Egg Salad with a Secret Protein-Packed Ingredient

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A protein-packed twist on classic egg salad using cottage cheese for a creamy, healthy, high-protein meal perfect for lunch or meal prep!

egg salad made with cottage cheese for extra protein

Egg salad has long held its place as a go-to for quick lunches, light dinners, or satisfying sandwiches. It’s creamy, comforting, and delightfully simple to make. But what if you could take the classic dish you love and give it a serious protein boost—all without sacrificing the flavor or texture that makes it so crave-worthy? This healthy egg salad recipe does just that by adding a secret ingredient that’s been trending all over TikTok – make room in your fridge, because this one’s a keeper!

Instead of relying solely on mayo (which, let’s be real, can be a little heavy), this version incorporates cottage cheese—an underrated superfood that’s creamy, mild, and packed with protein. Whether you’re using it for meal prep, whipping it up for egg salad sandwiches, or enjoying it in lettuce cups for a lighter option, this recipe is a great way to enjoy egg recipes with extra protein and satisfying texture. It’s become our new favorite, and we bet it’ll be yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a Protein Powerhouse: With eggs and cottage cheese together, you’re getting serious grams of protein in every bite—perfect for post-workout lunches or simply staying full longer.
Perfect for Quick Lunches: Whether scooped into lettuce wraps, spread on avocado toast, or piled high on your favorite bread, this is a great option for when you’re short on time but need something nourishing.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You’ll love the balance of tangy dijon mustard, creamy mayo, and the subtle texture of the cottage cheese. Plus, fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill take it up a notch.
Versatile and Customizable: Add-ins like green onion, fresh celery, lemon juice, or even red onion can give it a flavor boost depending on your mood. There are so many different ways to enjoy this classic egg salad recipe.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s look at the simple ingredients that make this the best egg salad you’ve ever had:

6 eggs: The base of any traditional egg salad. Boiled just right for that soft yet firm yolk.
1 cup cottage cheese: The secret ingredient for creamy texture and extra protein. Opt for full-fat or low-fat depending on your preference.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness, but feel free to use less mayo or sub in greek yogurt for an even lighter take.
1 tsp mustard: We love dijon mustard for its tangy zip.
1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance the flavor.
1 tbsp fresh parsley: The best part is that fresh finishing touch—swap in fresh dill, chives, or a mix of fresh herbs for variety.

How to Make This Egg Salad Recipe

This simple dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick lunches or meal prep. Here’s how:

Boil the Eggs: Place eggs in a medium bowl or saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then let cook for exactly 9 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
Cool in an Ice Water Bath: Transfer the eggs immediately to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for 15–20 minutes until fully cooled to room temperature. This step also makes peeling easier!
Peel and Mash: Once cooled, peel and place eggs in a medium bowl. Use a fork or masher to create chopped eggs with your desired texture.

mashed boiled eggs ready to be mixed with cottage cheese, mustard, and seasoning

Mix it All Together: Add mayo, cottage cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated. The texture of the cottage cheese should melt into the mixture, creating a creamy base without being overpowering.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley or your favorite fresh herbs. Serve it up your favorite way—in a sandwich, with crackers, in lettuce cups, or over greens.

How to Store Your Egg Salad

To keep your leftover egg salad fresh and safe:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Best consumed within 3–4 days.
Keep chilled and avoid letting it sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Stir before serving, especially if made ahead during meal prep.

This makes it a great option for planning ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

More Non-Lettuce Salads

chicken salad made with curry spice, raisins, and celery — Curry Chicken Salad

chicken salad recipe made with green goddess dressing — Curry Chicken Salad

Tips for Making the Best Egg Salad

Use Fresh Eggs: Older eggs peel more easily, but fresh eggs give better flavor.
Let It Chill: If you have time, let the finished salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving—it enhances the flavor.
Try Greek Yogurt: For a lighter take, replace part of the mayo with greek yogurt—you’ll still get creaminess with a slight tang and fewer calories.
Add Crunch: A quick tip: Stir in fresh celery or red onion for added texture.
Herb It Up: Use fresh dill, chives, or green onion to change the flavor profile—it’s an easy way to create variation from your regular egg salad.

Whether you’re looking to reinvent your classic dish, or just need a healthy food inspiration that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with extra protein, this egg salad is a new favorite in the making. Try it once, and you’ll see why we’re calling it the best egg salad ever.

FAQs

Can I substitute cottage cheese?

Yes, but you’ll be missing the secret ingredient that makes this version special. That said, greek yogurt is a solid substitute for a protein-rich, creamy base.

What’s the best way to serve this egg salad?

This favorite egg salad recipe is incredibly versatile! Try it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb lunch, in sandwiches, on crackers, or even dolloped on avocado toast.

How many grams of protein are in this recipe?

Depending on your cottage cheese and eggs, each serving can pack 15–20 grams of protein. It’s a great protein boost for any time of day.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days—perfect for quick lunches and snacks.

Is this good for kids or picky eaters?

Yes! The simple ingredients and creamy texture make it approachable. You can even blend it smoother if your kids prefer less texture.