This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s packed with protein from tuna and cottage cheese, making it filling!
Mixing in some crunchy veggies makes it even better; I love sneaking in extra cucumbers! It’s easy to whip up and can be served on bread or just with a spoon—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I use small curd cottage cheese for its creaminess. If you prefer, you can swap it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and a lighter texture. Both give a nice, thick base for the salad!
Tuna: Opt for a good quality canned tuna packed in water or oil. If you’re not a tuna fan, canned chicken or chickpeas can work just as well, keeping the protein high.
Celery: Celery adds crunch and freshness. If you don’t have celery, diced bell peppers or carrots can be great substitutes, bringing their own crunch and flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill really brightens the salad. If you can’t find it, try using dried dill; just use less because it’s stronger. You could also use parsley or chives instead!
How Do You Mix the Ingredients to Keep It Creamy?
When making cottage cheese tuna salad, the goal is a perfect balance of ingredients that keeps it creamy without being too thick. Here’s how you can easily achieve that:
- Start by mixing the cottage cheese and tuna together gently to avoid breaking up the tuna too much.
- Add in the chopped veggies and herbs, folding them into the mixture rather than stirring vigorously.
- If you’re using mayo or yogurt, mix that in slowly, so it blends without overpowering the cottage cheese or tuna.
- Adjust the seasoning only after everything is combined. This helps you get the right flavor without over-salting or adding too much pepper too soon.
This gentle mixing technique ensures a creamy yet chunky texture, making every bite enjoyable!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small or medium curd)
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained and flaked
Fresh Vegetables & Herbs:
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Extras:
- 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Whole grain or seeded bread slices, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and assemble. It’s a quick meal solution! Plus, no cooking is involved, making it perfect for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, take your cottage cheese and add the flaked tuna. Mix them gently together to combine, making sure not to break the tuna into tiny bits. You want some nice chunks!
2. Add the Fresh Veggies and Herbs:
Next, add the finely chopped celery, green onions, and the chopped fresh dill to the bowl. These ingredients not only add flavor but also a nice crunch.
3. Mix in the Creaminess:
If you like a creamier texture, stir in the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt at this point. It’s totally optional, but it does give the salad a rich flavor. Then, squeeze in the lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix Until Combined:
Gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly coated and combined. You want everything to be well-distributed for the best taste!
5. Prepare the Toast:
While you’re mixing, toast your bread slices until they are nice and golden. This adds a lovely crunch to your salad.
6. Assemble and Serve:
On each toasted bread slice, lay down some fresh lettuce leaves. Then, spoon a generous dollop of the cottage cheese tuna salad on top. Garnish with extra dill if you like!
7. Add Fresh Sides:
Serve your open-faced sandwiches with cucumber slices and halved cherry tomatoes on the side for a refreshing crunch. Enjoy your healthy, protein-packed meal!
Dig in and enjoy this delightful Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad as a light snack or meal any time of the day!
Can I Substitute the Tuna for Another Protein?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of tuna, you can easily swap it out for canned chicken, chickpeas, or even diced hard-boiled eggs. Just make sure to drain any canned protein to keep the salad from being too watery.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, you can replace the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like tofu or cashew cheese. Use chickpeas or lentils in place of the tuna, and opt for vegan mayo or leave it out entirely. Add some diced avocados for creaminess instead!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients may settle! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can still savor the flavors of the leftover salad.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even chopped pickles can add extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure to keep the overall balance so it doesn’t overwhelm the salad!
