Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a fresh and creamy twist on a classic favorite. Packed with protein and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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: Gather all your ingredients as listed.
- Step 2: Open the can of tuna and drain the liquid completely.
- Step 3: Place the drained tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Step 4: Add the cottage cheese to the bowl with the tuna.
- Step 5: Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the mixture.
- Step 6: Stir in the finely chopped celery and red onion.
- Step 7: Pour in the lemon juice, then sprinkle the black pepper and salt over the ingredients.
- Step 8: Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until well combined.
- Step 9: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Step 10: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual dishes.
- Step 11: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a cooler taste.
- Step 12: Enjoy your cottage cheese tuna salad as a side dish, snack, or light meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the salad and add tanginess.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Use lemon zest along with lemon juice for an extra citrusy kick.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving. For best freshness and texture, enjoy it cold and avoid freezing, as the cottage cheese and vegetables may change in consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
While this recipe is designed for canned tuna for convenience and flavor, you can use cooked fresh tuna if you prefer. Just be sure to flake it into small pieces and let it cool before mixing.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this cottage cheese tuna salad is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a great option for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.
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Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish perfect for a quick snack, light meal, or side. Combining the mild tang of cottage cheese with savory tuna, crisp celery, and a hint of Dijon mustard and lemon juice, it offers a refreshing and satisfying taste with minimal preparation.
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 the necessary ingredients including cottage cheese, tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt to ensure everything is ready for preparation.
- Drain Tuna: Open the can of tuna and drain out all the liquid to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Combine Tuna and Cottage Cheese: Place the drained tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the cottage cheese on top.
- Add Mayonnaise and Mustard: Scoop 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the bowl to add creaminess and tang.
- Add Vegetables: Finely chop celery and red onion, measuring 1/4 cup each, and add them to the bowl for crunch and flavor.
- Season and Flavor: Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon each of black pepper and salt into the mix to enhance the taste.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to combine all ingredients evenly until well blended and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add extra salt or pepper if desired to suit your preference.
- Serve or Chill: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual dishes. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enjoy a colder, refreshing taste.
- Enjoy: Eat as a side dish, snack, or light meal any time of the day.
Notes
- For extra texture, add chopped pickles or capers.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier twist.
- Serve the salad on whole-grain bread or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste to balance creaminess with acidity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cottage cheese tuna salad, tuna salad, healthy tuna recipes, low fat salad, quick tuna salad, no cook salad

