Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – Creamy, Light & Protein-Packed.

Happy Sunday! It is December 28, 2025. Here in Oulad Teima, the weekend is gently winding down, and after a season often filled with heavy holiday meals, many of us are looking for a “reset” that doesn’t sacrifice satisfaction.

This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a modern, high-protein take on the classic.¹ By swapping out most (or all) of the traditional mayonnaise for cottage cheese, you get a version that is remarkably creamy and light, with a massive boost in protein to keep you fueled for the final days of the year.

The Modern Swap

If you’ve ever found traditional egg salad a bit too heavy or oily, this version is your solution.

Feature	Traditional Egg Salad	Cottage Cheese Version
Creamy Base	Mayonnaise	Cottage Cheese
Protein Level	Moderate	High (Double the punch)
Texture	Smooth/Oily	Chunky or Silky (if blended)
After-Feel	Heavy	Light & Refreshing

Ingredients

The Foundation

6 Large Eggs: Hard-boiled and cooled.
1 cup Cottage Cheese: (Small curd or blended for a smoother finish).
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard: For that essential tang.

The Flavor Enhancers

2 Green Onions: Finely sliced.
1 tbsp Fresh Dill or Chives: Chopped.
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder.
Pinch of Paprika.
Salt & Fresh Black Pepper: To taste.

The “Crunch” (Optional)

1/2 cup Celery: Finely diced.²
1 tbsp Capers: For a salty, briny “pop.”

Instructions: The Protein-Power Prep

1. The Perfect Boil

Place your eggs in a pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for exactly 12 minutes.

The Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. This ensures the yolks stay vibrant yellow (no grey rings!) and makes them incredibly easy to peel.

2. The Texture Choice

How do you feel about the texture of cottage cheese?

Option A (Chunky): Leave the cottage cheese as is for a rustic, textured salad.
Option B (The Secret Hack): Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and whiz it for 30 seconds until it is completely smooth. This creates a sauce that looks exactly like mayo but tastes much fresher.

3. The Mix

Peel and chop the eggs into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, cottage cheese (smooth or chunky), Dijon mustard, and your spices.

4. The Fold

Gently fold in the green onions, fresh herbs, and celery. Stirring too vigorously will turn the eggs into a paste; you want to keep some distinct “chunks” for the best mouthfeel.

5. The Chill

Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the cottage cheese to absorb the flavors of the mustard and dill.

Texture & Flavor Notes

This salad is bright and herbaceous. The cottage cheese provides a mild, slightly salty background that allows the richness of the egg yolks to shine. The Dijon mustard cuts through the creaminess, while the fresh dill adds an aromatic “garden-fresh” finish. It feels substantially lighter on the stomach than a mayo-based salad but leaves you feeling much fuller due to the high casein protein in the cheese.

Tips for the Best Experience

Go Full Fat: If you can, use 4% (full fat) cottage cheese. It has a much richer flavor and doesn’t get “watery” as quickly as the non-fat versions.
The “Everything” Topping: Serve this on toasted sourdough or in a lettuce wrap, and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning for an extra layer of crunch and garlic flavor.
Spice it Up: If you like heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes works beautifully with the cool cottage cheese.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but cottage cheese can release a little liquid as it sits. If you make it more than 24 hours in advance, give it a good stir before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.

What if I hate cottage cheese?

If you blend it (as mentioned in Step 2), the “curd” texture disappears completely. You are left with a thick, high-protein cream that most people can’t distinguish from a mixture of Greek yogurt and mayo!

Is this good for weight loss?

It is a fantastic option because it is high in protein and lower in calories than traditional mayo-based salads, which helps with satiety.3

A Fresh Sunday in Oulad Teima

As you prepare for the week ahead, let this Cottage Cheese Egg Salad be a simple, nutritious win for your Sunday lunch. It’s a great way to start the week on a healthy, high-energy note.

Would you like me to suggest a “3-Ingredient Seeded Cracker” recipe that pairs perfectly with this egg salad?