Dinner

Keto Jalapeno Popper Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

ByThomas Greene October 10, 2025October 10, 2025

Introduction

This Keto Jalapeno Popper Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad is a flavorful, creamy dish perfect for a low-carb lifestyle. Packed with tender chicken, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon, it’s a refreshing twist on a classic chicken salad.

A bowl filled with a mixed chicken salad that shows about four main layers: shredded white chicken pieces, small bright green diced celery, orange shredded cheese, and crispy red-brown bacon bits scattered on top. The salad has a creamy dressing mixed throughout, with bits of darker green herbs or vegetables. The bowl is white, resting on a white marbled textured surface surrounded by fresh green jalapeños, lime halves, and fresh cilantro leaves. A container of creamy white dressing is visible near the top of the image with its black lid beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large Chicken Breast
3/4 cup Cottage Cheese
2 Celery Stalks, diced
2 Green Onions, sliced
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
3 tbsp Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
5 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Jalapeno
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
Juice of 2 Limes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the chicken breast using your preferred method—bake, boil, or grill. Once fully cooked, shred and chop the chicken into small pieces, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Dice the celery and slice the green onions. Chop the fresh jalapenos as well.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, chopped jalapenos, crumbled bacon, cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Step 4: Add the sour cream, remaining chopped jalapenos, fresh cilantro, onion powder, garlic salt, and lime juice into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth to create the dressing.
Step 5: Pour the jalapeno dressing over the chicken mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve the salad over fresh salad greens, use it as a filling for keto bread, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Tips & Variations

For a milder spice, reduce the amount of fresh jalapenos or remove the seeds before chopping.
Add avocado chunks for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor twist.
Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop well overnight. For best texture, add any fresh greens or keto bread right before serving. Reheat the chicken separately if desired, but the salad is delicious served cold.