Looking for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying lunch? This Cottage Cheese Salad with smoked salmon and avocado is packed with protein and healthy fats that fuel your body and delight your taste buds. The fresh cucumber and creamy avocado perfectly complement the smoky richness of the salmon, making every bite a refreshing experience.
Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is ideal for busy days when you want something wholesome yet effortless. Whether at home or on the go, it keeps you full and energized without the guilt.
- High-protein combination to keep you full and satisfied for hours.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy lunches or light dinners.
- Fresh and creamy textures with healthy fats from avocado and almonds.
- Rich in omega-3s thanks to smoked salmon, supporting heart health.
Ingredients
- Egg: One large egg boiled to preference brings protein and a creamy yolk texture to the salad.
- Cottage Cheese: One cup of creamy, low-fat cottage cheese serves as the protein-rich base.
- Smoked Salmon: 2 to 3 thin slices add a smoky, savory flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Chives: Two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives provide a mild onion flavor and bright green color.
- Avocado: Half an avocado sliced offers creamy texture and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Cucumber: Half a cup of diced cucumber adds refreshing crunch and hydration.
- Almonds: One tablespoon of chopped almonds gives a pleasant nutty crunch and boosts healthy fats.
- Olive Oil: One teaspoon, or to taste, of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor with subtle richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to balance and elevate all the salad’s flavors.
Instructions
- Cook the Egg
Boil the egg for about 7 minutes for a slightly soft, creamy yolk. Cooking time can be adjusted to your liking. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly before peeling.
- Arrange Cottage Cheese Base
Place the cottage cheese on your serving plate or bowl as the salad’s foundation. Its creamy texture complements the other ingredients and provides a hearty protein base.
- Add Cucumber Cubes
Scatter the diced cucumber evenly over the cottage cheese. This adds a refreshing crunch and moisture to balance the richer elements.
- Prepare and Add Avocado
Slice or cube the avocado and arrange it over the salad. Avocado provides a luxuriously creamy texture and healthy fats that enhance satiety and flavor.
- Layer Smoked Salmon
Lay the smoked salmon slices atop the salad. Its smoky and savory notes build complexity and pair beautifully with the mild cottage cheese and fresh vegetables.
- Slice and Add the Egg
Cut the boiled egg in half or slice it according to preference and place it on the salad. The rich yolk adds a luscious creaminess and extra protein.
- Garnish with Chives and Almonds
Sprinkle chopped chives and almonds over the salad. These toppings add color, freshness, and a contrasting crunchy texture for an enjoyable bite.
- Season and Dress
Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. The olive oil enhances flavor richness and helps meld all ingredients harmoniously.
- Serve Immediately
This salad is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the creamy textures and vibrant flavors. Serve right away for the optimal taste experience.
- For a lower sodium option, use unsalted smoked salmon and adjust salt accordingly.
- Boiling the egg precisely ensures your preferred yolk consistency.
- Choose ripe but firm avocado to avoid mushiness in the salad.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for freshness. The avocado may brown slightly, so sprinkling with lemon juice can help delay oxidation.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain bread or crisp crackers for added texture. A fresh lemonade or iced tea complements the meal well on warm days.
- Slice the smoked salmon against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Gently fold the avocado in last to keep its shape and prevent browning before serving.
- Using freshly chopped chives instead of dried adds a vibrant, fresh onion flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta or Greek yogurt could be alternatives, but cottage cheese offers a unique texture and protein content ideal for this salad.
- Is smoked salmon safe to eat without cooking?
Smoked salmon is pre-cooked through the smoking process and safe to eat as is, making it perfect for quick salads.
- How do I keep avocado from browning?
Squeeze fresh lemon juice on avocado slices to delay browning, and prepare the salad just before serving for best results.
- Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It’s best prepared fresh. If needed, prepare ingredients separately and combine just before eating to maintain freshness.
- What can I substitute for almonds if allergic?
Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunchy texture without nuts.
- Is this salad suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, it is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, making it ideal for low-carb or keto diets.
- Can I add greens to this salad?
Absolutely. Baby spinach or arugula work well and add extra nutrients without overwhelming the flavors.
Cottage Cheese Salad with Salmon
Equipment
- 1 pot for boiling egg
- 1 Knife for slicing ingredients
- 1 plate or bowl for assembling salad
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2-3 slices smoked salmon
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the egg for about 7 minutes or cook to your preferred doneness. Set aside to cool.
- Place the cottage cheese in a bowl or plate as the base of the salad.
- Add the diced cucumber over the cottage cheese.
- Slice or cube the avocado and arrange it on top of the salad.
- Lay the smoked salmon slices over the salad ingredients.
- Cut the boiled egg in half or chop it, then add it to the salad.
- Sprinkle chopped chives and almonds evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Boil the egg to your liking for preferred texture.
- Use fresh chives and almonds for best flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 1 day.
- For variation, add lemon juice or dill for extra freshness.
