Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

This Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! is a delightful twist on the traditional recipe. By incorporating creamy cottage cheese, this dish not only enhances flavor but also packs in 35 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy snack, it’s served on toasted sourdough with fresh avocado, making it suitable for any occasion from casual gatherings to meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: This egg salad is loaded with protein thanks to the eggs and cottage cheese, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and energy.
• Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 17 minutes, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on bread, in lettuce wraps, or as a dip with veggies for a versatile meal.
• No Mayo Needed: This recipe replaces traditional mayonnaise with cottage cheese, creating a lighter and healthier option without compromising taste.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The addition of smoked paprika and pickles provides a unique flavor profile that elevates this dish beyond standard egg salad.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!, you will need some essential tools to ensure efficiency and ease during preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot
• Ice bath container
• Medium bowl
• Fork
• Toaster

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot: A sturdy pot is crucial for boiling the eggs evenly.
• Medium bowl: This is where you’ll combine all your ingredients, allowing for easy mixing.
• Toaster: Toasting the sourdough adds texture and flavor to your sandwich.

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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 and boil for 9 minutes.

Step 2: Air Fryer Option (if preferred)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 270°F.
2. Place the eggs in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes.

Step 3: Cool and Peel

1. Immediately transfer cooked eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
2. Once cool, peel the eggs.

Step 4: Prepare the Salad Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mash peeled eggs with a fork until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Add cottage cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. If using relish or diced pickles, stir them in for added tanginess.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches

1. Toast the sourdough bread slices until golden brown.
2. Layer avocado slices on each slice of toast.
3. Generously spoon the egg salad mixture on top of the avocado.

Now you have made a delicious Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! Enjoy your nutritious meal that’s sure to satisfy!

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

Egg salad with cottage cheese offers a fresh take on a classic dish. It pairs perfectly with various sides or can be the star of your meal when served creatively.

On Toast

• Sourdough: Toast slices of sourdough for a crunchy base that complements the creamy salad.
• Whole Grain: Use whole grain bread for added fiber and a nutty flavor.

In a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create a low-carb option that’s refreshing and crispy.
• Tortilla Wraps: Spread egg salad onto tortillas, adding some greens for extra crunch.

As a Dip

• Veggie Platter: Serve the egg salad alongside an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for dipping.
• Crackers: Pair it with whole grain crackers for a satisfying snack.

With Salads

• Green Salad: Add spoonfuls of the egg salad on top of mixed greens for an extra protein boost.
• Potato Salad: Serve alongside a light potato salad for a filling meal.

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

To elevate your egg salad with cottage cheese, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality cottage cheese make all the difference in taste.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding different spices like dill or chives for added flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: For creamier texture, mash the eggs more finely before mixing in cottage cheese.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the egg salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Add Crunch: Incorporate diced celery or bell peppers for additional texture and freshness.

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

Pairing side dishes with your egg salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a sweet contrast to the savory egg salad.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables offers a nutritious complement.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides sweetness and balances out the richness of the egg salad.
4. Coleslaw: Crisp coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess, making it an excellent pairing.
5. Cucumber Salad: Cool cucumber salad is refreshing and light, perfect alongside your meal.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add warmth and depth to your lunch or dinner spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making egg salad with cottage cheese can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for that can affect the texture and flavor.

• Not boiling eggs correctly – Overcooking eggs can lead to a rubbery texture. Boil for exactly 9 minutes and then cool them in ice water.
• Ignoring seasoning – Skipping spices or salt can make your egg salad bland. A pinch of smoked paprika and salt enhances the flavor significantly.
• Using low-quality cottage cheese – This can change the creamy consistency you want. Choose a good-quality cottage cheese for better results.
• Skipping the cooling step – Not letting the boiled eggs cool before peeling can make the process messy. Always use an ice bath to stop cooking.
• Forgetting to toast bread – Serving on untoasted bread can make your dish soggy. Toasting adds crunch and holds the egg salad better.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store egg salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes after thawing.
• If necessary, it may last up to one month in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals (about 20 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Warm gently over low heat while stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making egg salad with cottage cheese without mayo.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you prefer a tangier flavor.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes two servings, perfect for two sandwiches or hearty snacks.

Is this egg salad with cottage cheese suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge for several days.

Can I customize this egg salad with other ingredients?

Definitely! You can add veggies like celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.

What’s the best bread to use for this egg salad?

Sourdough is excellent, but whole grain or gluten-free options work well too!

Final Thoughts

This egg salad with cottage cheese is a delightful twist on a classic dish. It’s not only healthy but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with various add-ins. Enjoy it as a light lunch or snack, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!