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 breakfast, lunch, or brunch. It’s creamy and loaded with flavor while being a healthier option thanks to the cottage cheese. Enjoy it as a satisfying snack or spread it on whole-grain bread for an easy meal. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the balance of protein and flavor, making it a great addition to your meal prep routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Using cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise cuts down on fat while boosting protein.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 16 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for a range of occasions from brunch to quick snacks or even lunchboxes.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of scallions and red pepper flakes adds an exciting kick to each bite.
- Easy Customization: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Small pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Small pot: Ideal for boiling eggs evenly and ensuring they are cooked perfectly.
- Strainer: Helps cool the eggs quickly by draining hot water and allowing cold water to circulate around them.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Fork: Perfect for mashing the egg yolks into a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
For this delicious Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, gather 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 then cover and bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and leave the eggs in the pot for 7-8 minutes (do not remove the lid). TIP: This method ensures perfectly hard-boiled eggs but feel free to use your preferred technique.
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 maintain its chill. Drain off the water then wipe and peel the eggs.
Step 3: Chop Eggs
Cut each egg in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks from 4 eggs and place them in a shallow bowl. Finely chop the remaining whole eggs along with their 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 have to be perfectly smooth).
Step 5: Assemble
In a mixing bowl, add the 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 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
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or preparing a quick lunch, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
On Toast
- Avocado Toast: Spread the egg salad over a slice of creamy avocado toast for added richness.
- Whole Grain Bread: Serve on toasted whole grain bread for a hearty option that adds fiber.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Romaine Leaves: Scoop the salad into crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a refreshing and low-carb meal.
- Butter Lettuce Cups: Use butter lettuce for a delicate wrap that’s both light and flavorful.
With Crackers
- Whole Wheat Crackers: Pair with whole wheat crackers for a satisfying snack that’s easy to prepare.
- Rice Cakes: Spread the egg salad on rice cakes for a crunchy, gluten-free option.
As a Dip
- Vegetable Sticks: Use cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers as dippers for a healthy and colorful appetizer.
- Pita Chips: Serve with pita chips for a delightful twist on traditional dip pairings.
How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Creating the perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is all about technique and personal taste. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh scallions and eggs for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or mustard to suit your palate.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes if you have time.
- Experiment with Herbs: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to bring an extra layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the egg salad well.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the egg salad.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries provide a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that pairs beautifully with the creamy egg salad.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds heartiness while keeping things nutritious.
- Pickles or Olives: These tangy sides add depth of flavor and are perfect for snacking alongside.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer healthy carbs and enhance your overall meal presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, it’s easy to overlook some critical steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking eggs: Boiling the eggs for too long can lead to a rubbery texture. Stick to 7-8 minutes for perfectly cooked yolks.
- Skipping the cooling step: Not cooling the eggs quickly can make them harder to peel. Immerse them in cold water immediately after boiling.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in a bland salad. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings before serving.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap mayonnaise or cottage cheese can affect flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality products for best results.
- Ignoring chilling time: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to meld. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for a tastier salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat while stirring to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad healthier?
This recipe uses cottage cheese instead of traditional mayonnaise, reducing fat while boosting protein content.
Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers or herbs like dill for extra flavor.
How do I serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
This salad works well on toast, in lettuce wraps, or served with crackers as an appetizer.
How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?
When stored properly in the fridge, it lasts about 3 days. Be sure to check for freshness before consuming.
Final Thoughts
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful dish that combines creaminess with a tangy kick. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it at breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for added flair!
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Prep Time: 16 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a refreshing and nutritious twist on the classic dish. This creamy salad substitutes traditional mayonnaise with cottage cheese, significantly reducing fat while enhancing protein content. Perfectly seasoned with scallions and a hint of red pepper flakes, it offers a delightful flavor profile that makes it suitable for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack. Whether served on whole-grain toast, in crisp lettuce wraps, or with crunchy crackers, this egg salad is versatile and easy to prepare. Ideal for meal prep, it can be customized with your favorite herbs or vegetables for an extra touch. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad any time of the day!
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 5–6 tablespoons scallions (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil eggs in a small pot covered with water. Once boiling, turn off heat and let sit for 7-8 minutes.
- Cool eggs in cold water for about 2 minutes, then peel and chop.
- In a bowl, mash egg yolks with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard until creamy.
- Combine chopped eggs, scallions, dressing mixture, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
