Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – A High-Protein, Low-Carb Classic with a Creamy Twist

If you love the rich, satisfying flavor of traditional egg salad but want something lighter, creamier, and packed with protein, this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is your new go-to. 🥚🧀 Combining classic hard-boiled eggs with creamy, tangy cottage cheese instead of heavy mayo creates a healthier, lighter, and protein-rich version of a classic favorite. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, and even post-workout refueling. Whether you enjoy it on toast, in a lettuce wrap, or scooped with crackers, this recipe is satisfying, wholesome, and so easy to make. Want more high-protein, cottage cheese-based meals? Don’t miss this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Dip or our viral favorite Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce. Let’s make the easiest egg salad you’ll ever crave.
- You’ll need just a few staple ingredients for this creamy egg salad:
- Main Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs (hard-boiled and peeled)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (use small curd for a smoother texture)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (adds a fresh tang)
- 1 tablespoon dill relish or chopped pickles
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
Step 1: Hard-Boil the Eggs
- Place the eggs in a pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 12 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to an ice bath for 5–10 minutes, then peel.
- Pro Tip: Older eggs peel more easily than fresh ones.
Step 2: Chop the Eggs
- Chop the peeled eggs into small pieces using a knife or egg slicer.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Base
- Add cottage cheese, mustard, and chopped chives to the bowl.
- Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Season and Customize
- Season with salt and pepper, and add any optional mix-ins you like.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Serve on toast, in a lettuce wrap, or with crackers for dipping.
Perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or quick protein-packed snacks!
Variations
Want to shake up your egg salad game? Try these creative flavor twists:
1. Avocado Cottage Egg Salad
Replace some or all of the cottage cheese with mashed avocado.
2. Spicy Sriracha Version
Add 1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce and a pinch of paprika.
3. Pickle Lovers’ Egg Salad
Add 1 tablespoon chopped pickles or dill relish and a sprinkle of dill.
4. Greek-Inspired
Mix in chopped cucumber, feta, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
5. Keto-Friendly Wraps
Scoop into lettuce cups or low-carb wraps for a light, keto option.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Stir well before serving again — cottage cheese can release some liquid.
Freezer:
Not recommended. The texture of eggs and cottage cheese changes when frozen.
Reheating:
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is cottage cheese a healthy replacement for mayo?
Yes! Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories and higher in protein than mayonnaise.
2. What type of cottage cheese works best?
Small curd works best for a creamy texture, but you can blend regular cottage cheese if you prefer it smoother.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
4. How do I serve cottage cheese egg salad?
Try it on toast, in a sandwich, over greens, or in lettuce cups.
5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes — it’s low in carbs, high in protein, and great for a keto diet.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Add celery, onions, or even grated carrots for extra crunch and fiber.
7. Can I use egg whites only?
Sure — use 10–12 egg whites in place of whole eggs for a lower-fat version.
8. Can I blend the cottage cheese first?
Yes — for a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it in.
9. How long can this sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature. Keep it chilled when possible.
10. Can I use flavored cottage cheese?
Stick to plain for this recipe. Flavored versions may contain sugar or seasonings that clash with eggs.
Conclusion
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is the perfect blend of nutrition, simplicity, and flavor. 🥚💛
Swapping mayonnaise for cottage cheese boosts the protein content, cuts down on fat, and gives you a light, tangy twist that feels totally fresh. Whether you’re eating it straight from the bowl, on toast, or as a quick lunchbox addition — this recipe is bound to become a staple.
For more light & healthy meals, check out:
Avocado Tuna Salad
Healthy Chicken Salad
Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt Egg Salad
Simple, satisfying, and so easy to love — enjoy every bite!
Leave a Reply