Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a deliciously creamy and fresh twist on a classic favorite, this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is exactly what you need. It brings together the smooth tang of cottage cheese with perfectly cooked eggs and a hint of zing from scallions and Dijon mustard, creating a light yet satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a quick lunch, a hearty snack, or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes with ease and charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is straightforward and easy to find, but every single one plays an essential role in balancing texture and flavor. From the fluffy cottage cheese to the sharp mustard, these elements come together to create a dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

• Cottage Cheese: Provides creamy texture and a mild tang that stands in beautifully for heavier dressings.
• Large Eggs: The star protein; perfectly boiled for a tender, wholesome base.
• Scallions (Spring Onion): Adds a fresh, slightly pungent bite that brightens the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Brings smoothness and richness, creating a luscious dressing.
• Dijon-style Mustard: Offers subtle sharpness and depth, tying flavors together seamlessly.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a touch of spice and complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and lovely pops of color on top.

How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Step 1: Perfectly Boil the Eggs

Start by gently placing your eggs in a pot and covering them with water. Bring it all to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover the pot tightly. Let the eggs rest for 7 to 8 minutes with the lid on. This method ensures tender, creamy yolks without any gray rings, yielding the perfect texture for your salad.

Step 2: Chill and Peel

After boiling, strain the hot water and immerse your eggs in very cold water with ice cubes for about 2 minutes. This quick chill makes peeling the eggs a breeze and immediately halts cooking to keep the yolks just right.

Step 3: Prepare the Eggs

Once peeled, slice the eggs lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks from four of the halves and place them into a bowl for the dressing. Finely chop the remaining whole eggs, including whites, and set them aside to add texture and substance to the salad.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing

In the bowl with the egg yolks, mix in about two tablespoons of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mash everything together with a fork until the mixture is thick and creamy but not necessarily perfectly smooth. This rustic texture is part of the charm.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Now, bring everything together in a mixing bowl: chopped eggs, the rest of the cottage cheese, scallions, the creamy dressing, sea salt, black pepper, and most of the red pepper flakes. Stir everything gently but thoroughly. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, then sprinkle the remaining flakes on top for a beautiful, spicy finish. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld gorgeously.

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like dill or parsley make a lovely garnish for extra brightness and color contrast. Sprinkle a few more scallions or a light dusting of paprika if you want a little visual flair and warmth in taste.

Side Dishes

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy toast, pita bread, or crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a fantastic protein-rich side for soups or a picnic staple alongside fresh fruit and crudités.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this egg salad into delightful finger foods by stuffing it into mini pita pockets or scooping it onto cucumber rounds for a refreshing bite. You can also layer it on open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado or slices of ripe tomato for a colorful, satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to two days. For the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy it within this timeframe so it doesn’t become watery.

Freezing

Because of the cottage cheese and mayo, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture will change and become less appealing once thawed, so it’s best to make it fresh or eat leftovers swiftly.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; reheating isn’t advised because it’s intended to be a refreshing, creamy dish. Just give it a gentle stir and it’s ready to enjoy right from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this egg salad?

Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works well and makes the salad lighter without sacrificing the creamy texture. Just be mindful that it might be a little less rich.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

This particular recipe relies heavily on eggs and dairy, but for a vegan twist, you can substitute hard-boiled tofu for eggs and use a plant-based mayonnaise along with vegan cottage cheese alternatives.

Is it okay to add extra veggies?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced celery, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots to add crunch and color. They’ll complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the simple charm of the salad.

Can I prepare the eggs in advance?

Yes! You can boil and peel the eggs a day ahead to save time. Just keep them refrigerated in an airtight container, and mix the salad shortly before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

If Dijon isn’t on hand, regular yellow mustard or a bit of stone-ground mustard can work as substitutes. They’ll add tanginess though the flavor might be slightly different, but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad has that beautiful balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh that everyone will love. The ease of preparation and the wholesome ingredients make it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. So why not treat yourself and a few friends to this delightful salad? It’s a bright, comforting classic with a wonderful twist that you’ll be happy to share.

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