This Bariatric Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a creamy delight that is packed with protein. It blends eggs with smooth cottage cheese, making it light and fluffy!
I love how easy it is to whip up for lunch or a snack. Plus, you can enjoy it on its own or use it as a tasty spread on whole grain bread. Yum! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are the star of the show! I recommend using fresh eggs for the best flavor. To save time, you can make a batch ahead and keep them in the fridge, ready to go.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese provides a creamy texture and is packed with protein. If you don’t have low-fat, any cottage cheese will do. For a dairy-free option, you could use a plant-based cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Light Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: This is optional for added creaminess. Greek yogurt is a great, tangy alternative, and it adds more protein. If you want to keep it lighter, you can skip this or even use a mashed avocado for a unique twist.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, honey mustard can be a milder substitute. Plain mustard works, too!
Green Onions or Chives: Fresh herbs add great flavor and color. You could also use dill or parsley if you prefer a different taste.
How Do You Make Sure Your Egg Salad Stays Creamy and Delicious?
A key aspect of this recipe is the balance between creaminess and chunkiness. Here’s how to nail it:
- Chop eggs into pieces that are uniform in size for an even texture.
- Mix the cottage cheese and other creamy elements gradually. This helps you control the creaminess.
- Combine using a gentle folding motion to keep the eggs intact while mixing.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a light and satisfying egg salad that’s perfect for any meal! Enjoy! 🥚🥗
Bariatric Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious egg salad will take about 10 minutes to prepare. If you’re using store-bought hard-boiled eggs, it’s even quicker! Just mix everything together, pop it in the fridge for a bit, and you’ll have a refreshing meal or snack ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Hard-Boiled Eggs:
Start by chopping the hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix them into your salad. Place the chopped eggs into a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add the Cottage Cheese:
Next, add the low-fat cottage cheese to the bowl with the eggs. If you’d like a creamier texture, now is the time to add that tablespoon of light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This is optional but gives it a nice smoothness.
3. Mix in the Mustard:
Stir in the Dijon mustard for a little zesty flavor! If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to skip this step or use a milder mustard.
4. Fold in the Green Onions:
Add the finely chopped green onions or chives to the mix. They add freshness and a pop of color!
5. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season your salad. Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Take a quick taste test and adjust if needed!
6. Mix It All Together:
Gently mix all the ingredients together until they’re well combined, but try to keep some texture. We want those egg chunks to stay intact!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your egg salad into a serving bowl. For a lovely touch, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika on top for color and flavor before serving.
8. Enjoy!
Chill your egg salad in the fridge for about half an hour to let the flavors meld together. You can enjoy it as a refreshing salad on its own or spread it on whole-grain bread or crackers. Enjoy your light, protein-rich Bariatric Cottage Cheese Egg Salad!
Can I Use Egg Whites Instead of Whole Eggs?
Yes, absolutely! You can use just egg whites for a lower-calorie option. You’ll still get a nice texture, but the flavor will be a bit lighter. Aim for about 8 egg whites to replace the 4 whole eggs.
How Long Does This Egg Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Bariatric Cottage Cheese Egg Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as it may separate a little as it sits.
Can I Add Other Ingredients for Extra Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some diced celery, bell peppers, or even a splash of hot sauce for some heat. Just remember to adjust the seasoning after adding extra ingredients to keep everything balanced!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
The leftovers are delicious served cold as a salad, but you can also warm them slightly in the microwave if you prefer it that way. Just heat in short intervals to avoid overheating! Enjoy as a filling sandwich, on crackers, or alongside a fresh salad.
