Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with an inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes to make peeling easier.
Once the eggs are cool, gently crack the shells and peel them under cold running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped eggs into a medium mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder. For a smoother consistency, you can pulse the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor before mixing, though many people enjoy the slight texture it adds.
Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the chopped eggs. Add the chopped green onions or chives. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until the eggs are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the egg salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the seasonings to meld together. Before serving, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor.