Tuna And Cottage Cheese Salad
A light, creamy tuna and cottage cheese salad with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or appetizer served on greens or cabbage leaves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the tuna and flake it into a bowl.
- Combine the flaked tuna with cottage cheese, salt, lemon juice, grated raw carrot, chopped chives, and sliced stuffed olives.
- Add a small amount of French dressing or mayonnaise if desired and mix well.
- Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator.
- Heap the salad into cabbage leaves or salad greens to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cottage cheese or adding a dollop of Greek yogurt. If you prefer a bit of crunch, finely diced celery or bell peppers can be great substitutes for carrots. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with herbs like dill or parsley, which can enhance the flavor. This salad can also be served as a filling for pita bread or as part of a seafood recipes spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of whole grain crackers or a light green salad. For an elegant twist, consider serving it in halved avocados or as a filling for lettuce wraps. This dish makes a perfect addition to a summer picnic or a light lunch spread alongside the Elegant Crab Appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together over time, making it even tastier. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, but avoid overheating as it may alter the texture of the cottage cheese. It's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna And Cottage Cheese Salad contains roughly 257 calories, with 11g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Yes, using canned tuna in oil will add more flavor and richness to the dish. Just be mindful of the extra calories and fat content. If you do use oil-packed tuna, you may want to reduce the amount of added dressing to balance it out.
What can I substitute for chives?
If you don't have chives on hand, finely chopped green onions or shallots can be a great alternative. They will provide a similar onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients, keeping the salad light and refreshing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the salad's freshness and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).