This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a fresh and tasty meal that’s super easy to prepare! It blends creamy cottage cheese with flaky tuna and crunchy veggies.
It’s like a party on your plate! I love to serve it on crisp lettuce for a light lunch or with crackers for a quick snack. You’ll want to make it often! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tuna: Canned tuna is a classic choice for this salad. I often use packed in water for a lighter taste, but oil-packed tuna adds extra richness. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, chickpeas or lentils can work as a substitute.
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt can be a great alternative, offering similar creaminess with added protein.
Celery: This gives a nice crunch, but if you don’t have celery, diced bell peppers or cucumbers can add a fresh bite. Just keep the pieces small to blend well with the other ingredients.
Red Onion: For a milder flavor, you can use sweet onions, like Vidalia. Green onions (scallions) work great too. Just adjust the quantity to your taste!
Mayonnaise: It’s optional, but I find it helps with creaminess. If you prefer a healthier version, you can use plain yogurt or omit it entirely for a lighter salad.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Has Great Flavor?
Flavor balance is key to a tasty tuna salad. Start by mixing the wet ingredients like lemon juice and mustard in a separate bowl before adding them to the tuna and cottage cheese. This helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Adjusting seasoning is also important. After mixing all ingredients, taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for brightness.
- Letting the salad chill for about 30 minutes before eating allows flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh dill! It adds a wonderful herbaceous note and instantly makes the dish look more appealing.
Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (5 to 6 oz) can tuna, drained
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a speedy lunch or snack. If you like your flavors to blend well, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, but it’s delicious right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by draining the canned tuna and placing it into a medium bowl. Add the cottage cheese to the bowl. Using a fork, gently break up the tuna and mix it with the cottage cheese until combined. This creates a creamy and flavorful base for your salad.
2. Add Fresh Veggies:
Next, add the diced celery, chopped red onion, and sliced green onions to the bowl. These ingredients add crunch and freshness, which make the salad more enjoyable. Stir gently to combine.
3. Mix The Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (if you’re using it), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. This will create a zesty dressing that brings the salad together. Pour the mixture over the tuna and cottage cheese blend.
4. Combine Everything:
Carefully stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Make sure each bite will be flavored with the nice dressing!
5. Season To Taste:
Give your salad a taste, and season it with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Feel free to add more lemon juice or mustard if you want a zingy flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the finished tuna salad to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh dill on top for a pop of color and flavor. Now it’s ready to be served!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad chilled on a bed of lettuce, on slices of whole-grain bread, or with your favorite crackers. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch or a quick snack. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt or even cream cheese can be great alternatives. Greek yogurt will keep it light while still providing creaminess. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tuna Salad?
Leftover Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving, as it may thicken a bit after being chilled.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite chopped veggies, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even diced pickles for a tangy crunch. Just make sure to keep the pieces small to maintain a good texture.
Is This Salad Healthy?
Yes, it can be quite healthy! It’s packed with protein from the tuna and cottage cheese, along with fiber from the vegetables. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, like using less mayo or extra veggies!
