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.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- Drain the tuna well. Flake it into a large bowl
- Add cottage cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix 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
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