Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe

There's something incredibly comforting about a chilled bowl of egg salad on a warm afternoon. This version swaps out the usual mayo for creamy cottage cheese, resulting in a lighter, protein-packed dish that's every bit as satisfying.

I first made this cottage cheese egg salad on a whim, hoping to clean out the fridge before a grocery run. The result was so fresh, so tangy, and so full of texture that it instantly became a weekly staple. It’s a quick, affordable lunch option you can feel good about—and it comes together in under 20 minutes.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is about to become your new lunchtime go-to.

Why You'll Love This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Get ready to meet your new favorite make-ahead meal. This simple cottage cheese egg salad is easy, wholesome, and packed with flavor.

First, it’s incredibly quick to whip up. With just a few hard-boiled eggs and a handful of pantry staples, this salad comes together faster than you can toast a slice of bread to serve it on.

It’s also a health-conscious choice. By replacing mayonnaise with cottage cheese, you’re cutting down on saturated fat and adding a boost of protein and calcium. It’s creamy without being heavy, making it a smart pick for anyone watching their diet.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely. Eggs and cottage cheese are two of the most affordable sources of high-quality protein, so this salad is ideal for meal prepping on a tight grocery budget.

And let’s not forget versatility. Serve it in a sandwich, wrap it in lettuce leaves, scoop it onto crackers, or simply eat it straight from the bowl. It’s adaptable enough to suit whatever you’re craving.

This little dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this cottage cheese egg salad lies in its short list of simple ingredients, each adding its own touch of flavor and texture. Together, they create a creamy, savory salad that’s satisfying without being heavy.

Eggs are the heart of this recipe. Hard-boiled to tender perfection, they provide a rich, comforting base. I like to cook mine slightly on the softer side—about 9 minutes—so the yolks stay creamy but firm.

Cottage cheese steps in as the star of the show, replacing mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier take. Use small curd for a smoother texture, or large curd if you enjoy a bit more bite. Look for full-fat or 2% varieties for the best flavor.

Dijon mustard adds just the right amount of zing. It balances the richness of the eggs and cottage cheese without overpowering them. You can substitute yellow mustard in a pinch, but Dijon adds a more complex flavor.

Green onions bring in a fresh, subtle sharpness. Slice them thin so they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. If you don’t have green onions on hand, chives or finely diced red onion work beautifully too.

A pinch of salt and black pepper rounds everything out. Don’t skip this part—seasoning is key to pulling all the flavors together.

No fancy tools are needed for this recipe. Just a pot for boiling, a mixing bowl, and a fork or potato masher for blending everything together.

How To Make This Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Making this egg salad couldn’t be easier. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together, especially if you’ve already got hard-boiled eggs on hand.

Start by boiling your eggs. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 9–10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to an ice bath to cool quickly and make peeling easier.

Peel the cooled eggs and give them a rough chop. You can keep them chunky for texture or mash them more finely depending on your preference. Add them to a medium-sized bowl.

Spoon in the cottage cheese, followed by a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard. Use a fork to gently mash and combine everything until creamy. The cottage cheese should coat the egg pieces without turning the mixture soupy.

Fold in your sliced green onions, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and check for seasoning—sometimes I like to add a dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Chill the salad for about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld, though it’s delicious straight from the bowl if you’re in a hurry.

From boiling the eggs to mixing the salad, the whole process takes just around 20 minutes. It’s the perfect option for a last-minute lunch or easy meal prep.

Storage Options

This egg salad keeps remarkably well in the fridge, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

If you're planning to make a large batch, consider dividing it into individual containers. That way, you can grab a portion each day without exposing the whole batch to air repeatedly.

Make sure to keep it chilled, especially if you're packing it for lunch. A small insulated lunch bag with an ice pack works well for this.

To re-serve, just give it a quick stir. If the mixture looks a little dry after sitting, a small spoonful of extra cottage cheese can freshen it right up.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.

For a heartier version, try adding diced avocado. It adds a buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the tangy cottage cheese and savory eggs.

If you’re craving crunch, stir in some celery or cucumber. Just be sure to dice them finely so they don’t overpower the creamy base.

Spice lovers can mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of curry powder for an unexpected twist.

Want to make it dairy-free? Swap the cottage cheese for mashed avocado or vegan mayo. The texture will change, but the result will still be creamy and satisfying.

For added protein and texture, toss in a handful of chickpeas or white beans. It transforms the salad into a more substantial, filling meal.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this cottage cheese egg salad is the kind of recipe that welcomes a little creativity every time you make it.

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