Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition, you’re in for a treat with this Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe. I absolutely love how fresh and creamy it turns out—plus, it comes together in no time at all. Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a classy appetizer, this salad hits all the right notes. Trust me, keep reading because this recipe will become one of your go-tos sooner than you think!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When you shop for smoked salmon, try to pick a kind that’s flavorful but not overpowering—your salad will thank you!

• Egg: I usually go for a medium-boiled egg; it adds protein and a nice textural contrast.
• Cottage cheese: Use full-fat for creaminess, or low-fat if you want to keep things light—both work well.
• Smoked salmon: Choose good-quality slices with a delicate smoky flavor for the best taste.
• Chopped chives: These brighten the whole dish with a mild oniony kick.
• Avocado: A ripe but firm avocado gives buttery richness without mushiness.
• Diced cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
• Chopped almonds: Toast them lightly if you have time; it brings out their nuttiness.
• Olive oil: Just a drizzle for a bit of healthy fat and subtle flavor enhancement.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste to bring all the flavors together perfectly.

Variations

I love how flexible the Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe is—you can easily tweak it depending on what you have on hand or your mood. Experimenting with small changes keeps this salad fresh and exciting for me.

• Vegetarian option: Swap the smoked salmon for marinated grilled mushrooms or roasted beets—still delicious and hearty.
• Nut-free version: Leave out the almonds and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Extra herbs: Try adding dill or parsley alongside chives for an herbaceous note—my family goes crazy when I do this!
• Spice it up: A light sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes adds a surprising kick.

How to Make Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Egg to Perfection

First up, cook your egg just how you like it—I recommend boiling it for 7 minutes if you want that perfect slightly soft yolk. Once done, run it under cold water to stop the cooking and make peeling easier. This will add a wonderful protein boost and texture to your salad.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Take a plate or shallow bowl and scoop in the cottage cheese as your creamy base. Then sprinkle on the diced cucumber—it contributes such a refreshing crunch that really balances the richness.

Step 3: Add Avocado and Smoked Salmon

Slice the avocado into cubes or thin slices and arrange it over the salad. Next, artistically drape your smoked salmon slices on top. I love how the salmon’s delicate smoke flavor envelopes the mellow avocado and tangy cottage cheese.

Step 4: Finish with Egg, Herbs, Nuts, and Seasoning

Cut your boiled egg in half or slices and arrange them on the salad. Sprinkle the chopped chives and almonds generously for that fresh and crunchy hit. Drizzle olive oil over everything and season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve immediately and prepare to enjoy!

How to Serve Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish this salad with a sprinkle of extra chives or a little lemon zest for that unexpected zing. Sometimes I add capers for a briny pop, which my friends always rave about. These little garnishes bring the salad to life and make it feel special without much effort.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough bread or crispy rye crackers. If you’re serving it for lunch, a light vegetable soup or a crisp white wine makes it an elegant yet simple meal that feels like a treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this salad in individual glass bowls or on endive leaves as bite-sized appetizers. Once, I even layered the ingredients in a clear jar for a charming picnic picnic presentation—people loved unstacking the layers as they ate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since avocado browns quickly, I usually avoid making this salad too far ahead. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container, adding a little lemon juice on the avocado to slow browning. It’s best eaten within a day for optimal freshness.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the avocado and cottage cheese textures don’t freeze well and can become watery or mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you have leftovers, just bring it out of the fridge 10 minutes before eating for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe is a game-changer when you want something fresh, tasty, and elegant without fuss or fancy prep. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable and always impresses folks who try it. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do—go ahead and give it a whirl; your taste buds will thank you!

Print