Versatile and tasty, this egg salad recipe is that dish you need to try out. Perfect for a hearty egg salad sandwich, you can enjoy this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
What is Egg Salad?
Egg salad is a popular dish made using hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, often accompanied by a variety of mix-ins such as chopped celery, onions, and herbs, making it a versatile and delicious option for sandwiches, salads, and more.
If there’s another easy and delectable recipe that this egg salad brings to mind, it would be our vibrant, zesty Dijon Deviled Eggs, due to the shared tangy, robust, and delightful flavors they both possess.
Versatile
Egg salad is versatile. You can make it as simple or as fancy as you want, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover hard-boiled eggs from Easter or just when you’ve got a few too many in the fridge.
The base of any good egg salad is, of course, the eggs. Hard-boiled to perfection, you want to make sure they’re not overcooked so you avoid that unappetizing greenish tint around the yolk.
Mix-Ins and Seasonings To spice up your egg salad
This is where you can really let your creativity shine. The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:
- Crunch: Finely chopped celery, pickles, or even nuts can add a satisfying crunch to your egg salad.
- Tang: Capers, chopped olives, or a splash of pickle juice can bring some zesty acidity to the mix.
- Sweetness: Finely diced apple, raisins, or a touch of honey can add a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Protein: You can add bacon to your egg salad for more protein.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, chives, or tarragon can add a pop of color and freshness.
- Spice: A pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce can add a kick of heat for those who like it spicy.
Crafting Your Creamy Base
Here are some popular options:
- Classic: Combine your chopped eggs with mayonnaise and a splash of mustard for a traditional, creamy egg salad base.
- Healthy Twist: Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado to cut down on calories and add some extra nutrients.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of your favorite pesto, hummus, or even salad dressing to the mix for a unique and flavorful twist.
Ingredients for making Egg Salad
- Eggs – for this recipe, we use 8 large eggs
- Mayonnaise – you can use the regular or vegan, as desired.
- Dijon mustard – to add depth and tang to the taste of the egg salad
- Celery – adds in flavor and crunch to the recipe
- Red onion – this is just perfect for texture and flavor
- Herbs: Fresh chives, dill, or parsley
- Paprika – to give the egg salad that smoky flavor and pop of color
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Cayenne pepper – for a spicy kick. This is optional.
How to make egg salad
- Chop boiled eggs into small pieces with a knife or egg slicer.
- Mix the chopped eggs with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, fresh herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the egg salad on bread, crackers, or lettuce, or use it as a filling for wraps or stuffed vegetables.
Tips to note:
- Ensure to use fresh ingredients. This will make your meal a lot better.
- Use hard-boiled eggs. Detailed recipe for boiled eggs here.
- Don’t over-boil the eggs to prevent the yolk from forming a gray ring around it.
- Try not to over-mix the egg salad so you don’t get a mushy-looking salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I boil eggs for egg salad?
Hard-boiled eggs are the most common eggs used for egg salad. To make hard boiled eggs, place the eggs in a pot of boiling water and let the eggs cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove the eggs from the pot and transfer them to a bowl filled with cold water. Peel, dice, and use for your egg salad.
It is important to ensure that the eggs are cooked thoroughly and cooled properly before mixing with other ingredients.
What to eat egg salad with
When it comes to serving your egg salad, the sky’s the limit! Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Sandwich: Serve your egg salad between slices of crusty bread, a soft roll, or even a croissant for a timeless and satisfying meal.
- Salad Topper: Scoop a generous heap of egg salad onto a bed of greens for a protein-packed and delicious salad.
- Stuffed Veggies: Fill hollowed-out tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocado halves with egg salad for a fun and colorful presentation.
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon your egg salad into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb and refreshing alternative to bread.
- Crackers and chips: Serve your egg salad alongside crackers, sliced cucumber, or other veggies for a tasty and shareable appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How long does egg salad last?
Egg salad will usually keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. To ensure it stays fresh, store it in an airtight container and consume it within that timeframe.
How do I store Egg salad?
You should put the egg salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It is generally safe to store egg salad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it’s a good idea to check for any signs of spoilage, such as an unusual odor, texture, or color, or the presence of mold.
Avoid leaving egg salad at room temperature for too long, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness. If you have leftover egg salad that you can’t eat within a few days, you can freeze it in an airtight container for longer storage. However, keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor of the egg salad.
Other egg recipes you may like to explore:
- Bright, Punchy Dijon Deviled Eggs
- How to Boil Eggs On a Stovetop
- Traditional Scotch Eggs Recipe
- Scrambled Eggs and Potatoes Breakfast Muffins
- Breakfast Potatoes and Egg Stew
- Baked Plantain and Egg Frittata
The Best Egg Salad Recipe Ever!
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise regular or vegan
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives dill, or parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick – optional
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife or egg slicer, chop the eggs into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the chopped eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, fresh dill or parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. If desired, add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the egg salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the egg salad on your choice of bread, crackers, or lettuce leaves. Alternatively, use it as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, or even stuffed tomatoes or avocado halves.
Notes
- Ensure to use fresh ingredients. This will make your meal a lot better.
- Use hard boiled eggs
- Try not to over mix the egg salad so that you don’t get a mushy looking meal
- Sprinkle a little bit of lemon juice over the egg salad to keep it from browning.
Nutrition
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