Veggie Platter with Tuna and Cottage Cheese Salad

Fresh, protein-packed veggie platter with tuna and cottage cheese salad, eggs, and more—perfect for meal prep or quick, healthy lunches!

veggies platter with tuna and cottage cheese salad

Looking for a light, protein-rich meal that’s colorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together? This Veggie Platter with Tuna and Cottage Cheese Salad checks every box. It’s a creative spin on the classic tuna salad—using low-fat cottage cheese in place of extra mayo—for a creamy, nutrient-dense option that’s perfect for meal prep, sandwich spreads, or a no-cook dinner.

Inspired by popular TikTok make-it-yourself salad boards, this dish is a fresh and filling way to enjoy healthy fats, extra veggies, and over 25 grams of protein per serving. Whether you’re balancing a busy schedule or looking for a fun way to use up a can of tuna, this vibrant platter delivers both flavor and convenience.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in Protein: With tuna, cottage cheese, and eggs, this platter fuels your body with high-quality protein to support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Store each component separately in an airtight container, and you’ve got a healthy lunch ready to assemble throughout the week.
  • Loaded with Flavor: Thanks to the creamy tuna mixture, zesty Dijon vinaigrette, and colorful veggies like red onion, grape tomatoes, and green beans, every bite is full of contrast and freshness.
  • Easy to Customize: Add crunchy celery, black olives, or a half avocado for even more healthy fats and texture.

ingredients in tuna and cottage cheese salad recipe with veggies platter

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this cottage cheese tuna salad recipe so special:

Tuna Salad:

  • 1 can tuna – A pantry staple loaded with protein and omega-3s.
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese – Adds creaminess and calcium, while keeping the fat content lower than mayo.
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise – For classic flavor, but feel free to swap with plain Greek yogurt or use more cottage cheese in place of mayo.

Veggie Platter:

  • 2 cups lettuce – Your leafy base. Try romaine or spring mix.
  • 1 cup cooked green beans – Tender-crisp and satisfying.
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs – Boosts protein and brings a traditional tuna salad vibe.
  • 6 mini baked potatoes – Great source of fiber and complex carbs.
  • 1/4 red onion, sliced – Adds sharpness and crunch.
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced – Sweet, juicy, and colorful.
  • 1/2 cup cucumbers, diced – Refreshing and hydrating.

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil – Full of healthy fats.
  • 1 lemon, juiced – Adds acidity and brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Gives the dressing a punch of flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar – For a subtle tang.
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup – Balances the acidity with sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano – Adds herbal notes.
  • 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper – Brings out the flavors in the rest of your ingredients.

Optional add-ins: chopped green onions, dill pickles, red bell pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zip.


How to Make the Recipe

  • Make the Tuna Salad:
    In a small bowl, combine the can of tuna, cottage cheese, and mayonnaise. Stir well until creamy. Add a pinch of black pepper and any fresh herbs like dill or parsley if desired.
prepare tuna salad made with cottage cheese
  • Make the Dressing:
    In another small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, oregano, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
  • Assemble the Platter:
    On a large board or plate, layer lettuce to form a base. Arrange green beans, hard-boiled eggs, mini baked potatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and tuna mixture in sections.
  • Serve:
    Drizzle the dressing over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping. Pair with crunchy celery sticks or serve on toast for a heartier meal.

tuna and cottage cheese salad with veggies, eggs, and potatoes

How to Store the Recipe

To keep everything fresh and crisp:

  • Tuna salad: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be used as a sandwich or wrap filling for leftovers.
  • Chopped vegetables: Store separately in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
  • Dressing: Refrigerate in a jar for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use.

Keep wet and dry components separate until ready to eat to preserve texture.


Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use high-quality canned tuna: Look for one packed in water or olive oil for best flavor and nutrition.
  • Swap veggies: This is a great fridge-clear-out meal. Add red bell pepper, avocado, or swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli.
  • Roast the mini potatoes: Toss in olive oil and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes if you prefer crispy over baked.
  • Make it spicy: Add hot sauce to the dressing or a pinch of chili flakes to the tuna mix.
  • Double the batch: Make extra cottage cheese tuna salad and enjoy as a quick lunch on crackers, in a pita, or over a bed of greens.

This veggie platter with tuna and cottage cheese salad is one of our favorite ways to enjoy fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and protein-rich foods in a single dish. It’s an easy, nutritious option whether you’re meal prepping for the week or assembling a colorful platter for a quick dinner. Skip the traditional tuna salad and try this lightened-up, flavor-packed version—you’ll be hooked!


FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayo to lighten up the recipe and add extra protein.

What type of tuna should I use?

Opt for chunk light or albacore canned tuna in water. Tuna packed in oil will add more richness but also more fat.

Can I use this tuna salad in sandwiches?

Absolutely. It’s a great flavor spread for sandwiches, wraps, or even scooped into a lettuce cup.

Is cottage cheese a weird addition to tuna salad?

Not at all—it’s a healthy tuna salad twist that’s packed with protein and offers a creamy texture similar to mayo, but with more nutrients.

How can I make this meal more filling?

Add grains like quinoa or brown rice, a half avocado, or top with seeds for more staying power.

More Salad Recipes

veggies platter with tuna and cottage cheese salad

Veggie Platter with Tuna and Cottage Cheese Salad

Fresh, protein-packed veggie platter with cottage cheese tuna salad, eggs, and more—perfect for meal prep or quick, healthy lunches!
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Prep Time 45 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can tuna in water
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups lettuce
  • 1 cup green beans cooked
  • 2 eggs hard boiled
  • 6 small yukon gold potatoes baked or boiled
  • 1/4 red onion sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by making your tuna salad. In a small bowl, combine tuna, cottage cheese, and mayonnaise. Stir until well combined. 
  • Begin making dressing. In a small bowl combine lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk well. 
  • Next, assemble the salad platter by placing lettuce as the base, followed by green beans, hard-boiled eggs, baked potatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and tuna salad. 
  • Pour dressing over the drop of platter. Stir, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 10gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 407mgPotassium: 265mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cold salad, high protein, low carb, summer
Tried this recipe?Mention @confessionofadietitian or tag #confessionofadietitian!

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