High Protein Tuna Spread (Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad) Recipe
This High Protein Tuna Spread is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious salad made with cottage cheese, canned tuna, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices. Perfect as a snack, sandwich filling, or dip, it combines the rich protein of tuna and eggs with the tangy creaminess of cottage cheese and mayo. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and ideal for anyone seeking a wholesome, high-protein meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Spread / Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 7 oz canned tuna (5 oz drained)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced (about 1/2 pepper)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 green onion (or scallion), finely sliced
- 1–2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a pot of boiling water and cook for 9 minutes. Drain the hot water and transfer the eggs into a bowl of icy cold water to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs and set them aside.
- Prepare Vegetables and Herbs: While the eggs are boiling, finely dice the red bell pepper, slice the green onions thinly, and chop the fresh dill weed. This prepping makes mixing easier later on.
- Drain the Tuna: Open the can of tuna and drain it using a sieve to remove excess water or oil. This ensures the spread isn’t watery and has a good texture.
- Grate the Eggs: Using a cheese grater, grate the peeled hard-boiled eggs into a medium mixing bowl. This process breaks the eggs into small pieces for better integration.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add cottage cheese, diced red pepper, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, chopped dill, green onions, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the grated eggs in the bowl.
- Mix into a Spread: Using a fork, mix all ingredients thoroughly while mashing them into a creamy paste. This combination builds the signature texture and flavor of the spread.
- Adjust Seasoning & Texture: Taste the spread and adjust seasoning as needed. For creamier texture, add more mayonnaise or softened cream cheese depending on your preference.
Notes
- The advertised weight for canned tuna includes liquid; once drained, you will have about 5 oz of tuna meat.
- Grating the hard-boiled eggs helps create a smoother, more cohesive spread rather than chunkier pieces.
- This spread can be served chilled or at room temperature and goes well on crackers, bread, or as a dip for veggies.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayo.
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