates or a large platter.
5
Spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the bed of lettuce. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of sieved hard-boiled egg for added flavor and presentation.
6
Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours for a chilled meal.
Nutrition Information
3g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Citrus Chicken Salad?
It is a refreshing, high-protein chicken salad featuring a creamy dressing made from cottage cheese and buttermilk, served over lettuce and garnished with sieved hard-boiled egg.
Is this chicken salad low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is categorized as a Very Low Carb option with only 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 95 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe provides 11g of protein per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to make 10 servings.
What makes the dressing creamy without mayonnaise?
The creaminess comes from a blend of cottage cheese and buttermilk whipped together until smooth.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes chopped cucumber, sliced green pepper, and minced green onions.
How should I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and then chopped.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked chicken that has been diced.
What is the unique garnish used for this dish?
The dish is garnished with one sieved hard-boiled egg for added flavor and presentation.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whip cottage cheese and buttermilk in a blender until smooth, then blend in mustard, green onions, salt, and pepper.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours before serving to enjoy it chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, its protein content and refreshing nature make it an excellent choice for meal prep.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe lists 1 teaspoon of mustard, which is blended into the dressing.
How should the green pepper be cut?
The green pepper should be cut into slices.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No sugar is listed in the ingredients, making it a healthy, low-carb choice.
What is the sodium content?
While the exact total is not calculated, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt plus any sodium naturally present in the ingredients.
How should I serve the chicken mixture?
Spoon the chicken salad mixture onto a bed of fresh lettuce leaves.
What gives the salad its 'zesty' flavor?
The combination of mustard, green onions, and the tangy buttermilk/cottage cheese base provides the zesty flavor profile.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
While the specific fiber count isn't provided, ingredients like cucumber, green pepper, and lettuce contribute dietary fiber.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, this recipe contains dairy in the form of buttermilk and cottage cheese.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
The recipe specifies green pepper, but you could substitute with red or yellow pepper for a sweeter taste.
How much green onion is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of minced green onions.
Is the chicken salad served warm or cold?
It is typically served immediately at room temperature or chilled for up to 2 hours.
What is the main source of fat in this recipe?
The fat comes primarily from the chicken, buttermilk, and cottage cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, always check your mustard and buttermilk labels to be sure.
How do I sieve a hard-boiled egg?
Press the hard-boiled egg through a fine-mesh sieve or grater to create a delicate, crumbly garnish.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a light lunch option?
Yes, it is described as a light lunch or a delightful dinner option.
Can I add more spices?
The recipe includes salt and pepper to taste, but you can add other herbs or spices as desired.