Switch up your usual tuna salad with this Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad, a lighter, protein-boosted variation that’s full of bright, savory flavor. This recipe swaps out traditional mayonnaise in favor of creamy cottage cheese, keeping it rich and satisfying without extra fat. Packed with crisp veggies, herbs, and a touch of tang from Dijon and lemon, this salad comes together in just 10 minutes.
Perfect for quick lunches or meal prepping, this no-cook option fits easily into a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether served in lettuce cups, on toast, or with crackers, it’s a fresh and filling way to enjoy tuna.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a tuna salad that’s both nourishing and satisfying, this one delivers. Cottage cheese offers creaminess while adding a protein punch—each serving brings about 29 grams of protein. The flavor is elevated with zesty mustard, lemon, and crunchy bits of onion, celery, and pickles. It’s quick to make, requires no stove time, and is versatile enough for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
White Albacore Tuna (three 5 oz cans)
A mild, firm variety of canned tuna that blends smoothly into salads. Choose tuna in water for a cleaner flavor.
Cottage Cheese (1/3 to 1/2 cup)
The creamy element that replaces mayonnaise. Blend it for a smoother consistency or leave it chunky for more texture.
Celery (1 stalk, finely diced)
Brings a refreshing crunch and subtle bitterness that cuts through the creamy base.
Red Onion (3 tablespoons, minced)
Adds sharpness and color, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Pickles (2–3 tablespoons, chopped)
Use your favorite—dill adds a briny bite while sweet pickles give a touch of tangy sweetness.
Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon)
Provides a gentle heat and tang that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon or more)
A squeeze of lemon brightens and balances the creaminess of the cottage cheese.
Garlic (1 clove, finely grated)
A small amount of raw garlic brings punch and depth to the salad.
Fresh Herbs (2 tablespoons of chives, parsley, or dill)
Fresh herbs lift the dish and complement the briny, tangy notes with a green, earthy finish.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
Enhances the natural flavors. Be cautious if your tuna or pickles are already salty.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
Adds warmth and a gentle bite to round out the flavors.
Hot Sauce (optional, to taste)
Adds a spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad
This salad is straightforward and comes together fast with minimal prep. You can customize the texture and flavor easily, and the result is a deliciously creamy, high-protein dish without the heaviness of mayonnaise.
Start by blending the cottage cheese if you want a smooth base. If texture is more your thing, skip the blending. Mix it with well-drained tuna, chopped vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Once combined, taste and adjust for acidity or heat. It’s ready to serve as soon as it’s mixed or can be chilled to let flavors develop.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Smooth or Leave the Cottage Cheese
Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the cottage cheese for a creamy consistency. If you prefer some texture, leave it unblended. - Dice the Vegetables
Finely chop celery, onion, and pickles so that each bite has a balance of crunch and tang. - Drain the Tuna
Empty the cans of tuna and press out excess liquid. This step is essential to avoid a watery salad. - Combine the Main Ingredients
In a bowl, add the tuna, cottage cheese, diced vegetables, mustard, and lemon juice. - Incorporate Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped herbs. This adds complexity and a touch of freshness. - Season the Salad
Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently so that the tuna maintains some flakiness. - Customize the Flavor
Adjust the seasoning with extra lemon juice, hot sauce, or more herbs based on your taste preferences. - Serve It Your Way
Enjoy the salad as a sandwich filler, on a bed of greens, with crackers, or in lettuce wraps.
Helpful Tips
- Blending cottage cheese gives a smooth finish, but leaving it chunky adds extra bite.
- Make it in advance for deeper flavor—the salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Adjust the acidity with more lemon or mustard if it feels too rich.
- Add-ins are welcome—try diced cucumber, olives, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for variety.
Details
Flavor: Tangy, fresh, savory, and herbaceous
Texture: Creamy and flaky with bursts of crunch
Occasion: Great for lunchboxes, light dinners, or meal prep
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Notes
You can swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt for a different tang or use mashed avocado for a dairy-free twist. Try adding other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots. Always taste and adjust the seasoning, especially if using different brands of tuna or pickles.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbohydrates | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165 kcal | 4g | 29g | 3g | 1g |
Also contains: Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 684mg, Cholesterol 46mg, Potassium 334mg, Fiber 1g, Calcium 46mg, Iron 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cottage cheese instead of mayo in tuna salad?
Yes, it works wonderfully. Cottage cheese keeps the salad creamy while adding more protein and less fat.
Is the texture more creamy or chunky?
It depends on whether you blend the cottage cheese. Pureeing it gives a smooth finish, while unblended cottage cheese offers more texture.
Does this recipe offer a high amount of protein?
Yes. Each portion has roughly 29 grams of protein, making it excellent for muscle support and satiety.
How long will it stay fresh in the fridge?
This salad keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Stir before serving to refresh the consistency.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. If some liquid separates, just give it a stir before eating. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as the texture may change significantly upon thawing.
Print
Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad | High-Protein & Creamy Twist
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A protein-rich tuna salad made with cottage cheese, Dijon, herbs, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light meals.
Ingredients
3 (5 oz) cans white albacore tuna, drained
1/3–1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
3 tbsp red onion, minced
2–3 tbsp chopped pickles (dill or sweet)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, grated or minced
2 tbsp chopped chives, parsley, or dill
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Instructions
1. Blend cottage cheese for a smooth texture or leave it chunky.
2. Dice celery, onion, and pickles finely.
3. Drain tuna well and transfer to a bowl.
4. Add cottage cheese, chopped vegetables, mustard, and lemon juice.
5. Mix in garlic and herbs.
6. Season with salt and pepper and stir gently.
7. Adjust flavor with more lemon or hot sauce if desired.
8. Serve chilled or immediately as preferred.
Notes
Try Greek yogurt or avocado as a variation.
Chill before serving for best flavor.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 684mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a fast, healthy, and satisfying recipe you’ll want to make again and again. With its creamy base, vibrant flavors, and high-protein content, it’s a refreshing change from the traditional version. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this salad makes healthy eating feel both effortless and enjoyable. Try it once and it might just become a staple in your weekly menu.