Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

This Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! is a delightful and healthy twist on the traditional egg salad. Creamy cottage cheese not only enhances the flavor but also boosts your protein intake to 35 grams per serving. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it at home or packing it for work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: With 41.1 grams of protein per serving, this egg salad will keep you full and satisfied.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cottage cheese gives a rich creaminess without the need for mayonnaise.
• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 17 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on sourdough bread or as a dip with veggies; the possibilities are endless!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is a nutritious option for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your egg salad smooth and delicious, having the right tools on hand can simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot
• Air fryer (optional)
• Ice bath container
• Medium bowl
• Fork
• Toaster

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot: Essential for boiling eggs to perfection.
• Ice bath container: Quickly cools down eggs, preventing overcooking.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients and achieving the perfect texture.
• Fork: Perfect for mashing eggs without creating too much mess.

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Ingredients

For this Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!, you’ll need the following 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 them for 9 minutes.

Step 2: Use Air Fryer Option (if preferred)

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

Step 3: Cool and Peel the Eggs

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

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

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

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

1. Toast the sourdough bread slices until golden brown.
2. Top each slice with avocado slices.
3. Spoon generous amounts of egg salad on top of each toast.

Enjoy your delicious Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! It’s perfect as a nutritious breakfast or a satisfying lunch option.

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

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

On Toast

• Toasted sourdough: Spread the egg salad on warm, toasted sourdough for a crunchy texture.
• Multigrain bread: For a heartier option, serve on multigrain bread packed with fiber.

In a Wrap

• Lettuce wrap: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the egg salad for a fresh and low-carb option.
• Tortilla wrap: Roll the egg salad in a whole wheat tortilla for an easy-to-eat lunch.

As a Salad

• Bed of greens: Serve the egg salad over mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal.
• With sliced cucumbers: Pair with cucumber slices for added crunch and freshness.

With Vegetables

• Veggie sticks: Serve alongside carrot and celery sticks for dipping into the egg salad.
• Grape tomatoes: Add grape tomatoes on the side for a burst of flavor and color.

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

Making the perfect egg salad with cottage cheese requires simple techniques to enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and cottage cheese will elevate the overall taste of your egg salad.
• Mash well: Ensure you mash the eggs thoroughly for a creamier consistency when combined with cottage cheese.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste your mixture before serving; feel free to adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the egg salad to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances flavors through melding.

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

Pairing side dishes with your egg salad can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the egg salad.
2. Crispy Potato Chips: The crunchiness of potato chips provides contrast to the creamy texture of the egg salad.
3. Pickles: Tangy pickles complement the egg salad’s flavors while adding an extra crunch.
4. Coleslaw: A light coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making it an excellent partner for your sandwich.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide depth and round out your meal nicely.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can be a filling side that pairs well with the egg dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making egg salad with cottage cheese can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure a delicious result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the eggs: Cooking eggs too long can lead to a rubbery texture. Stick to boiling them for exactly 9 minutes or using the air fryer option for 12 minutes.
• Skipping the ice bath: Not cooling the eggs promptly can make peeling difficult. Always transfer boiled eggs to an ice bath immediately after cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning: Lack of seasoning can make your egg salad bland. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Not mashing thoroughly: If you don’t mash the eggs well enough, the texture may be uneven. Use a fork to mash until you achieve a creamy consistency.
• Using stale bread: Serving your egg salad on stale bread can ruin the dish. Make sure your sourdough is fresh and toasted for the best experience.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Not recommended due to the texture change when thawed.
• For best quality, consume fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm covered for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently heat over low flame while stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of cheese?

You can substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta for different textures and flavors.

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

Feel free to add diced vegetables like celery or bell peppers for crunch or herbs like dill for freshness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The egg salad stores well in the fridge and makes a convenient lunch option throughout the week.

What can I serve with this egg salad?

This dish pairs well with fresh salads, whole-grain crackers, or stuffed in lettuce wraps.

Final Thoughts

This egg salad with cottage cheese is not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein and flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences, whether adding veggies or herbs. Give this healthier twist on a classic recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!