Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a light, protein-packed dish that’s worlds apart from the classic versions, you have to try Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad. This creamy, crave-worthy salad packs a wonderful tang and texture thanks to the cottage cheese, while spring onions, mustard, and pepper flakes make every bite pop. It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe you can whip up on a busy day, but it always tastes special — like something you’d want to share at brunch or for a wholesome lunch with friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad comes together with a handful of basic but essential ingredients. Each one brings its own magic to the bowl — from the creamy tanginess of cottage cheese to the punch of scallions and mustard, you get flavor, color, and wonderful mouthfeel in every forkful.

• Cottage Cheese (⅔ cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, lightening the usual egg salad.
• Large Eggs (6): The star protein, offering rich flavor and a tender texture once boiled and chopped.
• Scallions/Spring Onion (5-6 tablespoons, finely chopped): Give a sharp, fresh bite and a pop of color.
• Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Binds the salad together and enriches the dressing with classic egg salad vibes.
• Dijon-Style Mustard (1½ teaspoons or to taste): Infuses the salad with a zippy, savory edge.
• Fine Sea Salt & Black Pepper (⅓ teaspoon and to taste): Enhances every other flavor; don’t skip seasoning to your liking.
• Red Pepper Flakes (⅓ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and a lovely fleck of color atop your finished salad.

How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Start by gently placing your eggs in a small saucepan and covering them with cold water. Bring the pot to a boil on high heat, then immediately turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 7-8 minutes. This gentle technique creates perfectly tender hard-boiled eggs, ideal for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad. If you have your favorite way to hard-boil eggs, feel free to use it here!

Step 2: Cool and Peel

After the eggs are done, pour off the hot water and add the eggs to a bowl of very cold water. If you have ice cubes, toss them in — this helps stop the cooking quickly and makes peeling a breeze. Let them cool for about 2 minutes, changing the water as needed to keep things icy cold. Drain and gently peel each egg, wiping them dry if needed.

Step 3: Chop the Eggs

Slice all your eggs in half lengthwise. For extra creaminess in your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, pop the yolks out of 4 of the eggs and place the yolks into a shallow bowl. Finely chop the remaining 2 whole eggs and all of the egg whites; the small pieces blend better with the creamy dressing later on.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing

Add 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, the reserved yolks, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard to the shallow bowl. Mash everything together with a fork until thick and creamy — don’t worry if it’s not completely smooth, a little texture is perfect for this salad!

Step 5: Mix and Combine Everything

In a mixing bowl, stir together the chopped eggs, the rest of your cottage cheese, scallions, the creamy yolk dressing, salt, pepper, and most of the red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Sprinkle the remaining pepper flakes on top and, if you can resist, refrigerate for 30 minutes so all the flavors mingle before serving your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.

How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Garnishes

No salad is complete without a final flourish! A sprinkle of chives, an extra pinch of pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley can truly liven up your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad and make a simple lunch feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs fabulously with crisp lettuce leaves, hearty rye bread, or a simple side of cherry tomatoes. Try it atop sourdough toast or alongside fresh cucumber spears for a delightfully balanced meal that keeps things light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or family get-togethers, try serving Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad in halved avocados, on cucumber rounds, or scooped into roasted bell pepper boats. You can also wrap it in a tortilla, stuff into pita pockets, or pile onto crackers for a fun snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before serving. The flavors tend to deepen after a bit of time in the fridge, making it even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

Egg salads generally don’t freeze well, as eggs and cottage cheese can develop a watery, unappealing texture once thawed. For the best taste and creaminess, prepare and enjoy this salad fresh or after a short chill in the fridge.

Reheating

This is a cold salad, so there’s no need to reheat. If you find the salad a bit too chilled straight from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes before serving for maximum flavor and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap if you want a tangier, even lighter Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad. It’ll add creaminess and a little zing without the richness of mayo.

How do I make this salad spicier?

If you love heat, feel free to double up on the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. You can also stir in minced jalapeños for a zippier Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as written! For serving, just be sure to use gluten-free bread, crackers, or veggies if needed.

Can I make this salad the night before?

Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a great make-ahead dish. Just stir it together a day ahead and refrigerate in a sealed container. Give it a quick mix before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.

What’s the best type of cottage cheese to use?

Go for small-curd, whole milk cottage cheese if you love a soft, creamy finish. Low-fat versions work too, but the salad will be a touch less rich. Both blend in beautifully for a delicious, healthy twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly comforting about digging into a bowl of Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad — and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a forever favorite here. It’s easy, nourishing, and always a little bit special. Give this simple twist a try, and let it brighten up your table and your day!

Print