Dinner

Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Recipe

Bylina Carter January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad is a creamy, protein-packed twist on the classic tuna salad. It combines the tangy flavor of cottage cheese with fresh veggies and herbs for a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a simple snack with crackers.

A bowl with a white color and brown rim holds a chunky tuna salad made of creamy, light beige base mixed with pale green celery pieces and small bits of purple onion. On top, there are bright green sliced spring onions and small sprigs of fresh dill placed as garnish. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with chopped red onion pieces scattered near the top edge and a half-cut lemon with a bright yellow color in the top right corner. Nearby, some fresh dill sprigs and a beige knitted cloth are placed around the bowl. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 (5 oz.) cans white albacore tuna, drained well
1/3 to 1/2 cup cottage cheese (start with 1/3 cup for a drier salad)

1 stalk celery, minced
3 tbsp red onion, minced

2-3 tbsp dill or sweet pickles, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp lemon juice (more to taste)
1 garlic clove, finely minced or microplaned
2 tbsp fresh chives, parsley, or dill

1/4 tsp salt (more to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (more to taste)
Hot sauce (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Using a blender or immersion blender in a small container, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. You may also leave it with curds if you prefer more texture.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, blended cottage cheese, minced celery, red onion, pickles, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper. Add hot sauce to taste if desired, and mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Serve your cottage cheese tuna salad as a sandwich, with crackers, in a lettuce wrap, or any way you enjoy your tuna salad.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese completely; for a chunkier salad, leave some curds.
Swap the herbs for your favorites like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier salad.

Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.

Storage

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold and can be reheated slightly if preferred, though it’s typically served chilled.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a chunky mixture that has a creamy, pale beige base. Mixed throughout are small pieces of light green celery, purplish-red onion bits, and some fresh green herb flecks, creating a textured, speckled look. A white spoon is partially dipped into the mixture on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige textured cloth on the left and some green dill sprigs on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular tuna instead of albacore?

Yes, you can use any canned tuna variety, but white albacore tuna offers a milder flavor and firmer texture ideal for this salad.

Is cottage cheese necessary in this recipe?

Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise if you prefer, keeping in mind it will alter the texture and flavor.