I love creating simple and wholesome dishes, and this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a perfect example of that. It combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the richness of hard-boiled eggs, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for lunch or as a side dish. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with protein, and the best part is that it comes together in just a few minutes!
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding ingredients like fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, or a bit of seasoning to enhance the flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftover eggs, and the cottage cheese makes it wonderfully creamy without being heavy. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as a snack with crackers, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
This simple salad is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier twist on traditional egg salad recipes, with a fresh and light texture that pairs perfectly with any meal. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for anyone who enjoys a well-balanced dish with minimal effort.
Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
To make this creamy and satisfying salad, you only need a few basic ingredients. Each one contributes to the overall taste and texture, making this dish a healthy, flavorful option.
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Eggs – 4 large eggs, hard-boiled, and chopped. Eggs are the star of this salad, providing protein and richness.
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Cottage Cheese – 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese. This adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
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Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon, for a little zing and depth of flavor. It helps bind the salad together while adding a touch of sharpness.
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Fresh Herbs – 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh herbs bring a burst of color and a fresh, earthy note to the salad.
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Celery – 1 stalk, finely diced. Celery adds a crunchy texture and a mild, refreshing flavor.
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Red Onion – 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped. It adds a bit of sweetness and a mild bite to balance the creaminess.
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Salt and Pepper – To taste. These essential seasonings elevate the flavors and bring everything together.
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Optional – A pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice, if you prefer a more intense flavor.
How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Making this egg salad is incredibly easy and quick. Here’s how to pull it all together:
Step 1:
Start by boiling the eggs. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Once done, cool the eggs under cold running water, peel them, and chop them into small cubes.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, and fresh parsley. Mix until well combined.
Step 3:
Add the chopped eggs to the bowl, gently folding them into the mixture. Be careful not to mash the eggs too much; you want to keep their texture intact.
Step 4:
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra boost of flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step 5:
Once everything is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can chill the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together or serve immediately for a fresh and light dish.
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a nutritious and easy-to-make option that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re having it for lunch, a snack, or a light dinner, it’s a satisfying choice you’ll love to enjoy!
How Long to Store Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This cottage cheese egg salad is a great make-ahead dish, and knowing how to store it properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious. Here’s everything you need to know about storing your leftovers:
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Refrigerator – Store the cottage cheese egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
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Freezer – Freezing is not recommended for this egg salad, as the texture of the cottage cheese can change when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
To make sure your egg salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks:
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Use Fresh Eggs – The fresher the eggs, the better the flavor. Fresh eggs will also peel more easily, making the chopping process simpler.
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Customize the Flavors – Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. You can add a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
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Experiment with Add-ins – For extra crunch, add chopped pickles, red bell pepper, or even a few slices of avocado. These ingredients add texture and a new dimension of flavor to your salad.
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Serve It in Different Ways – While this egg salad is delicious on its own, you can also serve it on whole-grain crackers, in a sandwich, or atop a bed of leafy greens for a complete meal.
How to Make It Ahead of Time
If you’re preparing this dish in advance, it’s a great option for meal prepping. You can make the egg salad the day before, and it will hold up well in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as the flavors will continue to meld together over time.
How to Enjoy Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This egg salad can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve it as a side dish to a main course, use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, or eat it on its own for a quick, satisfying snack. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be incorporated into any meal plan.
When making this simple and healthy cottage cheese egg salad, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. The creamy texture, combined with the freshness of herbs and crunch from the veggies, makes it a delightful addition to any table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
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Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just as well in this recipe as regular cottage cheese. It will still provide that creamy texture without being too heavy. If you prefer a lighter version, low-fat cottage cheese is a great option. -
Can I add other vegetables to the egg salad?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can add other vegetables to suit your taste. Some great additions include diced cucumber, shredded carrots, or even finely chopped bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the quantities to maintain the balance of flavors. -
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more, making it taste even better after a day or two. Just be sure to stir it well before serving. -
What can I serve with this egg salad?
This cottage cheese egg salad pairs well with a variety of options. You can serve it on whole-grain bread for a healthy sandwich, as a topping for mixed greens in a salad, or with crackers as a snack. It’s also a great filling for wraps or pita pockets.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
To make sure you get the best results every time, here are a few more tips:
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Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor – Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can elevate the flavor of your salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs to create your perfect version.
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Adjust Seasonings – If you prefer a more tangy flavor, increase the Dijon mustard or add a squeeze of lemon juice. For a touch of sweetness, a bit of honey can work well.
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For a Creamier Salad – If you like your egg salad even creamier, add a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the mixture for a smoother texture.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
To keep your cottage cheese egg salad fresh for longer, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. You can easily enjoy it within 3 days, but after that, it may start to lose its freshness. Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the texture change in cottage cheese once frozen.
This simple and nutritious egg salad is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as part of a meal prep plan, it’s sure to be a hit!
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Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The creamy cottage cheese pairs perfectly with hard-boiled eggs, creating a satisfying meal or snack. With a few simple ingredients, this salad offers a healthy alternative to traditional egg salad. Whether you serve it on bread, crackers, or as a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
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4 large eggs (hard-boiled and chopped)
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1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
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1 stalk celery (finely diced)
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1/4 small red onion (finely chopped)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: A pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
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Start by boiling the eggs. Place the eggs in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Once done, cool under cold running water, peel, and chop them.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
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Add the chopped eggs to the bowl and gently fold them into the mixture, making sure the eggs remain intact and not mashed.
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Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add a pinch of garlic powder or lemon juice for extra flavor.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
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For added crunch, feel free to sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds on top of the salad before serving.
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This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
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If you prefer, you can replace the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a slightly different flavor and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes