Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic egg salad, combining the creamy goodness of cottage cheese with the savory richness of eggs. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for lunch, snacks, or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. The addition of Dijon mustard and a touch of red pepper flakes brings a subtle kick of flavor, while the creamy cottage cheese enhances the texture and makes it lighter than traditional egg salad recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy option to serve at a gathering or simply need a quick meal, this egg salad recipe is sure to impress. It’s rich in protein and can be made in under 15 minutes, which makes it a great choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen.

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, atop a bed of greens, or spread it on whole-grain bread for a delicious sandwich. Its light yet creamy texture will make it a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This egg salad comes together in less than 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for busy days.

2. High in Protein

With both eggs and cottage cheese, this salad is packed with protein, making it a filling and nutritious choice for any meal.

3. Lighter Option

The cottage cheese adds creaminess without the heaviness of traditional mayonnaise-based egg salads, offering a lighter alternative.

4. Customizable Flavor

The addition of Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes gives the salad a zesty kick, but you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

5. Versatile

This salad is incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it on its own, serve it with crackers, or use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese
• Large eggs
• Scallions (spring onion), finely chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon-style mustard
• Fine sea salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Variations

• Herbs: Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives can be added for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the eggs for a simple cottage cheese salad with chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Creamier Version: For a creamier texture, increase the amount of mayonnaise or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier flavor.
• Add-ins: You can include other mix-ins such as diced avocado, crispy bacon, or sweet pickle relish for added flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Place the eggs in a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 9-10 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pot and allow them to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs, cottage cheese, scallions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Taste the egg salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more mustard, salt, or pepper depending on your preference.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the cottage cheese egg salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for an even more refreshing flavor. This salad is great on its own or served with your favorite crackers, toast, or in a wrap.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Egg Cooking: If you want perfect hard-boiled eggs every time, use older eggs as they peel easier than fresh eggs.
• Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add a little more mayonnaise or use a dollop of Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayo.
• Chill for Best Flavor: While you can enjoy the egg salad immediately, chilling it for 30 minutes or more can help the flavors meld together and make it even tastier.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently stir the ingredients together to keep the texture of the eggs intact. Overmixing can result in a mushier salad.

How to Serve

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• On Toast: Spread it on whole-grain or sourdough toast for a quick, satisfying breakfast or lunch.
• In a Wrap: Use it as a filling for wraps or pita pockets with some leafy greens.
• With Crackers: Serve it with your favorite crackers for a light snack or appetizer.
• On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter meal, serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or arugula.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cottage cheese egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become a bit more watery as it sits, so give it a quick stir before serving.

Freezing

This recipe is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of the cottage cheese and eggs after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply store it in the fridge and enjoy it cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version of the salad.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this egg salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after resting for a few hours.

3. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise alternatives?

Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise.

4. How can I make this more filling?

To make the salad more filling, serve it on top of a bed of greens, or add more protein with diced chicken or turkey.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or tomatoes for added crunch and flavor.

6. Can I omit the red pepper flakes?

Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes or substitute with a pinch of paprika.

7. Is this egg salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.

8. Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard depending on your taste preferences.

9. How do I make this egg salad creamier?

You can add extra mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to make the salad creamier. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

10. Can I use different types of onions?

Yes, you can use red onion or shallots if you prefer a milder, sweeter onion flavor.

Conclusion

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a fresh and delicious twist on the classic egg salad. With the creamy texture of cottage cheese and the flavorful addition of mustard and scallions, this dish is a quick and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s easy to make, full of protein, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you serve it on toast, in a wrap, or just on its own, this egg salad will quickly become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.

Print