If you’re craving a creamy, satisfying meal that’s light yet packed with protein, this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is exactly what you need. It’s a healthier twist on the classic egg salad — replacing most of the mayonnaise with creamy cottage cheese. The result is a rich, tangy, and nutritious dish that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack.
With just a few ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes, delivering big flavor without extra calories. It’s perfect on toast, stuffed in lettuce wraps, or served with whole-grain crackers for a balanced, wholesome bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
Egg salad has always been a comfort food, but traditional versions can be heavy with mayo. That’s why I love this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad — it’s lighter, fresher, and more nourishing. Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein while keeping fat and calories low.
Every bite feels indulgent, but it’s actually clean eating at its best. The combination of chopped eggs, creamy cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, and a little crunch from celery or green onions makes this dish both satisfying and refreshing.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a sandwich filling, scoop it on top of greens for a protein-packed salad, or eat it straight from the bowl. Plus, it’s great for meal prep — it stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a part in creating its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
The base of this recipe. Eggs provide protein, healthy fats, and that classic egg salad flavor.
Cottage Cheese
Replaces mayo for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that still delivers creaminess. Use small-curd or blended cottage cheese for best texture.
Dijon Mustard
Adds tang and depth to balance the richness of the eggs and cheese.
Celery or Green Onion
Gives a bit of crunch and freshness to every bite.
Salt, Pepper, and Paprika
Seasonings bring out the flavors and add subtle spice.
Here’s a clear ingredient breakdown and purpose:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hard-boiled eggs | Provide protein and classic egg flavor |
| Cottage cheese | Adds creaminess and boosts protein |
| Dijon mustard | Adds tang and depth |
| Celery or green onion | Adds crunch and freshness |
Step-by-Step
Making this Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad couldn’t be easier — just mix and enjoy!
- Boil the eggs. Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and peel. Transfer eggs to ice water, then peel once cooled.
- Mash the eggs. Chop or mash eggs in a bowl to your desired texture.
- Add the cottage cheese. Stir in the cottage cheese until creamy and well-combined.
- Season and mix. Add Dijon mustard, celery or green onions, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
- Serve and enjoy. Chill for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
You Must
For perfect Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, follow these must-do steps:
- Use high-quality eggs. Fresh eggs make a big difference in texture and taste.
- Blend the cottage cheese. For extra-smooth consistency, blend it before adding.
- Don’t skip the mustard. It brings that signature egg salad zing.
- Add crunch. Celery, cucumber, or even chopped pickles elevate the texture.
- Chill before serving. It lets the flavors fully develop.
Pro Tips
- Make it spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño for heat.
- Add herbs. Fresh dill, chives, or parsley make it taste gourmet.
- Use Greek yogurt. Replace half the cottage cheese with yogurt for a tangier twist.
- Serve creatively. Try it in lettuce wraps, pita pockets, or on avocado toast.
- Prep ahead. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days — perfect for meal prep.
Conclusion
This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort food. It’s creamy, rich, and full of satisfying flavor — all while being light, low-carb, and protein-packed. Whether you eat it on toast, in a sandwich, or on its own, it’s a refreshing spin on a classic that you’ll make again and again.
It’s ideal for anyone looking to boost their protein intake or reduce mayo without sacrificing taste. Quick, easy, and delicious — this cottage cheese egg salad checks every box for a wholesome, feel-good meal.
PrintSimple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – Creamy, High-Protein, and Guilt-Free
Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a light, creamy, and high-protein version of the classic egg salad, made with cottage cheese instead of mayo for a healthy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
6 large eggs, hard-boiled
½ cup cottage cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, finely chopped (or 1 green onion)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Paprika for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil eggs for 10–12 minutes, then cool and peel.
2. Chop or mash eggs in a bowl.
3. Add cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, celery, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until creamy and well-combined.
5. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use blended cottage cheese for smooth texture.
Add herbs or spice for flavor.
Serve on toast, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 280mg









