Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the classic egg salad, offering a healthier, low-fat option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack, this dish combines creamy cottage cheese with eggs and fresh scallions for a tasty and nutritious meal. Its simplicity makes it suitable for various occasions, making it a must-try recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Alternative: Enjoy the great taste of egg salad without the extra calories from traditional mayonnaise-heavy recipes.
- Quick and Easy: With just 16 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch; serve it on toast, in wraps, or as a standalone salad.
- High in Protein: Packed with protein from eggs and cottage cheese, this salad will keep you full and satisfied.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes adds a zesty kick that elevates the dish.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Small pot
- Bowl (shallow for mashing)
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Small pot: Ideal for boiling eggs evenly to achieve perfect hard-boiled results.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
- Fork: Great for mashing ingredients smoothly while maintaining some texture.
Ingredients
This cottage cheese egg salad is a healthier, low-fat version of classic egg salad. It’s creamy, tangy, delicious and simple to make. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or brunch or as a satisfying snack.
Main Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 5-6 tablespoons scallions/spring onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard (or to taste)
- ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt (and black pepper to taste)
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Step 1: Boil Eggs
Place the eggs in a small pot, add water then cover and bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and leave the eggs in the pot for 7-8 minutes (do not remove the lid). TIP: This is how I like to cook hard-boiled eggs, but you can use another method if preferred.
Step 2: Cool Eggs
Strain then immerse the eggs in very cold water (add ice cubes if possible) for about 2 minutes. After about 30 seconds add more ice cubes or change the water to make sure it stays cold. Drain off the water then wipe and peel the eggs.
Step 3: Chop Eggs
Cut each egg in half lengthwise, remove the egg yolks from 4 eggs and place them in a shallow bowl. Finely chop the 2 remaining whole eggs and egg whites. Set aside.
Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture
Combine the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard. Mash with a fork until the mixture is thick and creamy (it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth).
Step 5: Assemble
To a mixing bowl add the chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing, salt and pepper, and most of the pepper flakes. Stir until thoroughly combined and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle remaining pepper flakes on top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving if possible.
How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy this creamy dish.
On Toast
- Whole grain bread: Spread the egg salad generously on toasted whole grain bread for a hearty breakfast.
- Avocado toast: Top creamy avocado toast with a scoop of egg salad for an added protein boost.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Romaine leaves: Use crisp romaine lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrap filled with the egg salad.
- Butter lettuce: Sweet butter lettuce provides a tender bite that complements the tangy flavors of the salad.
With Crackers
- Whole-grain crackers: Serve the egg salad alongside whole-grain crackers for a crunchy snack option.
- Pita chips: Pair it with pita chips for a satisfying crunch that enhances the flavor.
As a Dip
- Veggie sticks: Serve the egg salad as a dip with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a healthy snack.
- Tortilla chips: Use tortilla chips for a fun twist on traditional chip dips, perfect for gatherings.
In Sandwiches
- Classic sandwich: Layer the cottage cheese egg salad between slices of your favorite bread for an easy lunch.
- Wraps: Roll it up in a tortilla with spinach and other toppings for a portable meal.
How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
To achieve the best results with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, consider these handy tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh scallions and eggs will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your palate.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate your egg salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the dish’s freshness and flavor profile.
- Add crunch: Consider including diced celery or bell peppers for an extra crunch in every bite.
- Make ahead: Prepare this egg salad in advance; it stores well in the fridge and can save time during busy days.
Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can make your meal more satisfying. Below are some excellent suggestions that complement its creamy texture and flavors.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light mixed green salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the egg salad.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness to your meal, offering a nice contrast to savory flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables provide warmth and depth, making them an ideal pairing.
- Potato Chips – Crispy potato chips give a delightful crunch that pairs well with creamy dishes like this egg salad.
- Coleslaw – The tangy crunch of coleslaw makes it an excellent side that complements the creaminess of the cottage cheese egg salad.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds protein while offering nutty flavors that go well with the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:
- Overcooking the eggs: This can lead to a greenish yolk and rubbery texture. To avoid this, follow the boiling method closely and cool the eggs promptly.
- Not seasoning properly: A bland salad won’t be enjoyable. Taste as you mix and adjust salt, pepper, and mustard according to your preference.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Always opt for good quality cottage cheese and fresh scallions.
- Skipping the refrigeration step: Chilling enhances flavors and texture. If possible, let your salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
- Neglecting customization: The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. Don’t hesitate to add more veggies or spices according to your taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of cottage cheese and eggs.
Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover salad with foil, heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad:
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with other cheeses like Greek yogurt or ricotta for different flavors and textures.
How do I make this egg salad lower in calories?
Consider reducing the mayonnaise or using a lighter version. You can also add more cottage cheese for creaminess without extra calories.
What can I serve with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
This salad pairs well with whole grain bread, lettuce wraps, or as a topping on crackers for a healthy snack or meal.
How long does this egg salad last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
The Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a light lunch option, this recipe satisfies cravings while being nutritious. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies to make it your own!
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Elevate your meal with this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, a healthier and delightful twist on the classic recipe. Packed with protein and flavor, this salad features creamy cottage cheese mixed with hard-boiled eggs and fresh scallions. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a nutritious snack. The addition of Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes gives it a zesty kick that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Easy to prepare in just 16 minutes, this versatile dish can be enjoyed on toast, in lettuce wraps, or as a dip with your favorite crackers.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 5–6 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil the eggs in a small pot of water for 7-8 minutes after boiling. Turn off heat and let them sit covered.
- Cool the eggs in ice water for about 2 minutes; then peel them.
- Chop four egg yolks into a bowl and mix with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped whole eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, dressing mixture, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the total recipe (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 304mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
