Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

This Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! is a delightful twist on the traditional egg salad. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a healthy snack when you need something light yet filling. By using creamy cottage cheese, this recipe not only enhances flavor but also packs in protein, making it an excellent choice for any time of day, whether it’s breakfast or a mid-day meal. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and loaded with nutrients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: This egg salad packs a whopping 35 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the combination of eggs and cottage cheese.
• No Mayo Needed: Enjoy the creamy texture without the extra calories and fat from mayonnaise.
• Quick Preparation: With just 17 minutes total time, this dish is super easy for busy lifestyles.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on toasted sourdough or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The addition of smoked paprika and pickle relish gives this salad a unique taste that stands out.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this egg salad with cottage cheese, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium pot
• Ice bath container
• Fork
• Mixing bowl
• Toaster or air fryer

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium pot: Essential for boiling the eggs evenly to achieve the perfect hard-boiled texture.
• Ice bath container: Quickly cools down the eggs after boiling to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
• Fork: Perfect for mashing the eggs smoothly with cottage cheese.
• Mixing bowl: Keeps all ingredients together while mixing, making cleanup simpler.

Ingredients

For the Egg Salad

• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Pinch of smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish or diced pickles

For Serving

• 2 slices sourdough bread
• ½ avocado, sliced

How to Make Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Carefully add the eggs to the boiling water.
3. Boil for 9 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.

Step 2: Prepare Ice Bath

1. While the eggs are boiling, fill a container with ice water.
2. When time is up, immediately transfer boiled eggs into the ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Peel and Mash Eggs

1. Once cooled, peel the eggs under running water for easier removal of shells.
2. In a medium bowl, mash peeled eggs with a fork until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Mix in Cottage Cheese and Seasonings

1. Add cottage cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to mashed eggs.
2. If desired, stir in sweet pickle relish or diced pickles for added flavor.

Step 5: Toast Bread and Assemble Sandwiches

1. Toast your slices of sourdough bread until golden brown.
2. Top each slice with avocado slices before spooning generous amounts of egg salad on top.

Enjoy this nutritious and delicious Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! as a satisfying meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

Egg salad with cottage cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty snack, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

On Toast

• Use toasted sourdough or whole grain bread for added texture and flavor.
• Top with fresh herbs like dill or chives for an aromatic touch.

In a Lettuce Wrap

• Spoon the egg salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
• This makes for a refreshing and crunchy bite!

With Crackers

• Serve the egg salad with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying crunch.
• This option is perfect for snacking or as an appetizer at gatherings.

As a Stuffed Avocado

• Halve an avocado and fill each half with the egg salad mixture.
• The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the cottage cheese.

In a Sandwich

• Layer the egg salad between slices of your favorite bread for a classic sandwich.
• Add sliced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.

How to Perfect Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

Creating the perfect egg salad with cottage cheese requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and cottage cheese yield better flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and paprika according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
• Mash Consistently: Mash the eggs well to ensure even mixing with cottage cheese, creating a creamy texture.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding diced celery or red onion for extra crunch and flavor depth.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge enhances flavors, making it even more delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

Pairing your egg salad with complementary side dishes can make your meal complete. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette adds freshness.
2. Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks provide a healthy and satisfying crunch alongside your egg salad.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the savory flavors of the egg salad.
4. Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a hearty side that pairs nicely with the lightness of the salad.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture contrast while complementing the creamy egg salad.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad loaded with veggies creates a nutritious plate that’s filling and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making egg salad with cottage cheese, it’s easy to overlook a few things that can affect the taste and texture of your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using overcooked eggs: Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Aim for perfect hard-boiled eggs by boiling for 9 minutes or using an air fryer at 270°F for 12 minutes.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season properly can leave your egg salad bland. Always include salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for enhanced flavor.
• Not cooling eggs quickly: If you don’t cool the boiled eggs rapidly, they may continue cooking. Use an ice bath immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process.
• Ignoring texture balance: Using too much cottage cheese can make the salad watery. Aim for a good balance by starting with half a cup and adjusting to your preference.
• Forgetting freshness: Using stale or old ingredients can ruin your dish. Ensure all components, from eggs to bread, are fresh for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store egg salad in an airtight container.
• It is best consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated properly.

Freezing Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in cottage cheese.
• If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.

Reheating Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) while stirring until just warm; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat while stirring; add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making egg salad with cottage cheese:

Can I make Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! ahead of time?

You can prepare this egg salad a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be used as alternatives, but they will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I customize my Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!?

Feel free to add chopped herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor or diced vegetables like celery for crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This egg salad is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge and makes quick lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Egg salad with cottage cheese is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a great source of protein. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various herbs and spices according to your taste preferences. Try this healthy twist on a classic recipe, and enjoy it on its own or as a sandwich!