Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining the fresh flavors of celery and onion with the tang of lemon juice, it offers a delicious twist on classic tuna salad.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Open the can of tuna and drain the liquid completely.
- Step 2: Place the drained tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to the bowl with the tuna.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the mixture.
- Step 5: Finely chop 1/4 cup celery and 1/4 cup red onion, then add both to the bowl.
- Step 6: Pour in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt over the ingredients.
- Step 7: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until well combined.
- Step 8: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
- Step 9: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual dishes, then serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a cooler, fresher flavor.
- Step 10: Enjoy your cottage cheese tuna salad as a side dish, snack, or light meal!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped pickles or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make the salad lighter and tangier.
- Add fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to enhance the flavor.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
Storage
Store the cottage cheese tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating if you prefer.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese provides a creamy texture with a mild flavor, but you can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese for a richer taste. Keep in mind these will change the consistency slightly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well for a day or two in the fridge, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Avoid adding delicate ingredients like fresh herbs until just before serving to maintain freshness.
PrintCottage Cheese Tuna Salad Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a quick, protein-packed dish combining creamy cottage cheese, flavorful tuna, and crisp vegetables. Perfect as a light meal, snack, or side, it’s easy to prepare and offers a refreshing, tangy flavor with Dijon mustard and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients including cottage cheese, tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery and red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drain Tuna: Open the tuna can and drain any liquid thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- Combine Tuna and Cottage Cheese: Add the drained tuna and cottage cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add Mayonnaise and Mustard: Stir in the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to bring creaminess and tangy flavor to the mixture.
- Mix in Vegetables: Add finely chopped celery and red onion for crunch and mild sharpness.
- Season: Pour in lemon juice, then sprinkle salt and black pepper over the mixture for balanced seasoning.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to mix all ingredients evenly until the salad is well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and tweak salt or pepper if needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve or Chill: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and either serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance freshness and flavor.
- Enjoy: This versatile tuna salad is great as a light meal, snack, or side dish.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Chilling the salad for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and improves taste.
- Great served over greens, in sandwiches, or with crackers.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your salt preference.
Keywords: cottage cheese tuna salad, tuna salad, healthy tuna recipe, low fat salad, no cook salad
