Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful and healthy twist on the classic recipe. It offers a creamy, tangy flavor that is both satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or as a snack, this salad stands out with its high protein content from cottage cheese and eggs. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: This salad uses cottage cheese instead of heavy mayonnaise, making it lower in fat while still being creamy.
• Quick Preparation: With just 16 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on toast, in wraps, or simply on its own for a nutritious meal at any time of day.
• Rich in Protein: Packed with protein from eggs and cottage cheese, this salad will keep you full and energized.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasoning and add-ins to suit your taste preferences for endless variations.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, gather the essential tools. These items will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Small pot: Ideal for boiling eggs efficiently while keeping them contained.
• Strainer: Essential for cooling the boiled eggs quickly by draining hot water.
• Fork: Great for mashing the egg yolk mixture to achieve a creamy texture.

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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

• ⅔ cup cottage cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 5-6 tablespoons scallions/spring onion (finely chopped)

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard (or to taste)

Seasoning

• 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 remaining whole eggs and egg whites. Set aside.

Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture

Combine the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard. Mash with a fork until thick and creamy (it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth).

Step 5: Assemble

In a mixing bowl add chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing, salt and pepper, along with most of the pepper flakes. Stir until thoroughly combined; adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle remaining pepper flakes on top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving if possible.

Enjoy your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad!

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you want a light meal or an appetizer, here are some great serving suggestions.

On Toast

• Top your favorite whole-grain or sourdough bread with a generous scoop of egg salad for a hearty breakfast or lunch option.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the egg salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb alternative. This makes for a great snack or light lunch.

With Crackers

• Serve the egg salad with whole-grain or gluten-free crackers for a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

In a Sandwich

• Spread the egg salad between slices of whole-grain bread for a classic sandwich that’s satisfying and nutritious. Add some greens for extra crunch!

As a Snack

• Enjoy it on its own as a protein-packed snack. Pair it with some sliced vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for added freshness.

How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

To elevate your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, keep these tips in mind for the best flavor and texture.

• Fresh ingredients: Use the freshest eggs and scallions available to enhance the taste of your salad.
• Adjust seasonings: Don’t be afraid to tweak the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes based on your preferences for spice and flavor.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Experiment with add-ins: Try adding diced celery, bell peppers, or herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Choose quality mayo: A good-quality mayonnaise can make a significant difference in taste, so select one that you love.
• Use different cheeses: For added creaminess, consider mixing in other soft cheeses like ricotta or Greek yogurt.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad
   A fresh mixed green salad with vinaigrette provides a light and healthy complement to the creamy egg salad.

2. Vegetable Sticks
   Crunchy vegetable sticks (like carrots, celery, and bell peppers) offer a perfect contrast in texture and are great for dipping into the egg salad.

3. Fruit Salad
   A sweet fruit salad balances out the savory flavors of the egg salad while adding refreshing notes to your meal.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A protein-rich quinoa salad packed with vegetables adds heartiness to your plate without overpowering the main dish.

5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy baked sweet potato fries provide a comforting side that pairs well with the creamy texture of the egg salad.

6. Whole Grain Pita Chips
   These chips are perfect for dipping and add an enjoyable crunch alongside your egg salad.

7. Roasted Veggies
   Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth of flavor and are an excellent warm side dish to serve with cold salads.

8. Hummus Platter
   A colorful hummus platter featuring various dips paired with pita bread and fresh veggies offers variety and health benefits alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is easy, but a few common mistakes can affect your results.

• Using Overcooked Eggs: Overcooking eggs can make them rubbery and change the texture of your salad. Use the recommended boiling method for perfectly cooked eggs.
• Skipping the Chilling Time: Not refrigerating the salad before serving can lead to flavors that haven’t melded properly. Allow at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to adjust seasoning can result in a bland salad. Taste and add salt and pepper accordingly for enhanced flavor.
• Not Chopping Ingredients Uniformly: Unevenly chopped ingredients can lead to inconsistent texture. Aim for a uniform chop for a better blend in every bite.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your cottage cheese and other ingredients matters. Choose fresh, high-quality products for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in the main compartment rather than the door for optimal freshness.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes; however, you can freeze egg mixtures separately if needed.
• If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Not recommended as it may change the texture. Best served cold or at room temperature.
• Microwave: Gently reheat on low power if necessary, stirring frequently to avoid uneven heating.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring continuously until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a lighter version of traditional egg salad made with cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise, offering a creamy texture with fewer calories.

How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days. Always check for freshness before consuming.

Can I customize Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or swap out scallions for herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

Is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and makes an easy grab-and-go lunch or snack throughout the week.

What can I serve with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Serve it on whole-grain bread, lettuce wraps, or alongside fresh veggies and crackers for a tasty meal option.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to be enjoyed at any meal. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. Give it a try today!