Description
This High Protein Tuna Spread, also known as Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad, is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip. Combining canned tuna with cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices, this recipe offers a great balance of protein and taste with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Protein Components
- 7 oz canned tuna (5 oz drained)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper (finely diced, about 1/2 pepper)
- 1 green onion (or scallion, finely sliced)
- 1-2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
Condiments and Spices
- 3 tbsp mayo (avocado oil mayo preferred)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Place eggs in boiling water and cook for 9 minutes. Then, drain and transfer eggs into a bowl of icy cold water to cool. Once cooled, peel and set aside.
- Prepare vegetables and herbs: While eggs are boiling, finely dice the red bell pepper, thinly slice the green onions, and chop the fresh dill weed.
- Drain tuna: Open the can of tuna and drain the excess water or oil thoroughly using a sieve.
- Grate eggs: Use a cheese grater to grate the peeled hard-boiled eggs into a medium bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add cottage cheese, diced red bell pepper, mayo, dijon mustard, tomato paste, chopped dill, sliced green onions, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the bowl with grated eggs.
- Mix thoroughly: Mix all ingredients well using a fork, mashing the mixture slightly into a spreadable paste.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more mayo or softened cream cheese if you prefer a creamier texture.
Notes
- Note 1: The 7 oz canned tuna contains approximately 5 oz when drained, which is used in the recipe.
- Note 2: Using a fork to mash the mixture helps achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency without the need for a blender.
- Optional: For extra creaminess, softened cream cheese can be added as per taste.
