Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes

I still remember the first time I made these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes. My kids were skeptical tuna cakes? With cottage cheese?

But one bite and they were hooked. Now, it’s a go-to dinner in our house. These delicious patties are protein-packed, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to whip up.

I love that they feel like a treat but are secretly good for everyone. Let me share why these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes deserve a spot in your weekly rotation.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will adore these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes for so many reasons. They come together in just 20 minutes. You need only a few simple ingredients.

They are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, they are low in carbs and high in protein. Each serving keeps you full and satisfied.

These Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes also freeze beautifully. Make a double batch for busy days. Your whole family will ask for these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes again and again.

Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes

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• Author: MEGAN
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings (2-3 patties per serving, 6 patties total) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free (if using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

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Description

These Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes are protein-packed, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to whip up. They come together in just 20 minutes, are low in carbs, high in protein, and freeze beautifully. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, they feel like a treat but are secretly good for everyone.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cans (5 oz each) Canned tuna (drained)
1/2 cup Cottage cheese (low-fat)
1 large Egg
1/4 cup Breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
2 tablespoons Olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Drain the tuna well. Flake it into a large bowl
2. Add cottage cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix
3. Shape the mixture into 6 equal patties
4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat
5. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side. Flip carefully. They should be golden brown and cooked through
6. Serve your Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes warm

Notes

Always drain the tuna completely to prevent patties from falling apart.

Chill the patties for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.

Use medium heat, not high, for a crispy exterior.

Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, use a skillet with a little oil, air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes, or microwave (texture will be softer).

For keto-friendly version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Can be baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Swap tuna with canned salmon if desired.

Add chopped dill, parsley, or grated zucchini for variations.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Pan-frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 patties (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: tuna cakes, cottage cheese, protein-packed, healthy, dinner, weeknight meal, low-carb, keto-friendly, freezer-friendly

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

Make these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes your own. Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds. Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier taste.

Add chopped dill or parsley for fresh flavor. Mix in some grated zucchini for extra veggies. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne. These Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes adapt perfectly to what you have on hand.

Customize these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes with easy swaps like gluten-free breadcrumbs or Greek yogurt. For another quick and high-protein meal, try these Easy Healthy Protein Waffles Recipe (With 45 Grams Protein).

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, drain your tuna well. Flake it into a large bowl. Add cottage cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything gently until combined. Do not overmix. Shape the mixture into 6 equal patties.

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side. Flip carefully.

They should be golden brown and cooked through. Serve your Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes warm. Enjoy every single bite of these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes.

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Always drain the tuna completely. Excess moisture makes the Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes fall apart. Chill the patties for 10 minutes before cooking.

This helps them hold their shape. Use medium heat, not high. Slow cooking ensures a crispy exterior.

Never overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. These Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes taste best right after cooking.

But they are still delicious reheated. Follow these tips for perfect Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes every time.

Don’t forget to drain the tuna well and chill the patties to keep your Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes from falling apart. If you love seafood, you’ll also enjoy these Healthy Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa for a fresh and flavorful meal.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

Store leftover Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes in an airtight container. They keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them.

Place patties on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag.

They last for 2 months. Reheat in a skillet with a little oil. Or pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.

The microwave works too, but the texture is softer. Your Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes will taste fresh and delicious.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

Pair these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes with a crisp green salad. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness. Serve them with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Use them in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb meal. They also go great with a side of quinoa or couscous. Try them with a dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt.

These Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes fit into so many meals. Find your favorite combination and enjoy.

Pair your Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes with a green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. For a different twist, check out this Healthy Mexican Breakfast that pairs well with these cakes.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?

Absolutely. Swap tuna with equal amounts of canned salmon. The Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes turn out just as tasty.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Drain the tuna well. Chill the patties before cooking. Use enough breadcrumbs to bind everything. These steps ensure your Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes stay intact.

Are these Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes keto-friendly?

Yes. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. These Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes become low-carb and keto-approved.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Certainly. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway through. Your Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes will be golden and crisp.

How many servings does this recipe make?

It makes 6 medium patties. Usually 2-3 patties per serving. These Healthy Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes are satisfying and filling.

Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese curd product with a mild flavor, and tuna is a lean, high-protein fish often used in salads and patties. These cottage cheese tuna cakes combine both to create a nutritious and versatile meal option.

Nutrition Information (per serving)