Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional egg salad, making it a perfect choice for any meal of the day. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, this dish is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or as a quick snack, it stands out for its low-fat ingredients and high protein content, ensuring you can enjoy it guilt-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 16 minutes to make from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy days.
- Healthy Twist: Using cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise offers a low-fat alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it on toast, with crackers, or straight from the bowl. It fits perfectly into various meals and occasions.
- Rich in Protein: Packed with protein from both eggs and cottage cheese, this salad is great for muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of scallions and red pepper flakes adds a punch of flavor that enhances every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Small pot
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Strainer
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Small pot: Perfect for boiling eggs quickly and efficiently while keeping them covered to retain heat.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining all ingredients seamlessly for a smooth texture.
- Fork: Ideal for mashing the dressing mixture to achieve that creamy consistency without needing fancy equipment.
Ingredients
To make your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, you’ll need the following 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 until they are fully submerged, then cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 7-8 minutes. TIP: This method ensures perfectly hard-boiled eggs.
Step 2: Cool Eggs
After 7-8 minutes, strain the hot water from the pot. Immerse the eggs in very cold water (adding ice cubes if available) for about 2 minutes. This helps halt cooking and makes peeling easier. After about 30 seconds, add more ice or change the water to keep it cold. Drain again and peel each egg.
Step 3: Chop Eggs
Slice each egg in half lengthwise. Remove yolks from four of the halves 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, combine two tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard. Use a fork to mash everything together until thick and creamy; it doesn’t need to be completely smooth.
Step 5: Assemble
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing mixture, salt, pepper, and most of the red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Top with remaining red pepper flakes before serving. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before enjoying!
How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or prepping a quick lunch, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
On Toast
- Whole grain toast: Spread the salad on toasted whole grain bread for a hearty breakfast.
- Avocado toast: Top your avocado toast with this egg salad for added creaminess and flavor.
In a Wrap
- Lettuce wrap: Use lettuce leaves as a low-carb option to wrap the salad for a fresh bite.
- Tortilla wrap: Roll the egg salad in a tortilla with greens and tomatoes for a filling lunch.
As a Dip
- Veggie platter: Serve the salad with an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for dipping.
- Crackers: Pair it with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack.
On Salad Greens
- Mixed greens: Spoon the egg salad over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad option.
- Spinach: Serve it on fresh spinach leaves topped with cherry tomatoes for extra color.
With Fruit
- Fresh fruit platter: Complement the egg salad with slices of seasonal fruits like apples or grapes to balance flavors.
- Fruit salad: Add some sweetness by serving it alongside or on top of a fruit salad mix.
How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
To elevate your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh scallions and high-quality cottage cheese make a significant difference in taste.
- Adjust seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tweak the salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard according to your preference for tanginess.
- Let it chill: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh dill or parsley can introduce exciting new flavors to your egg salad.
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 excellent options to consider.
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These fries add crunch and sweetness, making them perfect companions.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy egg salad.
- Quinoa Salad: This healthy grain dish offers protein and fiber, complementing the egg salad nicely.
- Chips and Salsa: For those who love crunch, serve tortilla chips with salsa for an enjoyable side dish experience.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa create an inviting presentation alongside the egg salad.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness to balance out the savory flavors of the egg salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls.
- Not cooling the eggs properly: Failing to cool the boiled eggs in ice water can make peeling difficult. Always immerse them in cold water to prevent overcooking and ensure easier peeling.
- Skipping seasoning: Some might forget to add enough salt and pepper, which enhances flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Overmixing the dressing: Mixing too vigorously can turn your salad watery. Gently combine ingredients for a creamy texture without losing consistency.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Choosing poor-quality cottage cheese or mayonnaise can affect the taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Not letting it chill: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to meld. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the salad cool and avoid leaving it out at room temperature.
Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- It’s best not to freeze this salad as the texture of cottage cheese can change upon freezing.
- If needed, you can store it in the fridge for short-term use.
Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently covered until heated through.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a pan while stirring occasionally; avoid overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.
How do I make my egg salad creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, add more cottage cheese or mayonnaise until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this simple cottage cheese egg salad?
Absolutely! Chopped celery or bell peppers can enhance both flavor and crunch.
How long does simple cottage cheese egg salad last?
In an airtight container, it typically lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and makes quick meals throughout the week.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes! Substituting Greek yogurt adds creaminess with extra protein while reducing calories.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, you can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or veggies. Give this healthy twist on a classic dish a try!
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy and tangy goodness of this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, a nutritious twist on the classic recipe. Perfect for any meal of the day—whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a snack—this delightful dish is packed with protein while remaining low in fat. Utilizing cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise creates a lighter yet satisfying texture that you’ll love. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Serve it on toast, in wraps, or as a delicious dip; the options are endless! Enjoy guilt-free indulgence that keeps you full and energized.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 5–6 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil eggs by placing them in a small pot covered with water. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and let sit for 7-8 minutes.
- Cool the eggs in ice water for 2 minutes before peeling.
- Chop four egg yolks and two whole eggs; set aside.
- In a bowl, mash egg yolks with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard until creamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, dressing mixture, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
