Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the classic egg salad. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or as a nutritious snack. With the goodness of cottage cheese, this recipe not only reduces calories but also boosts protein content, making it a healthy choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: This version uses cottage cheese instead of heavy mayonnaise, making it lower in fat while still creamy.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 16 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days when you need a nutritious meal fast.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on toast, in wraps, or on its own! It can be served at breakfast, lunch, or brunch gatherings.
• Protein-Packed: With high protein content from both eggs and cottage cheese, this salad is great for fueling your day.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, having the right tools can streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Small pot: Ideal for boiling eggs efficiently without taking up too much space on the stove.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly and ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Fork: Perfect for mashing egg yolks and mixing the dressing smoothly.

Ingredients

Dairy & Eggs

• ⅔ cup cottage cheese
• 6 large eggs

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 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 a 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 ensure 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 remaining whole eggs and egg whites. Set aside.

Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture

Combine the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of 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 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 red pepper flakes on top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving if possible.

Enjoy your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad!

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 want a light meal or a hearty snack, there are many delicious options to enjoy this creamy and tangy salad.

On Toast

• Whole grain toast: Spread the egg salad on toasted whole grain bread for a nutritious breakfast.
• Avocado toast: Top smashed avocado with egg salad for a filling brunch option.

In Wraps

• Lettuce wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create a low-carb wrap filled with the egg salad.
• Tortilla wraps: Roll the egg salad in a tortilla with your favorite veggies for an easy lunch.

As a Dip

• Veggie platter: Serve the egg salad as a dip alongside fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.
• Crackers: Pair it with your favorite crackers for a quick and satisfying snack.

Stuffed in Vegetables

• Bell peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with cottage cheese egg salad for a colorful presentation.
• Tomatoes: Scoop out tomatoes and stuff them with the salad for an elegant appetizer.

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How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

To enhance the flavor and texture of your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh scallions and high-quality cottage cheese will elevate the taste of your dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and mustard to suit your preference.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill helps meld the flavors together for a tastier experience.
• Add herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like dill or parsley can add extra flavor and freshness to your salad.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed greens salad: A simple garden salad adds freshness and crunch that complements the creamy egg salad.
2. Fruit salad: A light fruit salad brings sweetness that balances the flavors of the egg salad.
3. Potato chips: Crispy potato chips provide a satisfying crunch when served alongside the creamy mixture.
4. Pickles: The tanginess of pickles enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.
5. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers both texture and flavor contrast to your egg salad.
6. Quinoa bowl: A quinoa bowl adds protein and fiber, making your meal more filling and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be straightforward, but small mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:

• Overcooking eggs: Cooking the eggs too long can make them rubbery. Stick to the recommended time for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
• Not cooling the eggs properly: Skipping the cold water bath leads to difficulty peeling. Always cool your eggs in ice water for easy peeling.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting before serving can leave your salad bland. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your preference.
• Using old cottage cheese: Expired cottage cheese affects flavor and texture. Check the expiration date before using it in your salad.
• Forgetting to refrigerate: Serving immediately might result in less flavor. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it refrigerated and avoid letting it sit out at room temperature.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cottage cheese and eggs.
• If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a non-stick pan, stirring gently until warmed, being careful not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common queries about making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.

What is Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a healthier twist on traditional egg salad, made with cottage cheese instead of heavy mayonnaise.

Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like diced veggies or herbs for extra flavor and nutrition.

How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?

It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored correctly in an airtight container.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well and is great for quick lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad offers a delightful blend of creaminess and tanginess while remaining healthy. Its versatility makes it perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or even as a snack. Experiment with different add-ins like herbs or spices to make it your own!