Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a fresh, creamy, and protein-packed twist on the classic egg salad. This vibrant dish is the perfect balance of hearty hard-boiled eggs, crunchy vegetables, and tangy cottage cheese, all brought together with a zesty Dijon mustard dressing. The addition of red onion, carrot, and celery gives the salad a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor, while fresh herbs like chives and parsley add a touch of brightness. This salad is incredibly versatile—whether you enjoy it as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or just served as a light lunch, it’s sure to satisfy. With its easy preparation and customizable nature, Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep or quick weeknight meals. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a refreshing side dish, or a filling main course, this egg salad hits all the right notes.

In addition to its delicious flavor, this recipe is a great way to get in some extra protein and healthy fats from the cottage cheese, making it both nutritious and satisfying. So, if you’re looking for a fresh take on a beloved classic, give this Cottage Cheese Egg Salad a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Healthy

The cottage cheese provides a creamy, rich texture while also offering a healthier, lower-fat alternative to traditional mayo-based egg salads.

2. Packed with Protein

With hard-boiled eggs and cottage cheese, this salad is high in protein, making it a great option for a filling snack or meal.

3. Fresh and Flavorful

The combination of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and tangy mustard makes this egg salad a vibrant and flavorful option.

4. Customizable to Your Preferences

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—add more herbs, swap the vegetables, or use Greek yogurt in place of cottage cheese for a different twist.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or a quick and healthy lunch throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Red onion
• Carrot
• Celery
• Cottage cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Chives
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Greek Yogurt Substitution: For a tangier, lighter version, swap the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt.
• Add Avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats, dice up an avocado and stir it into the salad.
• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy variation.
• Herb Alternatives: Swap parsley and chives for other fresh herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Add Bacon: For an extra crunch and smoky flavor, sprinkle some crispy bacon pieces on top of the salad.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Begin by boiling the eggs. Once they are hard-boiled, peel and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Dice the Vegetables

While the eggs are cooling, dice the red onion, carrot, and celery into small, uniform pieces for an even texture in the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped chives, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the chopped eggs and diced vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the egg salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or with crackers.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the salad so the eggs don’t break down too much and the texture remains chunky.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the fridge for a bit before serving, as this will help the flavors come together.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of mustard, lemon juice, or herbs depending on how tangy or fresh you like your salad.
• Add More Veggies: If you like, you can include additional vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
• Egg Consistency: Be sure to chop the eggs roughly, so you get chunks of egg in each bite—don’t make it too fine!

How to Serve

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving ideas:

• As a Sandwich: Spread the salad on whole grain or white bread for a light and satisfying sandwich.
• With Crackers: Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers for a quick and easy snack.
• On a Bed of Greens: Serve it over a bed of mixed greens or lettuce for a fresh, healthy lunch.
• In Wraps: Spoon the egg salad into a tortilla wrap with some extra veggies and fresh greens for a portable lunch option.
• With Veggies: Enjoy it with sliced cucumber, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for a low-carb option.

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. It’s a great make-ahead meal for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Freezing this egg salad is not recommended due to the cottage cheese and the texture of the eggs, which may change once frozen and thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just grab it straight from the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad without cottage cheese?

Yes, you can replace the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or even mayonnaise for a creamier version.

2. How do I boil eggs for this recipe?

Place eggs in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.

3. Can I use other vegetables in this salad?

Yes! Feel free to add veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or even peas for extra crunch and flavor.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

5. Can I use different herbs?

Absolutely! You can use dill, parsley, or basil in place of chives and parsley to suit your taste.

6. How do I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeños to give the salad some heat.

7. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, you can add shredded cheddar cheese, feta, or any cheese you like to enhance the flavor.

8. Can I make this egg salad ahead of time?

Yes, this egg salad is great for meal prep! Just refrigerate it and enjoy it within 3 days.

9. How can I make this salad dairy-free?

You can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based spread to make this salad dairy-free.

10. What can I serve this salad with?

Serve it with crackers, in a sandwich, in wraps, or on a bed of greens for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a refreshing and healthy take on the classic egg salad. With the creamy cottage cheese and crunchy vegetables, it’s a filling and nutritious option that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a sandwich, a dip, or on a bed of lettuce, this versatile salad is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Try it today and discover a new favorite twist on a timeless dish!

Print