Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever wondered how a simple dish can evoke such cherished memories? The Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes each bite an experience worth savoring. This dish not only brings together the creaminess of cottage cheese and the heartiness of eggs but also offers a refreshing twist that will tickle your taste buds.
Growing up, my grandmother used to whip up her famous egg salad during family gatherings. The aroma wafting through the kitchen would pull everyone in, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and connection. Fast forward to today, I still relish those moments whenever I prepare this Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious. Perfect for picnics, brunches, or light lunches, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser, showcasing vibrant colors and incredible flavors that leave everyone wanting more.
Key Ingredients For Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cottage Cheese: Select low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese based on your preference; it’s the creamy base for this salad.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs: You’ll need about four large eggs; ensure they are cooked thoroughly for optimal texture.
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Fresh Chives: Chopped finely, these add a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
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Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick; choose smooth or grainy based on your texture preference.
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Mayonnaise: Use regular or light mayonnaise to bind the ingredients together while adding creaminess.
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Salt and Pepper: Adjust these seasonings to taste; they enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Prepare the Eggs
Begin by boiling water in a saucepan. Carefully place your eggs into the boiling water and let them cook for about ten minutes. Once done, transfer them to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
Second Step : Mix Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of cottage cheese with two tablespoons of mayonnaise and one teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth to create a creamy base for your egg salad.
Third Step : Chop and Combine
Once the eggs have cooled, chop them into small pieces. Add these chopped eggs into the cottage cheese mixture along with finely chopped chives. Mix gently to combine all ingredients without breaking down the eggs too much.
Fourth Step : Season
Sprinkle salt and pepper over your egg salad mixture according to your taste preferences. This step is crucial as it enhances all flavors present in the dish.
Fifth Step : Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving. This chilling time allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Transfer to plates and serve chilled with crackers or on fresh lettuce for an ideal summer lunch.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chives and high-quality eggs elevates the flavor profile significantly.
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Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust mayonnaise quantities based on how creamy you want your salad to be.
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Add Crunch: Consider adding diced celery or bell peppers for an extra crunch in your salad.
Preparation Steps
To create a delightful Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious, you will want to follow these simple steps. Start by boiling your eggs until they are hard-boiled, typically about 9-12 minutes. Once cooked, cool the eggs under cold water, then peel and chop them into small pieces.
Next, take a bowl and combine chopped eggs with cottage cheese. This is the star ingredient that makes the salad creamy and rich. Mix in diced celery for crunch and finely chopped green onions for a hint of sharpness. Season your mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of mustard or a dash of paprika. These ingredients elevate your Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious, making it even more enjoyable. Stir everything together until well combined, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious is perfect for various occasions and can be served in several ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
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On Toast: Spread this salad on whole grain or sourdough toast for a hearty breakfast or lunch option.
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With Crackers: Serve as a dip alongside crunchy crackers for an easy appetizer that everyone will love.
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In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, scoop the egg salad into large lettuce leaves for fresh wraps that are both delicious and healthy.
Nutritional Benefits
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, which helps build muscle and keeps you full longer. Eggs provide essential nutrients like vitamins D and B12, which support overall health.
Additionally, including vegetables like celery and green onions adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal. This salad is low in calories yet packed with nutrition, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying flavorful food.
Storage Tips
Proper storage can help you enjoy your Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious over multiple days without compromising quality. Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days.
If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider keeping the ingredients separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the texture of the salad by preventing sogginess from occurring.
FAQs
What variations can I try with my Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious?
You can easily customize your Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious by adding different ingredients based on your preferences. Consider incorporating diced bell peppers for sweetness or chopped herbs like dill or parsley for freshness. You can also swap out cottage cheese for Greek yogurt if you’re looking for an alternative creamy base.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cottage cheese in your Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious is a great way to reduce calories while still enjoying all the flavors you love. The texture may be slightly different but will still provide that creamy consistency you desire.
Is this egg salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just remember to consume it within three days for optimal freshness.
How can I make this egg salad spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious. You could also mix in hot sauce or sriracha to give it an extra kick that complements the creaminess of the cottage cheese nicely.
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Scrumptious is a creamy and flavorful dish that blends the richness of cottage cheese with hearty hard-boiled eggs. This delightful salad is perfect for picnics, brunches, or as a light lunch, offering a refreshing twist that will satisfy your taste buds. With vibrant colors and a blend of seasonings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a saucepan. Gently add the eggs and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard; stir until smooth.
- Chop the cooled eggs and add them to the cottage cheese mixture along with chives; mix gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
