Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional egg salad. It combines creamy cottage cheese with hard-boiled eggs, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or as a satisfying snack, this recipe offers versatility and nutrition. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a quick meal on the go, this egg salad is sure to impress.

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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 Salad
• For Garnish
• 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
• With Crackers
• As a Sandwich Filling
• With Avocado
• Stuffed Tomatoes
• 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
• What is a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?
• Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• What can I serve with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• Is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: This recipe uses cottage cheese instead of heavy mayonnaise, reducing calories while boosting protein.
• Quick Preparation: With just 16 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on toast, in a wrap, or alone as a light snack. It’s perfect for any occasion!
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of scallions and Dijon mustard brings bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather your essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will speed up the process and keep things organized.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A small pot
• Mixing bowls
• Strainer
• Knife and cutting board
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Small Pot: Essential for boiling eggs evenly and efficiently.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed to combine ingredients smoothly for that perfect texture.
• Strainer: Helps drain hot water quickly from the boiled eggs without mess.
• Knife and Cutting Board: Crucial for chopping eggs and scallions to desired sizes.

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 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)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Place the eggs in a small pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit in the covered pot for 7–8 minutes.

Step 2: Cool the Eggs

Strain the hot water from the pot. Immediately immerse the eggs in very cold water; add ice cubes if possible. After about 30 seconds, replace or add more ice cubes to ensure they stay cold. Let them cool for about 2 minutes before peeling.

Step 3: Chop the Eggs

Cut each egg in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks from four of them and place them into a shallow bowl. Finely chop the remaining two whole eggs along with all the whites from the halved eggs. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In the shallow bowl with yolks, mash them together with 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until thick and creamy (it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth).

Step 5: Assemble the Egg Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped eggs with remaining cottage cheese, scallions/spring onions, dressing mixture, sea salt, black pepper, and most of red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until well combined; adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle remaining red pepper flakes on top for garnish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover your egg salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving if possible. This chilling helps enhance all those delicious flavors!

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty snack, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On Toast

• Use whole grain or sourdough bread for a crunchy base.
• Spread the egg salad generously on the toast and top with extra scallions for flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the egg salad into crisp lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce.
• This low-carb option is refreshing and adds a nice crunch.

With Crackers

• Serve the salad alongside whole grain crackers as a quick snack.
• The combination of creamy salad with crunchy crackers is simply delightful.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Layer the egg salad between two slices of your favorite bread for a satisfying sandwich.
• Add some leafy greens or sliced tomatoes for extra nutrition.

With Avocado

• Serve the egg salad on top of sliced avocado halves.
• This adds healthy fats and makes for a filling meal perfect for brunch.

Stuffed Tomatoes

• Hollow out fresh tomatoes and fill them with the cottage cheese egg salad.
• This makes for an eye-catching presentation and a fun way to enjoy your meal.

How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

To make your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right cottage cheese: Opt for thick and creamy cottage cheese to enhance texture. Runny cheese can lead to a soggy salad.
• Season to taste: Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your preference. Tasting while mixing ensures perfect flavor balance.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
• Prep eggs ahead of time: Boil and peel eggs up to three days in advance. This saves you time when making the salad.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding diced celery or bell peppers for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to two days. Stir before serving if any liquid separates.

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Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks provide a crunchy contrast and are healthy too.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers sweetness that complements the savory egg salad perfectly.
3. Pickles: Crunchy dill pickles add tanginess that balances out the creaminess of the salad.
4. Potato Chips: For those who enjoy some crunch, serve with baked potato chips as a satisfying side.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing pairs well and adds nutritious grains to your meal.
6. Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad can round out your plate, offering carbs that complement the protein-rich egg salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring Egg Quality – Using old eggs can affect the flavor and texture of your salad. Always opt for fresh eggs for the best taste.
• Overcooking the Eggs – Cooking eggs too long can make them rubbery. Stick to 7–8 minutes in hot water for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
• Skipping Cooling Step – Not cooling the eggs quickly enough can lead to overcooked yolks. Immediately place them in cold water after boiling.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning – Failing to taste your egg salad before serving can leave it bland. Always adjust salt, pepper, and spices based on your preference.
• Using Runny Cottage Cheese – If your cottage cheese is too watery, it will make the salad soggy. Mash it with a fork to thicken before adding.
• Neglecting Chilling Time – Serving right away might not allow flavors to meld properly. Chill the egg salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep refrigerated for optimal freshness and flavor.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Not Recommended – This salad does not freeze well due to the cottage cheese and egg texture.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop – Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

A Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a healthier version of traditional egg salad made with cottage cheese, providing lower fat content while remaining creamy and flavorful.

How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container, this egg salad lasts up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced celery, bell peppers, or herbs like dill for extra flavor and crunch.

What can I serve with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

This egg salad pairs well with whole grain bread, lettuce wraps, or as a topping on crackers for a nutritious snack.

Is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can boil the eggs ahead of time and mix the salad just before serving for easy meal prep.

Final Thoughts

The Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, it’s packed with protein and flavor. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or spices; this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!