Creamy Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad: High Protein & Easy Meal Prep (Print Version)
Creamy Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad offers a high-protein, low-carb meal prep solution. Enjoy this easy, healthy recipe for a satisfying lunch or snack.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 8 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly
# Ingredients:
→ The Protein Powerhouse Base
01 -
2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna in water, drained
02 -
1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (2% milkfat)
→ Creamy & Tangy Binders
03 -
1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
04 -
2 tbsp mayonnaise (regular or light)
05 -
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
06 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Crunchy & Fresh Add-ins
07 -
2 stalks celery, finely diced
08 -
1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
09 -
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
→ Flavor Boosters & Seasoning
10 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
11 -
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
13 -
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by thoroughly draining 2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna in water. Transfer the flaked tuna to a large mixing bowl. This forms the lean protein base for your Creamy Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad: High Protein & Easy Meal Prep.
02 -
In the same bowl, add 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Stir these creamy binders gently until just combined.
03 -
Incorporate the crunchy and fresh add-ins. Add 2 stalks finely diced celery, 1/4 cup finely minced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill to the tuna and creamy mixture. These ingredients provide essential texture and vibrant flavor.
04 -
Now, season your Creamy Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad: High Protein & Easy Meal Prep. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
05 -
Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can break down the cottage cheese too much. Ensure the seasonings and fresh elements are evenly distributed throughout.
06 -
For optimal flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate your Creamy Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad: High Protein & Easy Meal Prep for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it perfect for easy meal prep.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to customize with other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or pickles, or swap dill for fresh parsley or chives.
02 -
Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep throughout the week.
03 -
Enjoy this high-protein tuna salad in lettuce cups, on whole-grain crackers, as a sandwich filling, or scooped onto a bed of mixed greens for a light and satisfying meal.
04 -
For a smoother texture, you can lightly mash some of the cottage cheese with a fork before mixing, but leaving some curds intact adds a pleasant mouthfeel.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Mixing bowl
02 -
Can opener
03 -
Measuring cups
04 -
Measuring spoons
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Spatula or spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 8 g
Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
Protein: 27 g