Easy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad (Mayo-Free Recipe!)

Are you searching for a delicious, healthier twist on a classic? This cottage cheese egg salad recipe delivers incredible flavor without the heavy mayo. It is packed with protein, incredibly fresh, and perfect for quick meals or snacks. You can prepare this light and satisfying dish in no time, making it ideal for busy weekdays. Get ready to enjoy a lighter, brighter egg salad experience!

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

This isn’t just any egg salad; it’s a game-changer! Here’s why this creamy, protein-rich cottage cheese egg salad will become your new go-to recipe:

• It is super easy to prepare and incredibly versatile for various meals.
• Protein-packed to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
• Mayo-free, offering a lighter, tangy creaminess from the cottage cheese.
• Bursting with fresh herb flavors like dill and chives that elevate every bite.
• Perfect for meal prep, staying delicious for days in the fridge.
• It offers a delicious, satisfying, and lighter alternative to traditional egg salad.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your wholesome and flavorful cottage cheese egg salad. Each component adds a distinct note, contributing to a perfectly balanced dish. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures the best possible taste and texture.

• 8 large eggs (hard-boiled)
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2-3 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
• 1.5 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
• 1-2 tbsp red onion ( finely diced)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Notes & Substitutions

For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cottage cheese. It lends a richer mouthfeel to the salad. However, low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese works perfectly fine if you prefer a lighter option. Feel free to substitute regular yellow mustard for Dijon if that is what you have on hand. Adjust the quantities of fresh dill and chives to suit your personal taste preferences. When dicing the red onion, make sure to chop it very finely; this ensures a mild, integrated flavor rather than an overpowering one. For a convenient shortcut, use pre-cooked, store-bought hard-boiled eggs.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this simple cottage cheese egg salad a breeze. You likely already have most of these items in your kitchen.

• Saucepan (for boiling eggs)
• Large bowl (for ice bath)
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smooth cottage cheese)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Sharp knife or egg slicer
• Cutting board

Instructions

Creating this high-protein cottage cheese egg salad is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a delicious and healthy meal.

1. Prepare Hard-Boiled Eggs

First, prepare your hard-boiled eggs. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water, ensuring the water is an inch or two above the eggs. Bring the water to a full rolling boil over high heat. Once the water starts boiling vigorously, immediately shut off the heat, cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow the eggs to cook undisturbed for 11-12 minutes.

Next, transfer the cooked eggs immediately to an ice bath. This involves a large bowl filled with cold water and plenty of ice. Leave the eggs in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes to cool completely. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and helps with easier peeling. Afterward, peel and dice your cooled eggs into small, uniform pieces. Don’t worry if the egg whites and yolks separate slightly; this is perfectly normal.

2. Make Cottage Cheese Dressing

In a blender or using an immersion blender in a small container, blend the cottage cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step creates a wonderfully silky dressing. However, you can certainly leave the cottage cheese with its curds for a chunkier texture if you prefer.

Once your cottage cheese is prepared to your liking, transfer it to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the Dijon mustard, fresh chopped dill, fresh chopped chives, finely diced red onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.

3. Combine and Serve

Add the diced hard-boiled eggs to the medium mixing bowl containing the cottage cheese dressing mixture. Gently fold the eggs into the dressing using a spatula. Continue to fold until all the egg pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful cottage cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the eggs too much.

Serve your fresh cottage cheese egg salad immediately for the best experience, or chill it in the refrigerator for flavors to meld further. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite whole grain bread, crackers, or crisp lettuce wraps. Enjoy this delightful, high-protein meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect hard-boiled eggs is key to any great egg salad. For best results, always follow the method of boiling, then steeping, and immediately cooling in an ice bath. For the ultimate creamy texture in your cottage cheese egg salad, blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth. If you prefer a slightly chunky texture, you can skip blending the cottage cheese. Finely dice your aromatics like red onion and chives; this ensures their flavors integrate beautifully without overwhelming the dish. Always taste and adjust seasonings to your personal preference before serving. Chilling the egg salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Avoid overmixing the egg salad once the eggs are added, as this can make it watery.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile cottage cheese egg salad offers many possibilities for enjoyment and customization.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it generously on whole grain bread or crisp toast for a hearty sandwich.
• Use it in lettuce wraps or large romaine leaves for a delicious low-carb meal.
• Enjoy it as a dip with crunchy crackers or fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery.
• Add slices of fresh avocado on top for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Create a balanced snack plate with a scoop of egg salad, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.

Storage Tips

• Store your homemade cottage cheese egg salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.
• It will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 3 days.

Flavor Variations

• Add finely chopped celery or green onions for extra crunch and mild onion flavor.
• Stir in finely diced bell peppers (any color) for sweetness and color.
• Mix in a scoop of mashed avocado for added richness and a vibrant green hue.
• Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat.
• Substitute plain Greek yogurt for part of the cottage cheese for a tangier profile.
• For an extra layer of creaminess, incorporate a small scoop of sour cream.
• Mix in pickle relish or finely diced pickles for a classic tangy, briny note.

Nutrition

This cottage cheese egg salad is a fantastic choice if you prioritize nutrient-dense meals. It is notably high in protein, which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance. Being mayo-free, it offers a lighter alternative to traditional egg salads, often with less saturated fat. This recipe also provides essential vitamins and minerals from the eggs and fresh herbs. Please remember that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Research suggests that higher protein diets can lead to increased satiety and may aid in weight management and the maintenance of lean muscle mass, as detailed in a study on protein, weight management, and satiety.

FAQ

How do I store cottage cheese egg salad?
Store your egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

How do I make perfect hard-boiled eggs?
Place eggs in cold water, bring to a full boil, then turn off heat, cover, and steep for 11-12 minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath for 5 minutes before peeling.

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?
Blending the cottage cheese is recommended for an ultra-smooth, creamy texture. However, it is entirely optional; you can leave the curds if you prefer a chunkier egg salad.

Can I use store-bought hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, store-bought hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic shortcut. They make this recipe even quicker and easier to prepare.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Any fat content of cottage cheese works well in this recipe. Choose what best fits your dietary preferences.

Conclusion

This high-protein cottage cheese egg salad offers a wonderfully delicious and healthier take on a beloved classic. It boasts a creamy, flavorful texture without the mayo, making it a lighter option for any meal. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and its incredible versatility for sandwiches, wraps, or as a delightful snack. We encourage you to try this recipe and discover your new favorite way to enjoy egg salad! Share your comments and ratings below; we love hearing from you.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad (Mayo-Free Recipe!)

This high-protein, mayo-free egg salad recipe features hard-boiled eggs combined with a creamy, blended cottage cheese dressing, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, offering a healthier twist on a classic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 2-3 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• 1.5 tbsp fresh chives chopped
• 1-2 tbsp red onion finely diced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

• Pan
• Blender or immersion blender
• Large bowl (for ice bath)
• Medium sized bowl
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place eggs in a pan with cold water, covering them by an inch or two; bring to a full boil, then turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 11-12 minutes.
2. Transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath for at least 5 minutes before peeling.
3. Peel and dice the eggs; it is normal for the whites and yolks to separate slightly.
4. Blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy using a blender or immersion blender, or leave curds for preferred texture.

Combine and Serve

1. In a medium bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, dijon mustard, dill, chives, red onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix well.
2. Add the chopped eggs to the cottage cheese mixture and mix until just combined. Serve with whole grain bread, crackers, or in lettuce wraps.

Notes

This versatile egg salad is delicious served on whole grain bread, crackers, or in fresh lettuce wraps. For a smoother texture, ensure the cottage cheese is thoroughly blended, or leave some curds for added texture.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com