This post may contain affiliate links and we will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. Thank you for supporting us!
Tuna salad just got an upgrade with this cottage cheese tuna salad! It’s packed with protein from the whipped cottage cheese. You won’t even miss the mayonnaise. It’s effortless to make with pantry staples, comes together in minutes, and has an extra boost of protein to keep you full and satisfied. This will be your new go-to classic tuna salad!
After sharing our cottage cheese chicken salad and cottage cheese egg salad, which were both reader-favorite high-protein recipes, we knew we had to create a version with tuna. This cottage cheese tuna salad is just as creamy and satisfying, and the whipped cottage cheese is truly a game-changer!
Why You Will Love This High-Protein Tuna Salad
- Extra Protein Boost: The whipped cottage cheese makes this tuna salad creamy and boosts the protein content.
- Classic Flavor: This cottage cheese tuna salad has all the flavors of classic tuna salad from the celery, onion, and pickle relish.
- No Mayo or Oil: There’s no mayonnaise or oil in this tuna salad recipe! It’s a delicious and healthy option.
- Quick & Easy: This tuna salad recipe comes together so quickly with just a handful of simple ingredients.
“I have to say that when it comes to tuna salad I am very particular. But I have to say my husband (whom I never thought would go for this recipe) ate it and said how good it was!! I agreed!! Delicious!! Thank you!! I won’t ever make my tuna salad any other way!”
– Sherry
Ingredients Needed
- Tuna: Use two cans of tuna packed in water, not oil. Drain the tuna before adding it to a bowl.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and flavor to this tuna salad.
- Onion: Add diced red onion for a sharp bite that balances the flavors.
- Cottage Cheese: Whipped cottage cheese is the creamy, high-protein base of the sauce for this tuna salad. Even if you’re not a fan of the texture of cottage cheese, you won’t notice it in this recipe since it’s blended until smooth.
- Pickle Relish: Add pickle relish to the sauce for the ultimate classic tuna salad taste!
- Seasonings: Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- The Best Cottage Cheese to Use: Use fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese to keep this recipe on the lighter side. Or, for an even creamier tuna salad, use full-fat cottage cheese. Any will work well in this recipe.
- Canned Tuna Options: Some great canned tuna options are albacore, tongol, yellowfin, or skipjack. We recommend using low-sodium canned tuna. For another delicious recipe with canned tuna, try our easy tuna burgers!
- What Pickle Relish to Use: You can either use sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish.
- Onion Swap: If you don’t like the flavor of red onion, use diced sweet, white, or brown onion instead. Or, use sliced green onions.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad
Step 1: Finely chop the celery and dice the onion. Next, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth, or use an immersion blender directly in the container. For tips, see our post on whipped cottage cheese.
Step 2: Drain the canned tuna. Then, flake the tuna into a large bowl.
Step 3: Add the celery and onion to the bowl with the tuna.
Step 4: Add the whipped cottage cheese, pickle relish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a separate bowl.
Then, mix until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the sauce into the bowl with the tuna mixture.
Mix to coat the tuna salad evenly.
Step 6: Serve immediately or chill the tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this cottage cheese tuna salad straight from the bowl, in a lettuce wrap, on toast, or with your favorite crackers. Our lavash crackers are great for dipping! For another option, turn it into a protein-packed sandwich with your favorite bread, a wrap, or serve it over a bed of greens. There are so many delicious ways to serve this tuna salad!
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Chill Tuna Salad: It’s best to let the tuna salad chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. This helps the flavors meld and gives it the perfect refreshing texture.
- Blend the Cottage Cheese Well: For the creamiest texture, make sure to whip the cottage cheese thoroughly. You can use a blender, food processor, or even an immersion blender directly in the container for easy cleanup.
- Make it Spicy: Add chopped seeded jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Storage Instructions
This cottage cheese tuna salad is absolutely perfect for meal prep. You can even make a double batch of this recipe to have more to enjoy later! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Don’t freeze this tuna salad as it will alter the texture of the cottage cheese and tuna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Taste The Cottage Cheese?
Not really! Once it’s whipped and mixed in, it gives the tuna salad a creamy texture without an overpowering flavor. It blends right in and allows the other flavors to shine.
Is It Necessary To Blend The Cottage Cheese?
Yes, it’s important to blend the cottage cheese for a smooth and creamy texture. Whipping it makes it taste more like a traditional mayo-based tuna salad and forms the creamy base of the sauce. You can use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender.
More Tuna Salad Recipes To Try!
- Healthy Tuna Salad
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad
- Cranberry Apple Tuna Salad
- Tuna Salad With Capers
- White Bean Tuna Salad
Also, check out our collection of cottage cheese recipes here on Healthy Foodie Girl.
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
COTTAGE CHEESE TUNA SALAD
Ingredients
- 2, 5-ounce cans of tuna, packed in water
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, whipped
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop the celery and dice the onion. Next, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth, or use an immersion blender directly in the container.
- Drain the canned tuna. Then, flake the tuna into a large bowl.
- Add the celery and onion to the bowl with the tuna.
- In a separate bowl, mix the whipped cottage cheese, pickle relish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the sauce into the bowl with the tuna mixture. Mix to evenly coat the tuna salad.
- Serve right away or chill the tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Video
Notes
- Cottage Cheese: Use fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese to keep this recipe on the lighter side. Or, for an even creamier tuna salad, use full-fat cottage cheese. Make sure to blend the cottage cheese.
- Canned Tuna Options: Some great canned tuna options are albacore, tongol, yellowfin, or skipjack. We recommend using low-sodium canned tuna.
- What Pickle Relish to Use: You can either use sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish.
- Onion Swap: If you don’t like the flavor of red onion, use diced sweet, white, or brown onion instead. Or, use sliced green onions.
- Storage: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the best healthy tuna salad made with cottage cheese! It’s a must try! Made with creamy cottage cheese, it’s packed with protein, flavor, and takes just minutes to make. Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a light, satisfying dinner. Say goodbye to boring tuna this version is a total game-changer!
Very creative recipe, I added shredded carrots and a bit of cayenne and loved it. Can’t believe what you can do with cottage cheese! Not sure if I got the whipped texture right but it worked.
Hi Valerie, I’m so happy to hear you loved the cottage cheese tuna salad! Your additions of shredded carrots and cayenne sound delicious! Isn’t it incredible what you can do with cottage cheese? As for the whipped texture, we just published a post on how to make whipped cottage cheese three ways for smooth and creamy results, hopefully that will be helpful next time!
I absolutely love this recipe! It is so versatile. You can change it up anyway you like. Sometimes I add egg. Sometimes I add bigger chunks of pickles or leave out the relish.It’s great for meal prep.
Hi Kim, I’m so happy to hear you love the cottage cheese tuna salad recipe! I love how you made it your own with different variations, it really is so versatile. Also, I’m glad you’re enjoying it for meal prep!
I have to say that when it comes to tuna salad I am very particular. But I have to say my husband (whom I never thought would go for this recipe) ate it and said how good it was!! I agreed!! We followed the above recipe using fat free cottage cheese and no sugar added
Sweet pickle relish. The recipe in WW app using those ingredients made it “zero-that’s right, zero point tuna salad!! Before I knew the points I wanted to make sure my husband would like it, so I added 2 Tbls of regular mayonaise which ended up making it just 2 points. Delicious!! Next time I will try it without the mayo. Brilliant!! Thank you!! I won’t ever make my tuna salad any other way! Guess what? 20 grams of protein and only 5 carbs☺️
Hi Sherry! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s awesome that your husband enjoyed the cottage cheese tuna salad, especially since you weren’t sure he would. Adding a little mayo makes total sense, and it’s great that it still stayed low in points. Thanks again for your kind words. I’m so happy you both enjoyed the tuna salad!
This is one of the easiest and healthiest tuna salad recipes! AND so delicious, packed with protein.
Hi Miyuki, that’s so wonderful to hear! I’m so glad you enjoyed the cottage cheese tuna salad! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!