Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Looking for a lighter and healthier twist on a classic egg salad? This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the richness of boiled eggs, creating a fresh and satisfying dish. The cottage cheese adds a boost of protein while keeping the salad light and fluffy, without the heaviness of traditional mayonnaise-based versions. With a hint of Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes, this egg salad is both flavorful and packed with texture.

Perfect for a quick lunch, a snack, or even a healthy side dish, this recipe is a great way to enjoy eggs in a new and exciting way. Whether you’re making it for meal prep or a family picnic, this dish is sure to impress. The addition of fresh scallions and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes elevates the flavors, making each bite a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and savory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Light

With cottage cheese as the base, this egg salad is a lighter version compared to traditional egg salads, making it a perfect choice for those seeking healthier options.

2. Packed with Protein

Cottage cheese and eggs are both excellent sources of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want something nutritious but don’t have a lot of time.

4. Customizable

Feel free to tweak the flavors by adjusting the amount of Dijon mustard or red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add other ingredients like pickles, dill, or chopped celery.

5. Versatile

This egg salad is perfect as a sandwich filling, on top of a salad, or even served with crackers or veggies for a light snack.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• ⅔ cup (140 g) cottage cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 5-6 tablespoons finely chopped scallions/spring onion
• 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

Variations

• Add Fresh Herbs: You can add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor and freshness.
• Pickles or Relish: If you like a bit of tang, adding chopped pickles or a spoonful of relish can complement the flavors nicely.
• Crunchy Veggies: Add some chopped celery or bell peppers for a bit of crunch.
• Make it Spicy: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the salad.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the eggs for 10-12 minutes until they are hard-boiled. Once done, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel the eggs once they are cool enough to handle.

Step 2: Chop the Eggs

Once the eggs are peeled, chop them into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

Add the cottage cheese, chopped scallions, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard to the bowl with the chopped eggs. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Season

Season the salad with fine sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir to incorporate the seasoning evenly.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the cottage cheese egg salad on whole grain toast, in a wrap, or with a side of fresh vegetables for a light and nutritious meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Adjust Consistency: If the salad is too thick, you can add a little more mayonnaise or even a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Egg Consistency: For creamier eggs, try mashing them with a fork rather than chopping them for a smoother texture.
• Taste as You Go: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary to suit your preference.
• Chill Before Serving: For an even better flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy it:

• As a Sandwich: Spread it between two slices of whole-grain bread for a healthy lunch.
• On a Salad: Add a scoop of egg salad on top of mixed greens for a protein-packed salad.
• With Crackers: Serve it with crackers for a quick snack or appetizer.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap the egg salad in large lettuce leaves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy this egg salad fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, the texture may change, but it should still be flavorful.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve it warm, gently heat the egg salad in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. However, this dish is usually served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a tangy flavor while keeping the salad creamy.

2. Can I make this recipe without cottage cheese?

If you prefer a traditional egg salad, you can skip the cottage cheese and use more mayonnaise or yogurt.

3. How do I make the egg salad more flavorful?

You can increase the amount of Dijon mustard or add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

4. Can I use regular onions instead of scallions?

Yes, regular onions can be used, but keep in mind that they have a stronger flavor. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you pair it with if you’re serving it with bread or crackers.

6. How can I make this egg salad spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to make it spicier.

7. Can I add vegetables to the egg salad?

Yes, feel free to add chopped celery, bell peppers, or even grated carrots for extra crunch and flavor.

8. Can I use store-bought mayo?

Yes, store-bought mayonnaise works perfectly well in this recipe.

9. How long can I store the egg salad?

You can store the egg salad in the fridge for up to 3 days.

10. Can I make this egg salad ahead of time?

Yes, this egg salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

Conclusion

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a lighter, healthier version of the classic egg salad that’s easy to make, full of protein, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a snack, or a picnic, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a creamy and flavorful dish. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a versatile option that’s both nutritious and delicious.

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