Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Crave
This isn’t your average chicken salad. Packed with juicy blackberries, creamy cottage cheese, and tender shredded chicken, this low carb blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad hits every note: sweet, savory, tangy, and ultra-satisfying. It’s light enough for a summer lunch but hearty enough to keep you full for hours. Whether you’re following a keto plan or just want something refreshing and protein-packed, this easy recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and makes the perfect weekday meal prep. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable. Add herbs, eggs, or nuts to make it your own!
Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Crave
A Berry Unexpected Favorite
You know that one dish that surprises you so much, it becomes a regular before the week is over? This low carb blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad was exactly that for me. I first made it after a summer hike with friends — sunburned, starving, and armed with random fridge leftovers. I had grilled chicken, a carton of cottage cheese, and a pint of juicy blackberries I’d picked up at a roadside stand. Desperate to cool off and refuel, I threw everything in a bowl, added a squeeze of lemon and fresh dill, and crossed my fingers.
One bite in, I was completely sold. The sweet tartness of the blackberries, the creaminess of the cottage cheese, and the protein-packed chicken created a flavor combination I didn’t even know I was missing. It was refreshing, satisfying, and most importantly — it didn’t make me feel sluggish like heavier meals tend to do on hot days.
Also Read: Low Carb Cinnamon Roll Cake That’ll Surprise You With Every Bite
A Salad That Checks All the Boxes
Since then, this low carb blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad has become my go-to for quick lunches and meal prep. It’s naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, and loaded with protein thanks to the cottage cheese and chicken. Whether I’m eating it straight from the bowl or wrapping it in a low-carb tortilla, it never disappoints.
This salad has that slimming violet magic — light, pretty, and shockingly filling. I love tossing in chopped nuts for crunch or a few cucumber ribbons for hydration. If you’re trying to eat clean without sacrificing flavor, this one’s a keeper. It fits right in with other refreshing warm-weather dishes like those from my No-Bake & Quick Treats section.
Flavor Meets Function – What Makes This Salad Work
Blackberry Chicken: A Surprisingly Delicious Pairing
Let’s be honest: blackberries and chicken don’t sound like a match made in salad heaven. But once you try them together, you’ll understand why this combo works so well. The sweet, slightly tart burst from the blackberries balances beautifully with the mild savoriness of shredded or grilled chicken. It’s the kind of contrast that makes each bite exciting — no boring salads here.
The key is to use ripe blackberries that are just soft enough to pop but not mushy. Their juiciness lightly coats the chicken without overpowering it, creating an almost vinaigrette-like effect without the need for dressing. A pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice brings it all to life. I often use leftover grilled chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken shortcut to save time.
You’ll find this combo especially satisfying if you’re used to fruit-topped spinach salads — but with a much lower carb count.
Cottage Cheese in Salads: A Protein Powerhouse
Now, let’s talk cottage cheese — the unsung hero of this dish. Its creamy texture acts like a built-in dressing, binding everything together while adding a boost of protein and calcium. Cottage cheese is a popular choice for keto-friendly recipes because it’s naturally low in carbs but rich in nutrition. It also keeps the salad ultra-hydrating, which is a win in warmer months.
If you’re not a fan of the texture, try whipped cottage cheese for a smoother finish. You can also swap in ricotta or a dollop of Greek yogurt. But honestly? Don’t sleep on the classic curds. They add a rustic, nostalgic touch that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs — especially if you’re serving this alongside something summery like my Cookies & Bars for dessert.
Building the Ultimate Bowl
From Simple Ingredients to Standout Salad
What makes this low carb blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad shine is how little effort it takes. Most ingredients are pantry or fridge staples, and there’s no cooking if you use pre-cooked chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken (grilled, poached, or rotisserie)
- ¾ cup full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup fresh blackberries
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or basil, mint, or parsley)
- Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
- Optional: chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, toasted walnuts, or a sliced boiled egg
You can toss it all in one bowl and stir gently — or layer it up if you want a prettier presentation. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving it in a halved avocado or on top of a bed of crisp butter lettuce.
Want to take this from salad to chicken cottage cheese bowl status? Just double the cottage cheese, add a boiled egg, and top it all with sliced almonds or crushed keto chips for that extra crunch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Low Carb Salad
Making this salad couldn’t be easier:
- Add your chicken, cottage cheese, and blackberries to a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle in your herbs.
- Mix gently with a spoon — don’t overdo it or the blackberries will bleed too much.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving, or serve immediately if everything was cold.
This recipe scales well, too — just double or triple the amounts for meal prep. I often make a batch for weekday lunches and pair it with something from the Cakes & Cupcakes archive when I need a little treat afterward.
Customizing, Serving & Storing
Keto Twists & Delicious Variations
One of the best things about this low carb blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad is how endlessly customizable it is. Whether you’re keto, high-protein, or just trying to eat cleaner, this bowl adapts to your cravings.
For a crunchy twist, crumble a few keto cottage cheese chips on top or serve them on the side. The salty snap plays beautifully against the creamy base and tart berries. If you’re in the mood for something a little more classic, stir in a chopped hard-boiled egg to channel a cottage cheese egg salad vibe — still low carb, but with added richness.
I also love adding diced dill pickles or a splash of pickle juice for a tangy remix that tastes like a dill pickle chicken salad with cottage cheese. It’s zesty, refreshing, and makes every bite pop. You can even wrap the salad in low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves for a portable option that still feels light and fresh.
Whether you’re building a full chicken cottage cheese bowl or just scooping it into a meal prep container, this salad lets you keep things interesting all week long.
Meal Prep, Storage & Serving Tips
This salad is best served chilled — but it holds up well at room temp, making it perfect for packed lunches or picnic days. To prep ahead, store the mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just wait to stir in the blackberries until the last minute to avoid them turning everything purple.
If you’re serving guests or want to get fancy, present the salad in avocado halves, lettuce cups, or mini mason jars. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and you’ve got a meal that looks like it came from a boutique café — no stress, no stove.
FAQs About Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
What is a low carb blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad recipe?
It’s a high-protein, low carbohydrate salad made with shredded chicken, full-fat cottage cheese, and fresh blackberries. This combo creates a creamy, savory base with a pop of sweet-tart freshness — perfect for keto or low carb diets. It’s simple, quick to make, and doesn’t require any cooking if you use pre-cooked chicken.
Is blackberry chicken salad good for keto?
Yes! Blackberries are one of the lowest-carb fruits, and when paired with lean chicken and full-fat cottage cheese, they fit beautifully into keto meal plans. This salad offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and just enough berry sweetness to keep it interesting without spiking carbs.
What is slimming violet cottage cheese salad?
“Slimming violet” refers to cottage cheese-based salads that support weight loss by being low in carbs and high in protein. They’re light, refreshing, and often include fresh herbs or mild vegetables. Our version, with blackberries and chicken, fits the profile and brings extra flavor to the mix.
Can I make a cottage cheese egg salad instead?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for chopped hard-boiled eggs to create a creamy cottage cheese egg salad. It’s still low carb, rich in protein, and perfect for meal prep. Or, go half-and-half with eggs and chicken for added variety.
What goes well with chicken and cottage cheese?
Fresh herbs like dill or basil, crunchy add-ins like cucumbers or walnuts, and a bright squeeze of lemon juice all enhance the creamy texture. You can also pair it with low-carb chips, wraps, or lettuce cups for serving.
What is a chicken cottage cheese bowl?
It’s a meal-sized version of this salad — usually layered with chicken, cottage cheese, berries or veggies, and extras like avocado or boiled egg. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can be packed to-go easily.
Are there keto cottage cheese chips to pair with this?
Yes! You can make or buy keto-friendly cottage cheese chips that crisp up in the oven or air fryer. They’re great served on the side for crunch or crumbled over the top of the salad for texture.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a fresh way to shake up your salad game, this low carb blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad just might be your new favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, protein-packed, and bursting with juicy blackberries — all while keeping your carbs in check. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, assembling a quick lunch, or just trying to eat a little lighter, this easy dish delivers big flavor without the fuss.
It’s customizable, beautiful enough to serve to guests, and simple enough for weeknights. So go ahead — toss it together, take a bite, and see why this unexpected combo has earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and hashtag it #foodiecreator. I’d love to see how you make it your own.
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Low Carb Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, protein-packed salad with chicken, cottage cheese, and juicy blackberries — refreshing, low carb, and perfect for summer lunches or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 cup shredded cooked chicken
¾ cup full-fat cottage cheese
½ cup fresh blackberries
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, boiled egg, toasted nuts
Instructions
1. Add chicken, cottage cheese, and blackberries to a bowl.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice, season, and add herbs.
3. Stir gently to combine without crushing berries.
4. Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add diced dill pickles or avocado for variation.
Wait to add berries until serving to keep texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salads
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
