Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Salad with Smoked Salmon & Avocado is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or snack. Combining creamy cottage cheese, rich smoked salmon, and buttery avocado creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

A white plate holds a neatly arranged dish with four main layers: the bottom layer is a thick spread of white cottage cheese with a slightly bumpy texture; on the left side, several thin slices of bright orange smoked salmon lie folded; at the top, a pile of small, pale green cucumber cubes; on the right side, slices of light green avocado with darker green edges are fanned out. In the center, a halved boiled egg with a firm white and bright yellow yolk is placed vertically. The dish is garnished with small chopped nuts and finely chopped green chives scattered evenly across the layers, with a drizzle of olive oil adding shine, all set on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 egg
1 cup cottage cheese
2-3 slices smoked salmon
2 tbsp chopped chives
1/2 avocado
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1 tbsp chopped almonds
1 tsp olive oil (or to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the egg to your liking—boiling for 7 minutes is recommended for a slightly soft center. Set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Place the cottage cheese in a serving plate or bowl as the base for your salad.
Step 3: Add the diced cucumber evenly over the cottage cheese.
Step 4: Slice or cube the avocado and arrange it on top of the salad.
Step 5: Lay the smoked salmon slices over the avocado and cottage cheese.
Step 6: Peel the boiled egg, then cut it in half or slice it according to your preference and add it to the salad.
Step 7: Sprinkle the chopped chives and chopped almonds over the entire salad for fresh flavor and crunch.
Step 8: Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy this light, satisfying dish!

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salad before serving.
Swap almonds for walnuts or pecans if preferred for a different nutty flavor.
If you don’t have smoked salmon, thinly sliced cooked salmon or smoked trout also work well.
Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of chives for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for best freshness. Avoid storing the avocado for too long as it may brown; add avocado just before serving if you plan to prepare components ahead. Leftovers are best eaten cold and can be enjoyed directly without reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with a base of creamy white cottage cheese, topped in three sections with diced light green cucumber pieces, thin bright orange slices of smoked salmon, and sliced ripe green avocado. On top of the cottage cheese in the middle are two halves of a hard-boiled egg with bright yellow yolks, sprinkled with chopped green chives and small nut pieces. Beside the bowl on a white marbled surface is a white plate with thin, bright orange smoked salmon slices, a wooden cutting board holding one whole dark green avocado and one half showing light green flesh and a brown seed, and small glass bowls containing green chopped herbs, sliced cucumber, and mixed nuts. A silver spoon rests on a folded white textured cloth near the bowl. Small green chives and nut crumbs are scattered around the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

This recipe relies on cottage cheese and egg, which are not vegan. However, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt or vegan cheese and omit the egg to create a vegan-friendly version.

Is smoked salmon safe to eat without cooking?

Yes, smoked salmon is cured and safe to eat as is, making it a convenient ingredient for quick salads and meals without the need for cooking.

Cottage Cheese Salad With Smoked Salmon & Avocado Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Salad with Smoked Salmon & Avocado is a fresh, protein-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or nutritious snack. Creamy cottage cheese pairs beautifully with rich smoked salmon, buttery avocado, crunchy cucumber, and a hint of toasted almonds, all brought together by a simple olive oil dressing.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: International
Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup diced cucumber

Protein & Toppings

1 egg
2–3 slices smoked salmon
1/2 avocado
2 tbsp chopped chives
1 tbsp chopped almonds

Dressing & Seasoning

1 tsp olive oil (or to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Cook the egg: Boil the egg for about 7 minutes for a slightly firm yolk, then cool and set aside.
Prepare the salad base: Spread the cottage cheese on a plate or in a bowl.
Add cucumber: Sprinkle the diced cucumber evenly over the cottage cheese for a refreshing crunch.
Slice avocado: Cut the avocado into slices or cubes and arrange them on top of the salad.
Layer smoked salmon: Place the smoked salmon slices over the avocado and cottage cheese base.
Add the egg: Cut the boiled egg in half or slice/chop as preferred, then add on top.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped chives and chopped almonds over the salad for flavor and texture.
Season: Drizzle the olive oil evenly and finish with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the best freshness and flavor.

Notes

You can cook the egg to your preferred doneness, whether soft, medium, or hard-boiled.
For extra crunch, lightly toast the almonds before chopping.
This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared ahead by storing components separately to avoid sogginess.
Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Use quality smoked salmon for the best flavor impact.

Keywords: cottage cheese salad, smoked salmon salad, avocado salad, healthy salad, protein salad, quick salad recipe