There's something irresistibly comforting about the cool, creamy bite of an egg salad, especially when it's given a light, fresh twist with cottage cheese. This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad offers a deliciously creamy texture, a hint of tang, and a satisfying protein boost that's perfect for busy lunches or easy snacks.
I first whipped up this version of egg salad one hectic afternoon when I realized I was out of mayo but had a tub of cottage cheese in the fridge. It turned out so wonderfully tasty and refreshing that it quickly became a staple in our home.
What makes this egg salad truly special is how quick and budget-friendly it is, without sacrificing a bit of flavor. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in a little extra protein! Let's dive into why you'll be making this on repeat.
Why You'll Love This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Get ready to meet your new favorite go-to recipe. This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a total winner for so many reasons!
First of all, it comes together in no time. With just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, you can have a wholesome meal ready faster than you can order takeout.
It’s also incredibly healthy. Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional mayo, and it's packed with protein to keep you full and energized.
Not to mention, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Whether you pile it onto toast, wrap it in lettuce leaves, or eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon, it adapts to whatever you're craving.
Best of all, it's super budget-friendly. Eggs and cottage cheese are two of the most affordable protein sources, making this an economical option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is that it relies on everyday ingredients you likely already have.
Eggs are the heart of this recipe. Hard-boiled until perfectly tender, they add richness and a satisfying texture. I prefer to boil mine just until the yolks are set but still creamy.
Cottage cheese brings the creaminess without the extra fat of mayo. I recommend using a small curd variety for a smoother texture that blends easily with the eggs.
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that brightens up the salad beautifully. A little goes a long way here!
Green onions offer a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness and adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.
You'll just need a mixing bowl, a fork, and maybe a sharp knife for chopping — no fancy equipment required!
How To Make This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Creating this fresh and creamy Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad couldn’t be easier. Let’s walk through it together.
Start by hard-boiling your eggs. Place them in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for about 10-12 minutes. Cool under cold running water and peel.
Next, chop your peeled eggs into bite-sized pieces. You want a mix of small chunks and finer bits to give the salad texture.
In a medium bowl, add the chopped eggs, cottage cheese, and a spoonful of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated but still a bit chunky.
Thinly slice your green onions and fold them into the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — a little extra mustard or a sprinkle of paprika can be a fun addition!
The entire process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for quick lunches or last-minute potluck contributions.
Storage Options
This egg salad stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Store your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you'd like to make it in advance, you can also boil the eggs ahead of time and assemble the salad when ready to serve.
To maintain freshness and prevent any excess moisture, give the salad a quick stir before serving leftovers.
When reheating isn't necessary (since it's served cold), this dish is truly grab-and-go convenience at its best!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes.
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a similarly creamy but slightly tangier profile.
For a bit of crunch, add some finely chopped celery or diced pickles to the mix. They bring a delightful texture that contrasts nicely with the soft eggs.
Want a spicier version? Stir in a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to turn up the heat.
For a more herbaceous flavor, mix in fresh chopped dill or parsley. They add a refreshing earthiness that pairs perfectly with the cottage cheese.
Don't be afraid to experiment! This recipe is forgiving and easy to customize based on what you have on hand or what you're craving.
PrintSimple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe
Discover a simple, creamy, and healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe that's packed with protein, easy to prepare, and perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Using wholesome ingredients like eggs, cottage cheese, and fresh herbs, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious. Whether you need a light meal or a satisfying sandwich filling, this recipe is ideal for any healthy eating plan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
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½ cup cottage cheese
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine the chopped eggs and cottage cheese.
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Add mayonnaise (if using), Dijon mustard, chopped chives, and parsley.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Mix gently until everything is well combined.
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Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
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For a chunkier texture, lightly mash the eggs instead of finely chopping them.
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Feel free to add diced celery or pickles for extra crunch.
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Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your dietary preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of the recipe
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
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