This Bariatric Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a light and tasty twist on a classic dish. It combines creamy cottage cheese with hard-boiled eggs and simple seasonings for a filling meal.
You won’t believe how easy and quick it is to whip up! I like enjoying it on whole-grain toast or fresh veggies. Perfect for a satisfying lunch that won’t weigh you down!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are the stars of the salad, providing proteins and healthy fats. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs found in most grocery stores.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with silken tofu or a dairy-free yogurt to maintain a similar consistency.
Greek Yogurt: This is optional but adds a nice creaminess and tang. If you want to skip it, you can increase the cottage cheese amount instead for the same texture.
Mayo: Light mayonnaise is used for flavor. You can replace it with avocado for a different creamy texture while keeping things healthy.
Herbs: Fresh chives and dill bring brightness to the dish. If you don’t have them, you can use pre-dried herbs or even green onions for a bit of onion flavor.
How Do You Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Perfectly?
Getting the perfect hard-boiled egg is essential for this recipe. Here’s how to do it right:
- Place the eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, cover the pot with a lid, and then turn off the heat.
- Let them sit for 9-12 minutes, depending on desired firmness (9 for softer yolks, 12 for fully firm).
- After the time, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes to stop the cooking.
- Peel and chop them for your egg salad!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly boiled eggs to elevate your Cottage Cheese Egg Salad! Enjoy your culinary creation! 🍽️
Bariatric Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
- Green onion slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a healthy lunch option. You can serve it right away or store it in the fridge to chill for a bit before serving, allowing the flavors to mingle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Eggs:
Start by chopping the hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a medium mixing bowl. If you haven’t made the hard-boiled eggs yet, refer to the method provided in previous sections or boil them as described.
2. Adding Creaminess:
Add the low-fat cottage cheese to the bowl along with the Greek yogurt (if using) and light mayonnaise. These ingredients create a creamy base for your egg salad!
3. Mixing in Seasonings:
Next, add the finely chopped chives, dill, and yellow mustard. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined. This is where the flavors start to come together!
4. Seasoning to Taste:
Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
5. Serving the Salad:
Transfer your delicious salad to a serving bowl. This is the moment to get creative with your presentation!
6. Garnishing:
Sprinkle some paprika over the top for a touch of color, add any additional chopped dill, and sprinkle green onion slices if you’ve chosen to use them. This will make your salad look as great as it tastes!
7. Enjoying the Dish:
Serve the Cottage Cheese Egg Salad chilled on its own or with whole-grain toast or fresh vegetables. It’s a satisfying and nutritious meal that fits perfectly into a bariatric-friendly diet!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful, and low-calorie egg salad full of protein! This dish is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While low-fat cottage cheese is perfect for this recipe, you can also try ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for different textures and flavors.
How Can I Make This Egg Salad Lower in Calories?
To cut down on calories, you can omit the light mayonnaise and use just cottage cheese or Greek yogurt as the binding agents. This will still keep the salad creamy and delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Egg Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the mixture may separate slightly.
What Can I Serve This Salad With?
Try serving this Egg Salad on whole-grain bread, in a lettuce wrap, or with fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots for a nutritious snack or meal!
