Nothing beats a satisfying, protein-packed lunch that feels indulgent but fuels your day right. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe with you. It combines creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt with hearty hard-boiled eggs, fresh crisp veggies, and just the right zing from mustard and lemon juice. This salad is a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that keeps you energized and happy. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for quick, healthy lunches and snacks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to nailing the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and flavor in this salad. Each item plays a special role, from the rich protein in the eggs and cottage cheese to the tang of Greek yogurt and brightness of lemon juice.
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs: The cornerstone ingredient that delivers a solid protein boost and subtle richness.
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat): Provides creamy texture and enhances the protein content with its mild, slightly tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain): Adds a fresh tanginess and makes the salad wonderfully smooth.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Delivers a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor that wakes up every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a zesty brightness to brighten the whole dish.
- 1/4 cup celery (finely chopped): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Infuses the salad with a mild, savory bite that complements the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—use to taste and bring out all the other flavors.
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or chives, optional): Add a lovely herbal freshness and beautiful color as a garnish.
How to Make High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Hard-Boiled Eggs
Start by peeling your hard-boiled eggs and chopping them into small, manageable pieces. This helps distribute their rich texture evenly throughout the salad, ensuring every bite has that perfect eggy goodness.
Step 2: Combine Your Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped eggs along with cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. These ingredients together create the creamy, tangy base that makes this version of egg salad stand out.
Step 3: Add Crunch and Flavor
Next, stir in the finely chopped celery and red onion. These add necessary texture and a subtle sharpness that balances the creaminess, bringing zing and crunch to each forkful.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Season the salad with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust accordingly — sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish dramatically, so don’t be shy!
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe is all mixed and perfectly seasoned. From here, it’s time to decide how you want to enjoy this delightful creation.
How to Serve High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped chives on top not only adds an appealing pop of green but also layers in fresh herbal notes that make every bite brighter and more interesting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crunchy crackers for a satisfying snack or alongside a light side salad for a fuller, balanced meal. Whole grain bread or wraps are perfect if you want to turn it into a filling sandwich, while crisp lettuce leaves offer a great low-carb vehicle.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in avocado halves for a fun twist, or as a colorful scoop atop cucumber rounds for bite-sized appetizers. You can even stuff it into ripe tomatoes or use it as a topping for your favorite grain bowl for a nutritious boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually tend to meld and deepen, making your leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
Because of the dairy components, freezing this salad is not recommended as it can affect the texture and separation may occur. To enjoy fresh texture and flavor, it’s best to consume it within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. Simply take it out of the fridge and stir gently before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
While cottage cheese offers a unique creamy texture and high protein content, you could substitute with ricotta or even a soft farmer’s cheese, though these may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just keep it chilled and consume within three days for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to toss in finely chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots to add more color, crunch, and nutritional value to your salad.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or a bit of horseradish can work as alternatives to bring a similar tang and complexity.
How many grams of protein does this salad roughly contain?
This salad is packed with protein, thanks to eggs, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Depending on the portions, you can expect about 20-25 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for a filling, muscle-fueling meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a delicious way to boost your protein while indulging in creamy, crunchy comfort food, this High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple, versatile, and full of flavor—a recipe that’s as kind to your body as it is to your taste buds. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen!
Print
High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish packed with protein and creamy textures. Combining hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and fresh vegetables, it’s a perfect quick meal or snack that’s healthy and flavorful. Serve it on whole grain bread, wraps, or lettuce leaves for a versatile and satisfying option.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or chives), optional for garnish
For Serving (Optional):
- Whole grain bread or wraps
- Lettuce leaves
- Crackers
Instructions
- Chop Eggs: Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
- Mix Salad: Gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy and textured egg salad.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Serve the egg salad on whole grain bread, in wraps, or on fresh lettuce leaves. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or chives if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use freshly hard-boiled eggs for best texture and flavor.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.
- Customize with additional herbs or spices like paprika or parsley.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavors.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
