This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a protein-packed twist on traditional egg salad that’s both creamy and satisfying. By incorporating cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise, this recipe creates a lighter, more nutritious version that maintains all the comforting flavors of the classic while adding an extra protein boost. Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a nutritious snack any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein from both eggs and cottage cheese, making it incredibly satisfying
• Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights
• Versatile as a sandwich filling, wrap stuffing, or salad topper
• Lighter and more nutritious than traditional mayo-based egg salads
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins and seasonings

Ingredients

• Eggs: Use large eggs for the best results and texture. Farm-fresh eggs will provide the richest flavor and vibrant yellow yolks.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and protein without the heaviness of mayonnaise. Choose small or large curd based on your texture preference.
• Celery: Provides essential crunch and freshness. Look for crisp stalks with bright green color for the best flavor.
• Red Onion: Offers a mild sharpness that balances the creamy elements. Sweet varieties like Vidalia can be substituted for a milder flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings tanginess and depth to the salad. Whole grain mustard works well too if you prefer more texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
• Paprika: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle smoky flavor.

Variations

Herb Garden Version

Transform this simple salad by adding 2-3 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, parsley, or basil. The herbs add brightness and complexity, turning this into a garden-fresh delight. For an extra dimension, add a teaspoon of lemon zest.

Mediterranean Style

Create a Mediterranean-inspired version by mixing in chopped Kalamata olives, diced cucumber, a sprinkle of oregano, and crumbled feta cheese. The briny olives and tangy feta perfectly complement the creamy base.

Spicy Southwest

Add minced jalapeño, a pinch of cumin, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a southwestern kick. For extra color and nutrition, fold in some diced avocado and bell pepper just before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Eggs

Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for exactly 10 minutes for perfectly cooked yolks. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier. Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them into small, even pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Mix-ins

While the eggs are cooling, dice the celery into small pieces about 1/4-inch in size for a consistent crunch in every bite. Finely chop the red onion—the smaller the dice, the more evenly the flavor will distribute throughout the salad. Set both aside.

Step 3: Combine and Season

In a medium bowl, gently fold together the chopped eggs, cottage cheese, diced celery, chopped red onion, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed. For best flavor development, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, though it can be enjoyed immediately if time is limited.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For the perfect hard-boiled eggs, start with eggs that are a few days old rather than fresh—they’ll peel more easily
• Drain excess liquid from your cottage cheese before adding it to avoid a watery salad
• Chill your mixing bowl before preparing the salad for a refreshing final product
• Add ingredients in stages and taste as you go to achieve your ideal flavor balance
• For a smoother texture, pulse the cottage cheese briefly in a food processor before mixing with other ingredients
• Let the salad rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop

How to Serve

This versatile egg salad shines in many presentations. For a classic approach, spread it on whole grain toast or tuck it into a wrap with fresh greens. For a low-carb option, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or in lettuce cups for a refreshing lunch. It also makes an excellent protein-rich snack scooped with cucumber slices, bell pepper wedges, or whole grain crackers. For entertaining, spoon small portions onto endive leaves or cucumber rounds, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead

This cottage cheese egg salad is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together. If making ahead, consider adding the celery just before serving to maintain its crunch. For the eggs, you can boil them up to five days in advance and keep them unpeeled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the salad. Just be sure to bring the salad to cool room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, either full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe. Full-fat will give you a creamier, richer result, while low-fat creates a lighter version with slightly less calories. The protein content remains excellent either way.

How long will this egg salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this cottage cheese egg salad will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve after a day as they have time to meld together.

Can I freeze this egg salad?

I don’t recommend freezing this salad as both eggs and cottage cheese can develop unpleasant textures when thawed. The celery and onion would also lose their crispness.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute whole grain mustard, yellow mustard, or even a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a pinch of dried mustard powder. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a perfect example of how small tweaks to classic recipes can create something both nutritious and delicious. With its protein-rich ingredients and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch, light dinner, or protein-packed snack, this versatile egg salad delivers on both flavor and nutrition. Give it a try this week and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this reimagined classic!

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