Egg salad is a classic dish that never goes out of style, and this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad brings a delicious twist to the traditional recipe. By adding cottage cheese, the salad becomes creamier, while still maintaining the rich protein-packed flavor of the eggs. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a hearty snack. The combination of hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, a bit of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of fresh chives creates a satisfying salad that’s full of flavor without being overly heavy. It’s also a great option for those looking to add a little extra protein to their diet, and the optional Greek yogurt takes the creaminess to the next level. Whether you’re serving it on whole-grain toast, as a wrap, or simply on its own, this cottage cheese egg salad is a crowd-pleaser that you’ll keep coming back to.
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Why You’ll Love This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a healthy and satisfying option for anyone looking for a nutritious yet easy-to-make meal. The addition of cottage cheese gives the salad a smooth, creamy texture without relying on mayonnaise, making it a lighter alternative while still being just as indulgent. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in no time and can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, snack, or even a filling side dish. The combination of eggs, Greek yogurt (optional), Dijon mustard, and chives gives the salad a delightful, savory flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs, making it a perfect recipe for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- Cottage cheese (½ cup)
- Plain Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons, optional, for extra creaminess)
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of paprika for garnish
Variations
- Spicy Cottage Cheese Egg Salad: Add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few slices of jalapeño to give the egg salad a spicy kick.
- Avocado Egg Salad: Mash in some avocado for a creamy, healthy fat boost that pairs wonderfully with the eggs.
- Crunchy Egg Salad: For a bit of crunch, try adding finely chopped celery, cucumber, or bell pepper to the mix.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon to change up the flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Swap the eggs for mashed chickpeas or tofu and use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative to make a vegan version.
- Cheese Lover’s Egg Salad: Add shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or even crumbled feta for extra flavor and richness.
How to Make the Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Eggs
Start by hard-boiling the eggs. Place the eggs in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let them cook for about 9-10 minutes. Once done, remove the eggs from the pot, let them cool, peel, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and finely chopped chives. If you’re using Greek yogurt, add it as well for a creamier texture.
Step 3: Mix and Season
Gently stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a final stir.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
For extra flavor and color, garnish the egg salad with additional chopped chives and a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for Making the Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Hard-Boiling Eggs: To make peeling hard-boiled eggs easier, use older eggs rather than fresh ones. After boiling, let the eggs cool in ice water for a few minutes to make peeling smoother.
- Chill for Flavor: If you have time, chill the egg salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Customize the Consistency: If you prefer a creamier egg salad, you can add more cottage cheese or Greek yogurt until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add a Protein Boost: For even more protein, add cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon to the salad. It makes a great filling for a sandwich or wrap.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your egg salad before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard as needed.
How to Serve
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Spread it on whole-grain toast or a bagel for a quick breakfast, or serve it over a bed of greens for a light salad. It also works well in wraps or as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. For a more substantial meal, pair it with crunchy crackers or fresh veggie sticks like carrots and cucumbers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the ingredients like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are perishable, it’s best to consume the salad within a few days for the best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
Egg salad does not freeze well due to the texture of the cottage cheese and eggs. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Reheating
Egg salad is typically served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just grab a spoon and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use mayo instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, if you prefer a more traditional egg salad, you can use mayonnaise instead of cottage cheese. This will create a richer, creamier texture.
2. Can I make this egg salad vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the eggs for mashed chickpeas or tofu, and use a dairy-free cottage cheese or vegan yogurt alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. How can I make the egg salad spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some hot sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
4. Can I add vegetables to the egg salad?
Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like celery, onion, or bell pepper for added crunch and flavor.
5. How can I make the egg salad less creamy?
If you prefer a less creamy texture, use less cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, or increase the amount of hard-boiled eggs in the salad.
6. Can I make this egg salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this egg salad a few hours in advance or the day before. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
7. Can I use flavored cottage cheese?
While plain cottage cheese works best for this recipe, you can experiment with flavored versions like chive or garlic if you want to enhance the flavor even more.
8. How long will the egg salad keep in the fridge?
The egg salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
9. Can I add cheese to the egg salad?
Absolutely! Adding cheese like cheddar, feta, or mozzarella can enhance the flavor of your egg salad. Just crumble or shred it and mix it in.
10. Is there a way to make this egg salad low-carb?
To make this egg salad low-carb, simply skip any bread or wraps and serve it over leafy greens or enjoy it on its own.
Conclusion
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a fresh and creamy twist on the classic egg salad. With the added protein from cottage cheese and the option to make it even creamier with Greek yogurt, it’s the perfect meal for a light lunch or snack. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the classic egg salad with a healthier, more satisfying twist. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, it’s sure to be a hit!
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Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a light, creamy, and protein-packed twist on the classic egg salad. With the richness of cottage cheese and a touch of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a refreshing side.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, and chopped chives.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mix everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired.
- If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika and garnish with extra chopped chives.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 days for the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or as a light snack!
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cottage cheese or skip the Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a chunkier salad, you can mash the eggs less.
- The addition of paprika is optional but adds a nice color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American