This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional egg salad. It combines creamy cottage cheese with hard-boiled eggs, creating a nutritious and satisfying dish. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or even as a tasty snack, this recipe stands out for its low-fat content and vibrant flavors. Enjoy it on toast, in wraps, or simply on its own!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Alternative: With cottage cheese as its base, this salad is lower in fat and calories compared to traditional recipes.
Quick Preparation: This dish can be whipped up in just 16 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute meals.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on whole-grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or as a dip with veggies. The options are endless!
Packed with Protein: This recipe is rich in protein from both the eggs and cottage cheese, keeping you full longer.
Flavorful and Tangy: The addition of scallions and Dijon mustard adds a delightful tang that elevates the overall taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes preparation smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small pot
Strainer
Fork

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all ingredients efficiently.
Small pot: Use this to boil the eggs quickly and ensure they cook evenly.
Strainer: This tool helps cool down the eggs rapidly and makes peeling easier.
Fork: A simple fork is perfect for mashing the egg yolks with other ingredients to create a creamy texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad:
– ⅔ cup cottage cheese
– 6 large eggs
– 5-6 tablespoons scallions/spring onion (finely chopped)
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard (or to taste)
– 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 them 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, 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.

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

On Toast

Whole Grain Bread: Spread the egg salad on toasted whole grain bread for a hearty breakfast.
Avocado Toast: Top your avocado toast with a generous scoop of the salad for added protein.

In Lettuce Wraps

Romaine Leaves: Use crisp romaine leaves to make refreshing lettuce wraps, perfect for a light lunch.
Butter Lettuce: Butter lettuce adds a delicate flavor and texture that pairs well with the creamy salad.

With Crackers

Whole Wheat Crackers: Serve the salad alongside whole wheat crackers for a satisfying snack option.
Rice Crackers: For a gluten-free choice, rice crackers offer a nice crunch that complements the egg salad.

As a Dip

Vegetable Sticks: Enjoy the cottage cheese egg salad as a dip with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
Pita Chips: Pair it with pita chips for an easy appetizer or party snack.

In Sandwiches

Classic Sandwich: Make a classic sandwich by adding leaf lettuce and tomato between slices of your favorite bread.
Wrap: Roll it up in a tortilla with greens for a quick and portable lunch option.

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.

Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs not only taste better but also have firmer whites, making them easier to chop.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad allows flavors to meld together, enhancing its taste.
Experiment with Herbs: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options.

Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers freshness alongside your egg salad.
Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad provides sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the egg salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add warmth and earthiness, complementing the creamy texture of the salad.
Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges make for a hearty side that pairs well with this dish.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add crunch and acidity to balance out the creaminess of the egg salad.
Soup: A light soup like tomato or vegetable can serve as a comforting accompaniment to this refreshing dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the cooling step: Not cooling your boiled eggs properly can make them hard to peel. Always cool them in ice water for a few minutes.
Overmixing the dressing: Mixing too much can lead to a runny consistency. Aim for a thick and creamy dressing without overdoing it.
Ignoring seasoning: Not adjusting the salt and pepper can leave your salad bland. Taste as you go to ensure perfect seasoning.
Using old eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for great flavor and texture. Always check for freshness before boiling.
Neglecting chill time: Serving immediately might not allow flavors to meld. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change.
If necessary, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month, but expect changes in quality upon thawing.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing and enjoying this delicious dish.

How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?

It lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, substituting Greek yogurt can make your salad even healthier while maintaining creaminess.

What can I serve with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

This salad pairs well with whole-grain bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables as dippers.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep since it keeps well and is easy to portion out for lunches throughout the week.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to add herbs, spices, or other veggies like bell peppers or celery for added crunch and flavor!

Final Thoughts

The Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful blend of creamy textures and fresh flavors, making it an excellent choice for any meal of the day. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Discover the joy of our Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, a refreshing twist on the classic dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. This protein-packed salad combines creamy cottage cheese with hard-boiled eggs, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or as a quick snack. With vibrant flavors from scallions and Dijon mustard, it’s not only delicious but also lower in fat compared to traditional egg salads. Enjoy it on whole-grain toast, in lettuce wraps, or simply as a dip with your favorite veggies. This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep and will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

⅔ cup cottage cheese
6 large eggs
5–6 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt
Black pepper to taste
⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Boil the eggs in a small pot by covering them with water and bringing to a boil. Turn off the heat and let them sit covered for 7-8 minutes.
Cool the eggs in ice water for about 2 minutes before peeling.
Chop four egg yolks into a bowl and add the remaining whole egg whites and two chopped eggs.
Mix egg yolks with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard until creamy.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl with scallions, seasoning, and remaining pepper flakes. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American