Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad

Cottage cheese tuna salad has been my saving grace on days when I need something quick and satisfying and I want to keep it light and still feel full and energized after lunch. I remember one afternoon after a busy morning of errands I opened my fridge and saw a container of cottage cheese and a can of tuna and I thought why not mix them together with some crunchy veggies and fresh herbs and from that moment on this salad became my new lunchtime favorite and now I make it almost every week.

What I adore most is how this salad comes together in just minutes and it feels so refreshing and creamy without being heavy and the mix of flavors and textures keeps every bite interesting and delicious and it’s so colorful and inviting that I always feel happy just looking at my plate and it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good inside and out and keeps you going strong for the rest of the day.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I like to use for this salad. You can adjust it based on your taste!
• Tuna – The protein-packed main ingredient that makes this salad so filling.
• Cottage cheese – Adds creaminess and extra protein without heavy mayo.
• Celery – Brings a crisp, refreshing crunch.
• Red onion – Gives a sharp bite that brightens the whole dish.
• Bell pepper – Adds sweetness and extra color.
• Fresh parsley – Lends a herby freshness that ties everything together.
• Lemon juice – Lifts and balances all the flavors.
• Salt – Enhances every ingredient.
• Black pepper – Gives a gentle kick and depth.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To combine everything easily and evenly.
• Sharp knife – Essential for chopping veggies cleanly and quickly.
• Cutting board – A stable surface for all your chopping and dicing.
• Fork – Perfect for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients gently.
• Spoon – To serve and scoop the salad nicely onto your plate or into wraps.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by draining the tuna really well so the salad doesn’t end up watery.

Step 2

Next, I chop the celery, red onion, and bell pepper into small, even pieces so every bite has a bit of everything.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, I add the tuna and break it up with a fork, then I stir in the cottage cheese until it’s all creamy and combined.

Step 4

Then, I add the chopped veggies and fresh parsley to the bowl and squeeze in the lemon juice.

Step 5

I season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper and give it a final gentle stir to bring it all together.

Step 6

Finally, I like to chill the salad in the fridge for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Tips

If you want extra crunch, I recommend adding diced cucumbers or radishes. I also sometimes mix in a few spoonfuls of cooked quinoa for more texture and an extra protein boost. And if you like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes can really wake it up!

Ways to Serve

I love scooping this cottage cheese tuna salad onto crisp lettuce leaves for a light wrap or spreading it on whole grain toast for an easy open-faced sandwich. It’s also delicious stuffed into pita pockets or served as a topping for crackers when I want a quick snack. Sometimes I even enjoy it straight out of the bowl with a fork!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cottage cheese tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

How long does cottage cheese tuna salad last?

It stays fresh for about 2–3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Can I use different types of fish in cottage cheese tuna salad?

Definitely! You can swap tuna for canned salmon or even shredded cooked chicken for a fun variation.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this cottage cheese tuna salad and enjoy it as much as I do! It’s so easy to make and keeps you feeling full and happy, and I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment or share your photos with me! And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next quick lunch or meal prep idea.

Happy Cooking!

Print