Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – A Healthy & High-Protein Meal
If you’re looking for a healthy, high-protein meal, this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is the perfect choice! This creamy and delicious egg salad is packed with protein from both cottage cheese and eggs, making it an excellent option for gluten-free, keto, and high-protein diets.
Unlike traditional egg salad, which is often made with mayonnaise, this recipe uses cottage cheese to add creaminess and extra nutrition. It’s lighter, fresher, and still incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it great for quick lunches, meal prep, or even a light dinner.
Let’s dive into this delicious and healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Salad recipe and learn how to make it step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ High-Protein & Low-Carb: Packed with protein-rich eggs and cottage cheese, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
✔️ Creamy & Delicious: Cottage cheese adds a light and creamy texture without the need for mayonnaise.
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it a great choice for busy days.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead lunch option.
✔️ Versatile & Customizable: Enjoy it on flatbread, bagels, lettuce wraps, or as a dip!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, you’ll need:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: 4 large, peeled and chopped
- Cottage Cheese: ½ cup (full-fat or low-fat)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (adds a tangy flavor)
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (brightens up the taste)
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Green Onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Fresh Dill or Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional)
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional for extra flavor)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use mashed avocado instead of cottage cheese for a creamy, dairy-free egg salad.
- Extra Protein: Add cooked, diced chicken for an even higher protein content.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- More Flavor: Add garlic powder, chives, or a squeeze of sriracha for an extra boost of taste.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this egg salad easily, gather the following tools:
- Mixing Bowl (for combining the ingredients)
- Knife & Cutting Board (for chopping eggs and herbs)
- Fork or Potato Masher (for mashing eggs and blending ingredients)
- Measuring Spoons (for precise ingredient portions)
How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs
Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother egg salad, mash them with a fork.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a creamy base.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Gently fold the chopped eggs into the cottage cheese mixture. Mix until well combined but still chunky.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs & Spices
Stir in green onions, fresh dill, or parsley, and sprinkle with paprika for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy on flatbread, bagels, crackers, lettuce wraps, or as a dip!
Expert Tips for the Best Egg Salad
✅ Use Fresh Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese makes the egg salad creamier and richer.
✅ Chop Eggs to Your Liking: For a chunkier texture, dice eggs into larger pieces; for a smoother consistency, mash them well.
✅ Season Generously: Adjust salt, pepper, and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
✅ Let It Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the egg salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using Watery Cottage Cheese: If your cottage cheese has too much liquid, drain it before mixing.
❌ Over-Mixing: Stir gently to keep the egg salad light and fluffy.
❌ Not Adding Enough Seasoning: Eggs and cottage cheese have mild flavors, so proper seasoning is key.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:
- On a High-Protein Bagel: Spread on a cottage cheese bagel for a satisfying breakfast.
- With Gluten-Free Flatbread: Enjoy with cottage cheese flatbread for a high-protein meal.
- As a Dip: Serve with crackers or raw veggies for a healthy snack.
- In Lettuce Wraps: A low-carb and refreshing way to enjoy egg salad.
- On a Sandwich: Use it as a filling for a healthy sandwich or wrap.
How to Store and Meal Prep
Storage: Keep egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This dish is best served cold—no reheating needed!
Freezing: Not recommended, as eggs and cottage cheese can change texture when frozen.
Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps
🔥 Spicy Version: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a kick.
🌱 Vegetarian Option: Keep it simple with extra veggies like diced cucumbers or bell peppers.
🥑 Avocado Egg Salad: Replace cottage cheese with mashed avocado for a dairy-free twist.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This egg salad stores well for 2-3 days, making it great for meal prep.
What’s the best type of cottage cheese to use?
Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture, but low-fat works too.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a good alternative for a tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
Is this egg salad good for weight loss?
Yes! It’s high in protein and low in carbs, making it great for weight loss and muscle recovery.
Can I add mayonnaise to this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer a richer taste, mix in 1 tablespoon of mayo with the cottage cheese.
Conclusion
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a quick, healthy, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy it on flatbread, bagels, or as a dip, this egg salad is a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal rotation. It’s easy to customize, great for meal prep, and a fantastic alternative to traditional egg salad.
Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you enjoyed it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.
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Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – A Healthy & High-Protein Meal
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 minute
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: breakfast
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is creamy, protein-packed, and a healthy twist on traditional egg salad! Made without mayo, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for keto, low-carb, and high-protein diets. Enjoy it on sandwiches, bagels, lettuce wraps, or as a dip!
Ingredients
✅ 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
✅ ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
✅ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
✅ 1 teaspoon lemon juice
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
✅ 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
✅ ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use mashed avocado instead of cottage cheese.
- Extra Protein: Add diced cooked chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- More Flavor: Add garlic powder, chives, or sriracha.
Instructions
1️⃣ Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces. For a smoother texture, mash with a fork.
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a creamy base.
3️⃣ Gently fold the chopped eggs into the cottage cheese mixture. Mix until well combined but still chunky.
4️⃣ Stir in green onions, fresh dill, or parsley and sprinkle with paprika for extra flavor.
5️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy on flatbread, bagels, crackers, lettuce wraps, or as a dip!
Notes
- Use Fresh Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese makes the egg salad creamier.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Best Served Cold: No reheating needed!
- Not Freezer-Friendly: Eggs and cottage cheese change texture when frozen.
