Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the classic recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this salad is perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: This egg salad is lower in fat than traditional recipes thanks to the use of cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total prep time of just 16 minutes, you can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on toast, as a filling for wraps, or served alongside fresh veggies.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of scallions and Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick that elevates the taste.
• High in Protein: Packed with eggs and cottage cheese, this salad will keep you full and satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

Getting your tools ready before cooking makes the process easier. Here’s what you will need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Small pot
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Strainer

Importance of Each Tool

• Small pot: Essential for boiling the eggs to perfection without overcooking them.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Fork: Useful for mashing the egg yolks and mixing the dressing ingredients.
• Strainer: Helps cool the eggs quickly after boiling by allowing cold water to flow through.

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 enough water to cover them completely. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat but leave the lid on for 7-8 minutes. This method ensures perfectly hard-boiled eggs without cracking.

Step 2: Cool Eggs

After boiling, strain the eggs and immerse them in very cold water for about 2 minutes. If possible, add ice cubes to keep the water cold. Change the water after about 30 seconds if necessary. Drain, wipe them dry, then peel each egg.

Step 3: Chop Eggs

Cut each boiled egg in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks from 4 of the eggs and place them in a shallow bowl. Finely chop the remaining whole eggs along with their whites. Set aside these chopped pieces.

Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture

In your bowl with egg yolks, combine 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Use a fork to mash this mixture until it’s thick and creamy—don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth.

Step 5: Assemble

In a mixing bowl, add your chopped eggs along with any remaining cottage cheese, finely chopped scallions, creamy dressing mixture, salt, black pepper, and most of the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle remaining red pepper flakes on top before serving. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Enjoy your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad fresh!

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quick lunch, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

On Toasted Bread

• Serve the egg salad on toasted whole-grain or sourdough bread for a crunchy texture. This makes for a delightful open-faced sandwich.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes it easy to enjoy on the go.

With Crackers

• Pair the egg salad with your favorite whole-grain crackers. This is an excellent choice for snacking or as an appetizer at gatherings.

As a Stuffed Avocado

• Hollow out an avocado half and fill it with the egg salad mixture. This adds healthy fats and makes for an impressive presentation.

Over Mixed Greens

• Serve the egg salad over a bed of mixed greens for a light meal. Drizzle with a vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.

How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

To ensure your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and scallions will enhance the overall flavor of your salad.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or mustard as needed for your preference.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps meld flavors together.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding chopped herbs, diced celery, or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor.
• Store correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

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

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the egg salad.
2. Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks provide a crunchy contrast and are perfect for dipping into any leftover egg salad.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon juice and herbs complements the creaminess of the egg salad nicely.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the tangy notes of the egg salad.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with vegetables creates a filling side that works beautifully alongside this dish.
6. Pickles or Olives: A small serving of pickles or olives offers briny flavors that can enhance your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be quick and enjoyable, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Not cooling the eggs properly: If you skip the ice bath after boiling, your eggs may become overcooked and rubbery. Always cool them in ice water for at least 2 minutes.
• Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to season the salad can lead to bland flavors. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to enhance the dish.
• Over-mixing the dressing: Mixing too vigorously can turn the salad mushy. Gently fold in ingredients to maintain texture.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap mayonnaise or cottage cheese can affect taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality products for best results.
• Skipping refrigeration time: Serving immediately may miss out on flavor development. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it chilled at all times to maintain freshness.

Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes from thawing.
• If necessary, consume within 24 hours of preparation.

Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

• Oven: Not recommended as it may dry out the salad.
• Microwave: Heat gently in short intervals, stirring often if reheating leftovers.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring frequently, but best enjoyed cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What can I serve with Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

You can serve this salad on whole-grain bread, lettuce wraps, or alongside fresh veggies for a light meal.

How long will my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last up to 3 days.

Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced pickles, celery, or herbs like dill for extra flavor.

Is this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it holds well in the fridge and is easy to portion out.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it perfect for any meal of the day. You can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins for an even more personalized touch!