Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

This egg salad with cottage cheese – no mayo! is a fresh take on the beloved classic. By swapping traditional mayo for creamy cottage cheese, this recipe not only enhances the flavor but also significantly increases protein content, making it an excellent choice for lunch or a snack. Enjoy this dish on sourdough bread topped with ripe avocado for a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: With 35 grams of protein per serving, this egg salad keeps you full and energized.
• No Mayo Required: This twist makes it lighter and healthier without sacrificing creaminess.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 17 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toast, in wraps, or even as a salad topping to suit your mood.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The addition of smoked paprika and sweet pickle relish adds a delightful depth of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make this egg salad with cottage cheese, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking process goes smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot for boiling eggs
• Ice bath container
• Medium mixing bowl
• Fork for mashing
• Toaster or air fryer

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot for boiling eggs: Essential for perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs; ensures even cooking.
• Ice bath container: Stops the cooking process quickly, making peeling easier.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess.
• Fork for mashing: Helps achieve the right texture when mixing the eggs and cottage cheese.

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

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and boil them for 9 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 270°F and cook the eggs for 12 minutes.

Step 2: Cool the Eggs

After boiling, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel once they are cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, peel them. In a medium bowl, mash the peeled eggs using a fork. Add in the cottage cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. If desired, mix in sweet pickle relish or diced pickles for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwiches

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

Enjoy your delicious egg salad with cottage cheese – no mayo! It’s not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients!

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

This egg salad with cottage cheese is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways, making it a great addition to your lunch or snack options. Here are some creative serving ideas.

On Toast

• Serve the egg salad on toasted sourdough for a crispy texture that complements the creamy filling.

In a Wrap

• Spread the egg salad onto a whole wheat wrap and add fresh spinach or arugula for extra crunch.

With Crackers

• Pair the egg salad with whole grain crackers for a delightful snack that’s easy to grab on the go.

On a Salad

• Spoon the egg salad over a bed of mixed greens for a light yet filling meal.

Stuffed Avocado

• Hollow out an avocado half and fill it with the egg salad for a nutritious and visually appealing presentation.

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

Creating the perfect egg salad with cottage cheese requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs yield better flavor and texture, which enhances your egg salad experience.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before serving and tweak salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to suit your preference.

• Mash well: Ensure you mash the eggs thoroughly for an even blend of flavors and creamy consistency.

• Chill before serving: Allowing the egg salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavors.

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

Pairing side dishes with your egg salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.

2. Vegetable Sticks: Carrot and celery sticks provide crunch and are great for dipping into any leftover egg salad.

3. Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits offers sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory egg salad.

4. Potato Chips: Crunchy chips can be a fun side that adds texture; opt for baked chips for a lighter option.

5. Quinoa Salad: This protein-rich side enhances your meal while adding grains; toss in some veggies and lemon dressing.

6. Soup: A light vegetable or chicken soup pairs well as a comforting side dish alongside your sandwich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making egg salad with cottage cheese is easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture.

• Using overcooked eggs: Boiling eggs for too long can lead to a rubbery texture. Stick to 9 minutes for perfectly cooked eggs.
• Neglecting seasoning: Skipping salt or spices can result in bland flavors. Always season your egg salad with salt, pepper, and paprika for added depth.
• Forgetting the cottage cheese: This recipe is all about the cottage cheese! Omitting it will change the creamy texture you want.
• Not chilling eggs properly: If you don’t cool the boiled eggs quickly, they can continue cooking and become dry. Use an ice bath immediately after boiling.
• Skipping toast: Serving without toasted bread may make the dish less enjoyable. Toast enhances flavors and adds crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Store egg salad separately from bread to maintain freshness.

Freezing Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of cottage cheese and eggs.
• If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within a month.

Reheating Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in a dish covered with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring between each session to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo!?

You can serve this dish on toasted sourdough or as a filling in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

How long does Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese – no mayo! last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

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

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced celery, green onions, or even different spices to suit your taste.

Is this Egg Salad healthy?

Yes! Made without mayo, this egg salad packs protein from both eggs and cottage cheese while being low in fat.

Final Thoughts

This egg salad with cottage cheese offers a delightful twist on the classic recipe without mayonnaise. It’s not only high in protein but also versatile enough for any meal. Feel free to customize it further by adding your favorite ingredients or serving it differently. Give it a try today!