A creamy, nut free, avocado sauce made with cottage cheese, kefir, basil, and seasonings tossed with shredded chicken and grapes. I really wish I could lie and tell you this protein packed avocado chicken salad with kefir and basil is just as delicious with yogurt instead of cottage cheese, but I just cannot lie!
Add Protein With Cottage Cheese
Some of us cringe when we hear the words cottage cheese. I find it gets a bad reputation, however, I will eat it by the spoonful! I used cottage cheese because it is just as tangy as sour cream but with texture and more protein. Cottage cheese is a well used ingredient in my home, I mainly use it for dips and spreads because no one ever knows and it is so good for you. Lifeway Kefir offers a farmer cheese that is similar in texture to cottage cheese for a one stop shop while purchasing your kefir online or in store. Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be used a substitute for this Protein Packed Avocado Chicken Salad with Kefir and Basil.
Lifeway Kefir
Adding a splash, or a one fourth cup, of kefir to your dips can only help! Kefir is an ingredient that is gut friendly and adds to your daily value of nutritional benefits. Lifeway Kefir is my trusted brand. They have a wide variety of flavor but I feel the plain flavor you can get the most for. I enjoy it in my overnight oats and homemade salad dressings the most. Check out my most loved Gut Friendly Honey Mustard Salad Dressing with Kefir using a handful of ingredients and plain flavored Lifeway Kefir for a tangy finish.
Protein Packed Avocado Chicken Salad With Kefir and Basil
The Basil and Oregano Seasonings
I think there is no secret by now, oregano and basil are my all time two favorite seasonings to work with. I originally wanted to sprinkle in some cumin for a Smokey touch but figured let’s keep a light taste. I am in no expert when it comes to fresh basil. Mine ALWAYS tends to wilt the same day no matter how “cold” or sunny it is outside. Therefore, I tend to use it up fast. It is pricey but fresh is always best when it comes to whole ingredient recipes like this Protein Packed Avocado Chicken Salad With Kefir And Basil. The easy way to chop basil is to roll a handful of leaves together and then chop end to end. For the oregano, I would love to use fresh leaves but dried works perfectly fine. Quick and simple!
What Is Everything Bagel Seasoning Made Of?
Everything bagel seasoning is a gift to your pantry and food. It is a blended seasoning mix that enhances the taste of your food without buying tons of seasoning individually. Everything bagel seasoning is composed of sesame seeds, sea salt, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, black sesame seeds and poppy seeds. All of these create a huge impact on flavor and the hero of seasonings in this Protein Packed Avocado Chicken Salad With Kefir and Basil.
ACV or Known As Apple Cider Vinegar
What is the purpose? This acts a detergent to the share flavors ingredients can offer. It also brightens up the mixture and keeps it fresh. ACV is a fermented mixture I use in place of lemon juice in my sauces and dips. It is lighter than lemon and doesn’t leave a lasting lemon taste I tend to go overboard with the lemon juice.
Protein Packed Avocado Chicken Salad With Kefir And Basil
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup Lifeway Kefir, plain flavor
- 1 large avocado
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 teaspoons dried or fresh oregano
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grapes, halved
- Walnuts, optional
- cooked shredded or diced chicken
Directions
- Add cottage cheese, kefir, avocado, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, everything bagel seasoning, oregano, and half of the chopped basil into a food processor.
- Process until combined.
- Toss with your diced or shredded chicken.
- Add your remaining basil and grapes, optional nuts.
- Toss together and enjoy!
- Good for 2 days in the refrigerator in an air tight container.