Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that offers a healthier twist on the traditional egg salad. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or as a satisfying snack anytime you crave something delicious. The standout feature of this recipe is the use of cottage cheese, which not only enhances the creaminess but also boosts the protein content. Enjoy it on whole grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Egg Salad
• How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Step 1: Boil the Eggs
• Step 2: Cool the Eggs
• Step 3: Chop the Eggs
• Step 4: Make the Dressing
• Step 5: Assemble the Egg Salad
• Step 6: Chill and Serve
• How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• On Toast
• In Lettuce Wraps
• As a Dip
• With Salads
• How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different herbs in my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• How long will Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?
• Can I customize ingredients in this recipe?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Twist: This recipe uses cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise, making it lower in fat while still being creamy.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 16 minutes, this egg salad is perfect for busy mornings or last-minute lunches.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as a sandwich filling, a topping for crackers, or served on a bed of greens.
• Packed with Protein: With high-protein ingredients like eggs and cottage cheese, this salad will keep you full longer.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of scallions and seasonings gives this salad a fresh taste that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

To make your preparation smooth and easy, gathering the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Small pot
• Mixing bowl
• Shallow bowl
• Knife
• Chopping board
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Small pot: Ideal for boiling eggs efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Shallow bowl: Perfect for mashing egg yolks without making a mess.
• Knife & chopping board: Essential for chopping eggs and scallions safely.

Ingredients

This cottage cheese egg salad is a healthier, low-fat twist on the classic recipe. Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or as a satisfying snack.

For the Egg Salad

• ⅔ cup cottage cheese (thick and creamy preferred)
• 6 large eggs
• 5–6 tablespoons scallions/spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (or to taste)
• ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ⅓ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

1. Place the eggs in a small pot and cover them with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit in the covered pot for 7–8 minutes.

Step 2: Cool the Eggs

1. Strain the hot water from the pot.
2. Immediately immerse the eggs in very cold water (add ice cubes if possible).
3. After about 30 seconds, add more ice cubes or replace the water to keep it cold.
4. Let the eggs cool for 2 minutes before peeling them dry.

Step 3: Chop the Eggs

1. Cut each egg in half lengthwise.
2. Remove the egg yolks from 4 eggs and place them in a shallow bowl.
3. Finely chop the remaining 2 whole eggs along with the egg whites from halved eggs. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In the shallow bowl with mashed yolks, add 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
2. Mash until thick and creamy; it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Egg Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing, salt, black pepper, and most of the red pepper flakes.
2. Mix thoroughly until well combined; adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Sprinkle remaining red pepper flakes on top for garnish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the egg salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

By following these steps carefully, you’ll have a deliciously creamy Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty snack, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

On Toast

• Whole grain bread: Spread the egg salad on toasted whole-grain bread for a nutritious start to your day.
• Avocado toast: Top your avocado toast with a generous scoop of egg salad for added protein.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Romaine leaves: Use crisp romaine leaves as wraps to enjoy a refreshing low-carb option packed with flavor.
• Butter lettuce: The delicate texture of butter lettuce complements the creamy egg salad beautifully.

As a Dip

• Veggie sticks: Serve the egg salad alongside an array of colorful vegetable sticks for a healthy snack.
• Crackers: Pair it with whole grain or seed crackers for an easy and satisfying appetizer.

With Salads

• Mixed greens: Add dollops of the egg salad on top of mixed greens for a filling lunch option.
• Potato salad: Serve it alongside potato salad to create a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right cottage cheese: Opt for thick and creamy cottage cheese for a richer texture in your salad.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Don’t overmix: Gently mix the ingredients to maintain some chunkiness, which adds to the overall appeal.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the egg salad to chill enhances its flavors and makes it more refreshing.
• Use fresh herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add spices or ingredients such as garlic powder or chopped pickles for variation.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some perfect options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the egg salad.
2. Cucumber Slices: Crisp cucumber slices provide crunch and freshness that complement the creamy texture of the salad.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet contrast while keeping things healthy.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and makes for a nutritious side that pairs well with the egg salad.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and zest, making it a great accompaniment to this dish.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and warmth, enhancing your overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this delicious Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Using runny cottage cheese: If your cottage cheese is too watery, it will make the salad soggy. Always choose thick and creamy cottage cheese or mash it with a fork to thicken.
• Overcooking the eggs: Overcooked eggs can result in a rubbery texture. Boil the eggs just until they are set, about 7–8 minutes, for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to properly season your egg salad can lead to bland flavors. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices according to your preference.
• Not chilling the salad: Skipping the chilling step can diminish flavor depth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.
• Skipping garnish: Not adding a garnish can make your dish look less appealing. Sprinkle leftover red pepper flakes on top before serving for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad in an airtight container.
• It will keep fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and taste.
• Enjoy this salad fresh for the best experience.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. Make sure it’s covered to retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warm. Do not overheat as it may change the texture.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring continuously until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.

Can I use different herbs in my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor and freshness.

How long will Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?

It lasts up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I customize ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add diced vegetables or swap out scallions for other favorites like celery or bell peppers.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare this egg salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any meal of the day, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try this healthier twist on classic egg salad today!