Classic Chicken Cottage Cold Sandwich

1.Prepare the Chicken Salad Base: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, cottage cheese, mayonnaise (or yogurt), diced celery, minced red onion, chopped dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

2.Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is creamy but still retains some texture from the chicken and celery. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

3.Prepare the Bread: Lightly toast the bread slices if desired. If using, spread a very thin layer of butter or cream cheese on one side of each slice. This acts as a moisture barrier.

4.Assemble the Sandwiches: On four slices of bread, layer one lettuce leaf, followed by two slices of tomato.

5.Spoon approximately 1/4 of the chicken salad mixture evenly over the tomato layer on each sandwich base.

6.Top with the remaining four slices of bread, pressing down gently to compact the sandwich.

7.Cut each sandwich in half diagonally or straight across, depending on preference, and serve immediately or wrap tightly for later.