Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the classic egg salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or even a satisfying snack. With just a few ingredients and easy preparations, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and convenient. Enjoy it on toast, in a wrap, or simply on its own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: This egg salad replaces traditional mayonnaise with cottage cheese, providing a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 16 minutes from start to finish, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for busy days!
• Versatile Meal: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a quick snack; this dish fits any occasion effortlessly.
• High Protein Content: Packed with protein from the eggs and cottage cheese, this salad keeps you feeling full longer.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasoning and add-ins to suit your taste preferences; it’s easy to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, gather your tools and get ready for some straightforward prep.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Small pot
• Strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Small pot: Essential for boiling the eggs perfectly without overcooking them.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy combining of all ingredients without mess.
• Fork: Ideal for mashing the dressing mixture to achieve that creamy 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.

For the Salad

• ⅔ cup cottage cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 5-6 tablespoons scallions/spring onion (finely chopped)

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard (or to taste)

Seasoning

• 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 thick and creamy (it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth).

Step 5: Assemble

In a mixing bowl add the chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing, salt and pepper, along with most of the red pepper flakes. Stir until thoroughly combined and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle remaining pepper flakes on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving if possible.

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a delightful brunch dish, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On Toast

• Use whole grain or sourdough bread for a hearty base.
• Top with slices of avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce.
• Perfect for a light meal, and they add a refreshing crunch.

As a Dip

• Serve with whole grain crackers or vegetable sticks.
• This makes for a great snack option that’s both satisfying and healthy.

In a Sandwich

• Spread the egg salad between two slices of your favorite bread.
• Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

With Crackers

• Pair the salad with crunchy crackers for a delightful contrast.
• Choose whole-grain options for added nutrition.

On a Bed of Greens

• Place the egg salad over mixed greens or spinach.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh touch.

How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

To make your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad even better, here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh scallions and eggs will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to preference.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh dill, chives, or parsley can add an aromatic twist to the salad.
• Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Try different mustards: Switching between Dijon and whole grain mustard can create interesting flavor profiles.
• Serve cold: This salad tastes best when it’s chilled, so keep it refrigerated until serving.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad with assorted greens dressed in vinaigrette complements the creamy texture of the egg salad.

2. Veggie Sticks
   Carrot, cucumber, or bell pepper sticks offer crunch and freshness that balance the richness of the egg salad.

3. Sweet Potato Fries
   Baked sweet potato fries add sweetness and fiber, making them an excellent contrast to the savory egg salad.

4. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides natural sweetness and brightens up your meal beautifully.

5. Whole Grain Breadsticks
   Crispy breadsticks can be used to scoop up the egg salad, adding an enjoyable crunch factor.

6. Pickles or Olives
   The tanginess from pickles or olives enhances the overall flavor experience by adding acidity.

7. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber while remaining refreshing alongside your cottage cheese egg salad.

8. Potato Chips
   For those who love crunch, serving potato chips on the side makes for an indulgent yet fun pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be straightforward, but there are common errors to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using fresh eggs: Fresh eggs can be harder to peel after boiling. Opt for eggs that are at least a week old for easier peeling.
• Not cooling eggs properly: Failing to cool the eggs immediately can result in overcooked yolks. Use ice water right after boiling to stop the cooking process.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Some may overlook tasting their salad before serving. Always adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your taste.
• Over-mixing the salad: Be careful not to mix too vigorously. This can make the salad mushy instead of maintaining a nice texture.
• Forgetting the chilling time: Serving immediately is tempting, but allowing the salad to chill enhances flavor. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in cottage cheese and eggs.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring between each until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.

How do I prepare hard-boiled eggs?

To prepare hard-boiled eggs, place them in a pot with water, bring it to a boil, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 7-8 minutes.

Can I add other ingredients to my egg salad?

Yes! You can customize your salad with ingredients like diced celery, pickles, or herbs for added flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad makes an excellent meal prep option as it lasts several days refrigerated.

What can I serve with this salad?

Serve it on whole-grain bread, lettuce leaves, or alongside fresh veggies for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you enjoy it on toast or as part of a hearty brunch spread, its creamy texture and tangy flavor will delight your taste buds. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!