Does cottage cheese taste good in tuna?

Yes—and especially when blended well. Cottage cheese brings a subtle creaminess and mild tang that pairs naturally with tuna, without overpowering it. In this recipe, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Greek yogurt balance the flavor further, making the cottage cheese nearly undetectable to many eaters. If you're skeptical, start with a small amount blended smooth—you’ll likely be surprised at how seamlessly it blends in.

Can cottage cheese substitute for mayonnaise?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese makes a smart, lower-fat substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad. When blended with Greek yogurt and a splash of lemon, it mimics the smooth, creamy consistency of mayo while cutting calories and boosting protein. It’s especially effective in cold salads like tuna, egg, or chicken salad, where richness is key but a lighter feel is welcome.

Can I sub cottage cheese for mayo in tuna salad?

Yes, and this recipe proves just how well it works. The key is blending the cottage cheese until smooth, so it doesn’t retain its curdy texture. Combined with Greek yogurt, it delivers a familiar creamy mouthfeel with tangy depth. It won’t taste exactly like mayo, but the flavor is clean, fresh, and protein-rich—perfect for anyone seeking a lighter alternative.

Which cheese goes with tuna salad?

While most tuna salads don’t traditionally include cheese, cottage cheese stands out as a unique exception. Its mildness and creaminess work beautifully with tuna. Other cheeses, like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese, are more often used in tuna melts or baked dishes. For cold tuna salads, cottage cheese is ideal because it adds smooth texture without clashing flavors.

Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad: 6 Smart, Delicious Upgrades

Description

Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a high-protein, low-fat spin on a classic. Creamy, satisfying, and ready in minutes—without any mayo.

Ingredients

7 oz canned tuna, drained
3.5 oz fat-free cottage cheese
4 oz fat-free Greek yogurt
Juice of half a lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, finely diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons diced pickles
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of ground black pepper

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Instructions

In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
In a medium bowl, add the drained tuna, diced celery, red onion, chives, and pickles.
Pour the blended dressing over the tuna mixture. Add salt and pepper.
Mix everything well until evenly combined.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.