This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, perfect for any meal of the day. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, it makes a wonderful option for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or even as a satisfying snack. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a healthier alternative that delivers protein without unnecessary calories. This dish is sure to please both your taste buds and your waistline!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Step 1: Boil Eggs
- Step 2: Cool Eggs
- Step 3: Chop Eggs
- Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture
- Step 5: Assemble
- How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- On Toast
- In a Wrap
- With Crackers
- As a Salad Topper
- Stuffed Inside Avocado
- On Cucumber Slices
- How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad healthier?
- Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
- How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?
- Can I use other types of cheese?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Alternative: This salad replaces mayonnaise with cottage cheese, dramatically reducing fat while still offering a creamy texture.
- Quick Prep: With just 16 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on toast, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers for various delightful presentations.
- Protein-Packed: Each serving contains 13 grams of protein, making it a great choice for those seeking high-protein meals.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices and add-ins to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Small pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Small pot: Ideal for boiling eggs evenly without overcrowding them.
- Strainer: Helps cool the boiled eggs quickly, ensuring they peel easily.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
- Fork: Useful for mashing yolks and mixing the dressing to achieve the desired consistency.
Ingredients
This cottage cheese egg salad is a healthier, low-fat version of classic egg salad. It’s creamy, tangy, delicious and simple to make. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or brunch or as a satisfying snack.
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 is how I like to cook hard-boiled eggs, but you can use another method if preferred.
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 make sure it stays cold. Drain off the water then wipe and peel the eggs.
Step 3: Chop Eggs
Cut each egg in half lengthwise, remove the egg yolks from 4 eggs and place in a shallow bowl. Finely chop the 2 remaining whole eggs and egg whites. Set aside.
Step 4: Make Dressing Mixture
Combine the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of the cottage cheese, mayonnaise and mustard. Mash with a fork until the mixture is thick and creamy (it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth).
Step 5: Assemble
To a mixing bowl add the chopped eggs, remaining cottage cheese, scallions, creamy dressing, salt and pepper, and most of the 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.
How to Serve Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will enhance your meal experience.
On Toast
- Use whole-grain or sourdough bread for a hearty option.
- Top with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
In a Wrap
- Spread the salad onto a whole wheat tortilla.
- Add spinach or lettuce for crunch and nutrition.
With Crackers
- Serve the egg salad with your favorite whole-grain crackers.
- This makes for a great snack or appetizer option.
As a Salad Topper
- Spoon the cottage cheese egg salad over mixed greens.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for added taste.
Stuffed Inside Avocado
- Halve an avocado and fill it with the egg salad mixture.
- This adds healthy fats and makes for a filling meal.
On Cucumber Slices
- Use cucumber rounds as a low-carb base.
- This is perfect for parties or as a refreshing snack.

How to Perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
To achieve the best results with your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh scallions and high-quality cottage cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to add more mayonnaise or cottage cheese based on your desired texture.
- Season Well: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the egg salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding chopped celery or pickles for added crunch and flavor variety.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days.
Best Side Dishes for Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Pairing your Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the egg salad.
- Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, celery, and bell pepper sticks add crunch and freshness.
- Potato Chips: A classic pairing that adds texture; opt for baked chips for a healthier choice.
- Fruit Salad: Sweet fruit contrasts nicely with savory flavors; try a mix of berries and melons.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with veggies complements the creaminess of the egg salad perfectly.
- Quinoa Bowl: A protein-packed quinoa bowl topped with your favorite vegetables adds substance to the meal.
- Pickles or Olives: Tangy pickles or olives provide a flavorful bite that enhances the overall dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.
- Using stale eggs: Fresh eggs make a difference in taste and texture. Always use the freshest eggs available for the best results.
- Not cooling the eggs properly: If eggs are not cooled quickly, they can be difficult to peel. Immerse them in ice water immediately after boiling to make peeling easier.
- Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too much can lead to a mushy texture. Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain the salad’s creaminess.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Tasting is key! Don’t forget to adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your flavor preferences—this makes all the difference.
- Neglecting to chill before serving: Letting your salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances flavors. It’s worth the wait for a more delicious result!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store unused portions in an airtight container.
- The salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to changes in texture.
- If necessary, you can freeze it for up to 1 month but expect a watery consistency upon thawing.
Reheating Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes, covered.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds until warmed through; stir after each interval.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.
What makes Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad healthier?
This recipe uses cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise as a base, lowering fat content and adding protein.
Can I customize my Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad?
Absolutely! You can add diced vegetables or herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor and nutrition.
How long does Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad last?
It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile enough for any meal of the day. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or vegetables for added flair. Try this recipe today and enjoy a nutritious dish that satisfies!
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Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the delightful flavors of Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, a fresh and healthy take on the classic dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. This creamy salad swaps traditional mayonnaise for cottage cheese, offering a lighter, protein-packed option that won’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or as a savory snack, this versatile recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Serve it on whole-grain toast, in crisp lettuce wraps, or alongside crunchy vegetable sticks for a satisfying meal that delights your taste buds while keeping your waistline happy!
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 5–6 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ⅓ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil the eggs in water for 7-8 minutes; then cool them in ice water.
- Peel the eggs and chop four yolks into a bowl. Finely chop the remaining eggs.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard until creamy.
- Fold in chopped eggs, scallions, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 16 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 280mg