Egg Salad Recipe

Egg salad is a timeless classic that brings comfort and flavor with every bite. This creamy dish combines perfectly boiled eggs with a variety of seasonings and fresh herbs, making it ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish. The beauty of an egg salad lies in its simplicity – just a few ingredients create a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a picnic dish, egg salad ticks all the boxes. The creamy texture, combined with the subtle crunch of red onion and the freshness from parsley and chives, makes for a delightful experience. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to elevate the classic egg salad to a new level of deliciousness with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This egg salad recipe offers the perfect balance of rich, creamy texture and refreshing flavor from fresh herbs and tangy mustard. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to your liking. The combination of eggs with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard gives it a creamy, savory flavor that’s further enhanced by the brightness of lemon juice and the freshness of parsley and chives. It’s a versatile dish that can be used for sandwiches, wraps, or served alongside fresh vegetables or a salad. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare in advance for meal prepping or for a crowd-pleasing snack.

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Ingredients

• Eggs
• Red onion, finely diced
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Parsley, finely diced
• Chives, finely diced
• Lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Variations

Egg salad is a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

• Avocado Egg Salad: Mash a ripe avocado into the mixture for added creaminess and a subtle richness.
• Greek-Style Egg Salad: Add a few tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Egg Salad: Stir in a little sriracha or hot sauce to give your egg salad a kick.
• Vegan Egg Salad: Swap out the eggs for tofu or chickpeas and use a vegan mayo substitute to make this dish plant-based.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Start by placing the eggs in a saucepan and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water begins to boil, lower the heat and let the eggs simmer for 10 minutes to hard boil them. Afterward, transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Peel and Chop the Eggs

Once the eggs have cooled, peel them and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped eggs in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

Finely dice the red onion, parsley, and chives, then add them to the eggs. Season the mixture with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Step 4: Mix in the Mayonnaise and Mustard

Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the egg and herb mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your egg salad is fully mixed and seasoned, it’s ready to serve. You can enjoy it immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Perfectly boiled eggs: For the best texture, make sure the eggs are not overcooked. Ten minutes of simmering usually results in hard yolks and firm whites. If you prefer a slightly softer yolk, reduce the cooking time to 8 minutes.
• Customize the texture: If you prefer a chunkier egg salad, be sure to chop the eggs roughly. For a smoother texture, mash the eggs more finely.
• Chill the salad: Letting the egg salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.

How to Serve

Egg salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• On bread: Make a classic egg salad sandwich using your favorite bread, such as whole grain or white bread.
• With crackers: Spoon the egg salad onto crackers for a light, crunchy snack.
• In a wrap: Spread egg salad onto a tortilla, then wrap it up for an easy lunch or snack.
• As a side dish: Serve egg salad alongside fresh greens, cucumber slices, or a light salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Egg salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, consume it within the first 2 days.

Freezing

Egg salad is not ideal for freezing because the mayonnaise and eggs can change in texture when thawed, making it watery and less appealing.

Reheating

Egg salad is typically served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I make egg salad without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a different texture and flavor.

2. How long do I need to cook the eggs for perfect hard-boiled eggs?

Boil the eggs for about 10 minutes to achieve a firm, fully-cooked yolk.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the egg salad?

Yes, feel free to add diced celery, bell peppers, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.

4. Can I make egg salad ahead of time?

Yes, egg salad can be made a day in advance. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld.

5. Is egg salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.

6. Can I use different herbs in egg salad?

Absolutely! You can swap the parsley and chives for dill, tarragon, or any herb you prefer.

7. How can I make my egg salad creamier?

Add more mayonnaise or a little bit of sour cream to increase the creaminess of the salad.

8. Can I add bacon to egg salad?

Yes, crumbled bacon can be a great addition for added flavor and crunch.

9. What is the best way to peel boiled eggs?

To make peeling easier, crack the eggs and roll them gently to loosen the shell, then peel under cold running water.

10. Can I use low-fat mayo in this recipe?

Yes, low-fat mayonnaise can be used for a lighter version of this egg salad.

Conclusion

Egg salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways, whether you’re preparing it for a quick meal, a picnic, or a side dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful salad that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs, vegetables, and seasonings to make it your own. Enjoy it fresh, or make it ahead for a convenient, tasty meal throughout the week.

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