Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a refreshing and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining creamy cottage cheese with tender tuna and crisp vegetables, it offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.

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 including cottage cheese, tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
- 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 mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the mixture.
- Step 6: Finely chop celery and red onion, then add them to the bowl.
- Step 7: Pour in lemon juice, then sprinkle in black pepper and salt.
- Step 8: Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until well combined.
- Step 9: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.
- Step 10: Transfer to a serving bowl or individual dishes and serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a fresher taste.
- Step 11: Enjoy your cottage cheese tuna salad as a side dish, snack, or light meal!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped pickles or bell peppers.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier flavor.
- Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the freshness.
- Serve on whole grain bread or crackers for a satisfying open-faced sandwich.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving. It is best enjoyed chilled but can be eaten at room temperature as well.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Cottage cheese works best for its creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese if preferred. Just keep in mind these will alter the taste and consistency.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a convenient option for quick meals during the week. Just store in a sealed container and give it a good stir before eating.
Print
Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a quick and healthy dish combining creamy cottage cheese with protein-rich tuna, complemented by crunchy celery and red onion for texture, and a tangy blend of Dijon mustard and lemon juice for a bright flavor. Perfect as a light meal, snack, or side dish, it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and requires no cooking.
Ingredients
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
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary items: cottage cheese, tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt to prepare your salad.
- Drain Tuna: Open the tuna can and thoroughly drain out the liquid to avoid sogginess in the salad.
- Combine Tuna and Cottage Cheese: Place the drained tuna in a medium bowl, then add the cottage cheese for a creamy base.
- Add Mayonnaise and Mustard: Mix in the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to enhance creaminess and add tangy flavor.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped celery and red onion to contribute crunch and sharpness.
- Season the Salad: Pour in lemon juice and season with black pepper and salt for brightness and balance.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients well using a spoon or spatula until the salad is evenly combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad and add more salt or pepper as preferred to suit your palate.
- Serve or Chill: Transfer the salad to serving bowls and enjoy immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors and cool the dish.
- Enjoy: Serve as a refreshing snack, light meal, or side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped pickles or nuts.
- Use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese and mayonnaise to reduce calories.
- This salad can be served on whole grain bread or in lettuce wraps for a more filling meal.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard or lemon juice according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cottage cheese tuna salad, tuna salad, healthy tuna salad, no-cook salad, quick lunch, creamy tuna salad

