Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional egg salad, offering a creamy and tangy flavor without the extra calories. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or brunch and makes for a satisfying snack anytime. The unique combination of cottage cheese and eggs provides a healthy dose of protein while keeping it light and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: This recipe uses cottage cheese instead of heavy mayonnaise, making it a lower-fat option.
- Quick Preparation: With just 16 minutes needed from start to finish, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it on toast, in a wrap, or alongside fresh veggies for a complete meal.
- Rich in Protein: Packed with protein from both eggs and cottage cheese, it’s perfect for muscle recovery and energy.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste; add herbs or spices for an extra kick.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make the preparation process quick and easy.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Small pot
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Strainer
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Small pot: Ideal for boiling eggs evenly without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Fork: Perfect for mashing the egg yolks and mixing ingredients together.
Ingredients
This cottage cheese egg salad is a healthier, low-fat version of classic egg salad. It’s creamy, tangy, delicious and simple to make. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or brunch or as a satisfying snack.
For the Salad Base
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
For Flavoring
- 5-6 tablespoons scallions/spring onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard (or to taste)
Seasonings
- ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt (and black pepper to taste)
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Step 1: Boil Eggs
Place the eggs in a small pot, add water then cover and bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and leave the eggs in the pot for 7-8 minutes (do not remove the lid). TIP: This is how I like to cook hard-boiled eggs, but you can use another method if preferred.
Step 2: Cool Eggs
Strain then immerse the eggs in very cold water (add ice cubes if possible) for about 2 minutes. After about 30 seconds add more ice cubes or change the water to make sure it stays cold. Drain off the water then wipe and peel the eggs.
Step 3: Chop Eggs
Cut each egg in half lengthwise, remove the egg yolks from 4 eggs and place in a shallow bowl. Finely chop the 2 remaining whole eggs and egg whites. Set aside.
Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture
Combine the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard. Mash with a fork until the mixture is thick and creamy (it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth).
Step 5: Assemble
To a mixing bowl add the chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing, salt and pepper, and most of the pepper flakes. Stir until thoroughly combined and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle remaining pepper flakes on top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving if possible.
Enjoy your healthy Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad!
How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
On Toast
- Whole grain bread – Spread the salad on toasted whole grain bread for a nutritious open-faced sandwich.
- Avocado toast – Top your avocado toast with a generous scoop of this egg salad for added protein.
In a Wrap
- Lettuce wrap – Use large lettuce leaves to create a low-carb wrap filled with the cottage cheese egg salad.
- Tortilla wrap – Roll it up in a tortilla with fresh veggies for a hearty lunch option.
As a Dip
- Veggie sticks – Serve the egg salad as a dip alongside crunchy carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks.
- Crackers – Pair it with whole grain crackers for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
With Greens
- Mixed greens – Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad option.
- Spinach salad – Add the egg salad to a spinach salad for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
Stuffed Avocado
- Halved avocados – Scoop out some avocado and fill it with the cottage cheese egg salad for a deliciously creamy dish.
How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Creating the perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and scallions will make the salad taste vibrant. Always opt for fresh produce whenever possible.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before serving. Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or mustard according to your preference.
- Experiment with herbs: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra pop of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the egg salad to chill in the fridge enhances its flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes before enjoying it.
- Customize textures: If you prefer more crunch, consider adding diced celery or bell peppers into the mix.
- Make ahead: This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.
Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Pairing your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad with complementary side dishes can make your meal well-rounded. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – A healthier alternative to traditional fries that adds sweetness and crunch.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the rich flavors of the egg salad.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad provides additional nutrients while being light and flavorful.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth to your meal, enhancing its overall appeal.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa add zest and texture next to your creamy egg salad.
- Classic Coleslaw – This crunchy side offers a tangy contrast that pairs well with the richness of the egg salad.
- Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges make an excellent comfort food side that complements every bite.
- Pickles or Olives – Tangy pickles or olives provide a briny contrast that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be quick and enjoyable, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
- preparation: Not boiling eggs correctly can lead to undercooked or overcooked eggs. Ensure you follow the recommended timing and cooling methods for perfect results.
- seasoning issues: Skipping the seasoning or not tasting before serving can make your salad bland. Always taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to enhance flavor.
- ingredient substitutions: Using low-quality cottage cheese or mayonnaise affects creaminess. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- mixing technique: Overmixing the salad can create a mushy texture. Gently combine ingredients to maintain a nice chunky consistency.
- storage mistakes: Storing in an unsuitable container can affect freshness. Use airtight containers for proper storage in the refrigerator.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep it in the coldest part of your fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture upon thawing.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds. Stir and check until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a non-stick pan, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad recipe:
Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
Yes! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, herbs, or spices according to your taste preferences.
How do I make my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad creamier?
To increase creaminess, add more cottage cheese or mayonnaise based on your preference.
Can I use different types of mustard?
Absolutely! You can experiment with yellow mustard or honey mustard for different flavors in your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This egg salad is ideal for meal prep as it stores well and stays fresh when properly stored.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it great for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or even as a satisfying snack. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the delight of Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, a refreshing twist on the classic recipe that’s perfect for any meal of the day. This creamy and tangy dish replaces traditional mayonnaise with cottage cheese, offering a lighter, protein-packed option without sacrificing flavor. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack, this salad is easily customizable to suit your taste. Serve it atop whole grain toast, in a wrap with fresh veggies, or even as a dip for crunchy snacks. With just 16 minutes of preparation time, you can enjoy a nutritious dish that fuels your body while tantalizing your taste buds.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 5–6 tablespoons scallions (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- fine sea salt
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil eggs in a small pot for 7-8 minutes after bringing water to a boil. Turn off heat and let them sit covered.
- Cool the eggs in cold water with ice cubes for about 2 minutes; then peel.
- Halve four eggs and place yolks in a bowl; chop two remaining whole eggs and egg whites.
- Mix yolks with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard until thick and creamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, dressing mixture, salt, pepper, and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling/Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
