Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the classic egg salad, offering a creamy, tangy flavor with a healthy twist. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or as a satisfying snack, it combines cottage cheese with hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to be served on toast, in sandwiches, or on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: This recipe uses cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise as the main ingredient, reducing calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Quick Preparation: In just 16 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute meals.
• Flavor Packed: The addition of scallions and Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick that elevates the dish beyond traditional egg salad.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on whole-grain bread, with crackers, or straight from the bowl—this salad is suitable for any occasion.
• High in Protein: With 13 grams of protein per serving, this egg salad keeps you full and satisfied longer.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot
• Strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot: A sturdy pot is crucial for boiling eggs evenly and efficiently.
• Strainer: Helps cool the eggs quickly by allowing cold water to flow around them after boiling.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.

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.

• 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 and add water until they are fully submerged. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 7-8 minutes. TIP: This method ensures perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs but feel free to use your preferred technique.

Step 2: Cool Eggs

After boiling, strain the hot water from the pot. Immediately immerse the eggs in very cold water (adding ice cubes if possible) for about 2 minutes. After about 30 seconds, change out some of the water or add more ice cubes to keep it cold. Drain again once cooled and peel off the shells.

Step 3: Chop Eggs

Carefully cut each egg in half lengthwise. Remove yolks from four of the eggs and place them in a shallow bowl. Finely chop the remaining two whole eggs along with their whites and set aside.

Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture

In the bowl with yolks, mix in 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Use a fork to mash everything together until thick and creamy; it doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth.

Step 5: Assemble

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing mixture, salt & pepper to taste, and most of the red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined; adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle remaining pepper flakes on top. For best flavor integration, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving if time allows.

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or a hearty snack, here are some great serving ideas.

On Toast

• Whole grain bread: Spread the egg salad on toasted whole grain bread for a nutritious breakfast.
• Avocado toast: Top creamy avocado toast with a generous scoop of this egg salad for added flavor and protein.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Romaine leaves: Use crisp romaine lettuce leaves to create fresh, low-carb wraps filled with egg salad.
• Butter lettuce: The delicate texture of butter lettuce complements the creaminess of the salad perfectly.

With Crackers

• Whole grain crackers: Serve the egg salad on whole grain crackers for a satisfying snack that’s easy to prepare.
• Pita chips: Pair it with crunchy pita chips for an enjoyable crunch.

Accompanied by Vegetables

• Celery sticks: Scoop the egg salad into crunchy celery sticks for a refreshing bite.
• Cucumber slices: Use cucumber rounds as a base for serving the egg salad, adding a cool element to each bite.

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How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

To make the best Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh scallions and high-quality cottage cheese enhance the overall flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your egg salad before serving; you may want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
• Chill before serving: Letting the egg salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the taste even further.
• Add crunch: For extra texture, consider folding in some chopped celery or bell peppers.
• Serve creatively: Get creative with your presentation by using various serving dishes or garnishing with fresh herbs.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can complete your meal. Here are some delightful options.

1. Fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings sweetness and balance to your meal.
2. Vegetable sticks: Carrot and bell pepper sticks offer a crunchy contrast that complements the creaminess of the egg salad.
3. Potato chips: For those who love a salty crunch, crispy potato chips provide an enjoyable pairing.
4. Pickles: A side of pickles adds tanginess that pairs well with the creamy texture of the salad.
5. Soup: A light vegetable soup makes for a comforting and filling meal alongside this egg salad.
6. Quinoa salad: Serve up a chilled quinoa salad to add fiber and nutrients while keeping things light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the cooling step: Not cooling the boiled eggs properly can lead to overcooking and a rubbery texture. Always immerse boiled eggs in cold water immediately.
• Not seasoning enough: A bland salad is unappealing. Ensure to taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for a flavorful experience.
• Using low-quality ingredients: The flavor largely depends on your ingredients. Choose fresh, high-quality cottage cheese and eggs for the best results.
• Overmixing: Mixing too much can turn your salad mushy. Stir gently to keep some texture in the egg pieces.
• Forgetting to chill: Serving right away might make it taste flat. Letting it chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• This salad is not recommended for freezing due to its creamy texture; it may separate when thawed.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat, stirring frequently to maintain consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I customize Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Absolutely! You can add chopped veggies, herbs, or spices to personalize the flavor.

How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?

It stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days when stored properly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The simple cottage cheese egg salad is perfect for meal prep as it holds well in the fridge.

What can I serve with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

This dish pairs well with whole-grain bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds creaminess while reducing calories.

Final Thoughts

The Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on classic egg salad that’s both creamy and nutritious. It’s versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or a snack anytime. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins like herbs or spices! Give it a try and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.