Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic egg salad. Bursting with creamy goodness, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. The use of cottage cheese not only adds flavor but also makes this dish a healthier option. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply looking for a quick meal, this recipe checks all the boxes!

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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 the Dressing
• 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 Stuffed Avocado
• Over Mixed Greens
• With Veggie Sticks
• 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 makes this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad healthier?
• Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last in the fridge?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Can I use different types of cheese?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: This salad replaces traditional mayonnaise with cottage cheese, making it lower in fat and higher in protein.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 16 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it on toast, as a dip for veggies, or even in a wrap—this salad adapts to your meal needs.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of scallions and Dijon mustard gives this salad a tangy kick that elevates the taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can boil the eggs ahead of time and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad efficiently, having the right tools will make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Small pot
• Mixing bowl
• Shallow bowl
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Small pot: Essential for boiling eggs perfectly without overcooking them.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Shallow bowl: Ideal for mashing egg yolks smoothly with other ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• ⅔ cup cottage cheese (thick and creamy preferred)
• 6 large eggs
• 5–6 tablespoons scallions/spring onions, finely chopped

For the Dressing

• 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 over medium heat.
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 out the hot water from the pot.
2. Immediately immerse the eggs in very cold water; add ice cubes if available.
3. After about 30 seconds, refresh with more ice cubes or change out the water to keep it cold. Let them cool for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Peel the cooled eggs and pat them dry.

Step 3: Chop the Eggs

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

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In the shallow bowl with yolks, mash together with 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until thick and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Egg Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, dressing from step 4, salt, black pepper, and most of red pepper flakes.
2. Mix thoroughly until well combined; adjust seasoning to your liking.
3. Sprinkle remaining red pepper flakes on top for garnish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

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

Enjoy your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad as a nutritious addition to any meal!

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a quick lunch option, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On Toast

• Use whole-grain or sourdough bread for a hearty base.
• Lightly toast the bread for added crunch before spreading the egg salad.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Crisp lettuce leaves make a refreshing alternative to bread.
• Simply spoon the egg salad into large, washed leaves like romaine or butter lettuce.

With Crackers

• Serve the egg salad alongside a variety of crackers.
• Choose whole grain or seeded crackers for extra flavor and texture.

As a Stuffed Avocado

• Halve ripe avocados and fill their centers with the egg salad.
• This adds creaminess and healthy fats to your meal.

Over Mixed Greens

• Create a bed of mixed greens topped with the egg salad.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for an added zing.

With Veggie Sticks

• Pair the egg salad with fresh vegetable sticks such as carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
• This makes for a healthy snack option that’s also visually appealing.

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How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

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

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh eggs and high-quality cottage cheese for optimal taste.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you mix; adjust salt, pepper, and mustard according to your preference.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances flavors significantly. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like herbs or diced pickles for extra flavor.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Chopped dill or parsley can brighten up the dish and add freshness.
• Mash Cottage Cheese Well: If your cottage cheese is runny, mash it first to avoid a soggy egg salad.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the egg salad.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds sweetness and balances savory flavors beautifully.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a delicious contrast in texture and taste.
4. Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup creates a comforting combo with the chilled egg salad.
5. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds nutrition and heartiness to your plate.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and vibrant flavors that enhance your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using runny cottage cheese: A watery consistency can make your salad soggy. Ensure you use thick and creamy cottage cheese or mash it with a fork before adding it to the mix.
• Overcooking the eggs: Overcooked eggs can become rubbery and dry. Boil them for 7–8 minutes and then cool them quickly in ice water.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting the mixture before serving can lead to bland flavors. Always taste your egg salad and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
• Not chilling before serving: Serving the salad immediately can miss out on enhanced flavors. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old scallions or eggs can affect flavor and texture. Always pick fresh ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep it covered to prevent odors from other foods.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Not recommended: This salad does not freeze well due to its creamy texture.
• Enjoy fresh for the best taste and quality.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Not ideal for reheating as it may dry out. Serve cold instead.
• Microwave: If necessary, warm gently on low power in short intervals, but be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Similar to microwave, use low heat if you want it warm, but this is not typically recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad healthier?

This recipe substitutes mayonnaise with cottage cheese, reducing fat while increasing protein content.

Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Absolutely! You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or even herbs like dill for extra flavor.

How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can boil the eggs ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated until you’re ready to make the salad.

Can I use different types of cheese?

You could try Greek yogurt or ricotta, but cottage cheese gives the best creamy texture for this salad.

Final Thoughts

The Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on a classic dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious meal that fits perfectly into any time of day!