This quick and creamy egg salad is a versatile dish made with hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for sandwiches, brunch, or snacks.
1cupcottage cheeseAdds lighter creaminess; substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
1/4cupmayonnaiseEnhances creaminess; omit or replace with Greek yogurt for a mayo-free option.
1tablespoonDijon mustardAdds a tangy kick; swap for yellow or honey mustard for milder notes.
1stalkcelery, finely dicedGives crunch; cut small for a smoother bite.
1/4cupred onion, finely dicedSharpness; use green onions for a milder touch.
1tablespoonlemon juiceFreshly squeezed preferred.
2tablespoonschives, choppedHerbal freshness; parsley or dill work too.
Salt and pepper to tasteAdd gradually and taste as you go.
Instructions
Cooking Eggs
Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover for 9–12 minutes depending on your preferred yolk firmness.
Immediately plunge eggs into an ice bath for 5 minutes to stop cooking.
Preparing the Salad
Gently tap and roll eggs to crack shells. Peel and chop into bite-sized pieces. For a creamier texture, chop finer or mash yolks lightly with a fork.
In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth-ish. If you prefer completely smooth, pulse the cottage cheese in a blender briefly before mixing.
Add chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and chives to the dressing. Fold gently until combined.
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Adjust lemon or mustard if you want more brightness.
Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
For a lower-sodium version, rinse cottage cheese briefly and use low-sodium mustard. Mix up to 24 hours ahead for best freshness. Hold off adding chives until just before serving.