Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful and nutritious take on the traditional egg salad. With creamy cottage cheese as the base, it’s lower in fat but still bursting with flavor. This dish is ideal for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or as a quick snack. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a healthy bite.

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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 Base
• 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
• As A Dip
• How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• How many servings does this recipe make?
• Can I customize Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• How should I serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
• Is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Twist: This egg salad swaps high-fat mayonnaise for protein-rich cottage cheese, making it a lighter option.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 16 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying meal.
• Flavor Packed: With scallions and Dijon mustard, this salad offers a tangy kick that elevates the ordinary egg salad.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on toast, in wraps, or on its own; this dish adapts to your meal needs effortlessly.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time! It stores well in the fridge, allowing for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is easy with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Small pot: Essential for boiling eggs to perfection without overcooking.
• Mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when chopping eggs and vegetables.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while allowing you to chop ingredients safely.

Ingredients

For the Egg Salad Base

• 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, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. 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 and immediately immerse the eggs in very cold water (add ice cubes if possible). After about 30 seconds, add more ice cubes or replace the water to ensure it stays cold. Let the eggs cool for 2 minutes. Peel the eggs and pat them dry.

Step 3: Chop the Eggs

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

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In the shallow bowl, mash the 4 egg yolks 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, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing, salt, black pepper, and most of the 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 helps enhance flavors.

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty snack, there’s a serving suggestion for everyone.

On Toast

• Avocado Toast: Spread the egg salad over toasted whole-grain bread topped with sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
• Bagel Sandwich: Use a toasted bagel as a base and pile on the egg salad for a filling breakfast or lunch option.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Romaine Leaves: Spoon the egg salad into crispy romaine leaves for a low-carb wrap that’s fresh and crunchy.
• Butter Lettuce Cups: These soft leaves make perfect cups for holding the creamy salad, adding a nice texture contrast.

As A Dip

• Veggie Platter: Serve the egg salad with an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for dipping.
• Crackers: Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack or appetizer at your next gathering.

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.

• Bold Choice of Cottage Cheese: Use thick and creamy cottage cheese for a richer texture. Runny cottage cheese can make your salad watery.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh scallions and high-quality mayonnaise to enhance the overall taste of your salad.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard according to your personal preference for tanginess.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the egg salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Add Crunch with Veggies: Consider adding diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor depth.
• Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate your egg salad, giving it an aromatic touch that complements the flavors.

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Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad with sides can transform it into a complete meal. Here are some excellent side dish ideas to complement your dish.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the egg salad perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness that contrasts well with savory flavors.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a delightful crunch, making for a satisfying meal.
4. Whole Grain Breadsticks: These are great for dipping into the egg salad while adding fiber to your meal.
5. Pickles or Olives: The brininess from pickles or olives provides an exciting flavor contrast to the creamy egg salad.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds nutrition and heartiness alongside your egg salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using Runny Cottage Cheese: A runny texture can make your egg salad soggy. To prevent this, mash your cottage cheese with a fork to thicken it before mixing.
• Overcooking the Eggs: If eggs are boiled too long, they can develop a greenish hue around the yolk and a rubbery texture. Stick to the recommended 7–8 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning during preparation for a flavorful dish.
• Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving immediately can result in less developed flavors. Chill your egg salad for at least 30 minutes before enjoying for the best taste.
• Ignoring Texture Balance: A lack of textural contrast makes the dish less enjoyable. Ensure you finely chop scallions or add crunchy vegetables for variety.
• Storing Uncovered: Leaving your salad uncovered in the fridge can cause it to absorb odors or dry out. Always store it in a covered container.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• This recipe is not suitable for freezing due to its creamy texture.
• Freshness and flavor may diminish if frozen.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Not recommended as reheating will alter texture.
• Microwave: If needed, microwave on low power in short intervals. Stir gently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Best not reheated. Enjoy cold for optimal flavor and texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a healthier version of traditional egg salad, using cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise for creaminess while reducing fat content.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch!

Can I customize Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, celery, or even herbs like dill or parsley to enhance flavor and nutrition.

How should I serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Serve this salad chilled on whole-grain bread, lettuce wraps, or as a dip with fresh veggies for a nutritious meal or snack.

Is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Always check labels if using packaged ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a light lunch, brunch dish, or quick snack. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste!

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