Egg salad is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a protein-packed snack, or a light dinner option, this easy egg salad recipe fits the bill. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and delightful crunch, it’s a dish you can whip up in minutes and customize to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Egg Salad Recipe
Imagine biting into a sandwich filled with velvety egg salad, the perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, zesty mustard, and refreshing lemon juice. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also versatile enough to pair with bread, crackers, or fresh greens. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Easy Egg Salad
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed for this flavorful egg salad:
Ingredient | Quantity |
Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Hard boiled eggs | 8 large (diced) |
Celery (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
White onion (minced) | 2 tbsp |
Chives (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Sea salt | 1/2 tsp (to taste) |
Black pepper | 1/8 tsp (to taste) |
Paprika (optional) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs
- If you don’t have hard-boiled eggs ready, here’s how to make them:
- Place eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 9–12 minutes, depending on your desired yolk consistency.
- Transfer the eggs to an ice water bath for 10 minutes, then peel and dice them.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a medium or large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Ingredients
- Gently fold the diced eggs, celery, onion, and chives into the dressing. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the eggs too much.
4. Season to Taste
- Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the egg salad with a sprinkle of paprika and extra chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour for the flavors to meld together.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 Recipe) |
Calories | ~200 |
Total Fat | ~16g |
Saturated Fat | ~3g |
Cholesterol | ~190mg |
Sodium | ~300mg |
Total Carbohydrates | ~2g |
Protein | ~10g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice creates a creamy base with just the right amount of tanginess.
2. Perfect Texture
The diced eggs provide a soft, satisfying bite, while the celery and onion add a refreshing crunch.
3. Versatile and Customizable
This egg salad is a blank canvas—you can add spices, herbs, or even extra veggies to make it your own.
Tips for Making the Best Egg Salad
1. Use Fresh Eggs
Fresh eggs are easier to peel after boiling and taste better in the salad.
2. Don’t Overcook the Eggs
Overcooked eggs can result in a rubbery texture and a green ring around the yolk. Stick to the suggested cooking time for perfect results.
3. Chill Before Serving
Chilling the egg salad enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.
4. Experiment with Add-Ins
Try adding dill, parsley, or even a pinch of curry powder for a unique twist.
5. Serve in Creative Ways
Use the egg salad as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or stuffed into a halved avocado for a low-carb option.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings
- Sandwich: Serve between slices of your favorite bread or on a croissant.
- Wrap: Roll the egg salad in a tortilla with lettuce for an easy lunch.
- Crackers: Scoop onto crackers for a quick snack or appetizer.
Healthy Options
- Salad Bowl: Serve the egg salad over a bed of mixed greens.
- Cucumber Boats: Spoon into halved cucumber slices for a crunchy bite.
FAQs About Easy Egg Salad Recipe
1. How long does egg salad last?
Egg salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Can I make egg salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the salad a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Stir before serving.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely. Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative to mayo, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
4. Can I freeze egg salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the eggs and mayonnaise may change upon thawing.
5. What can I substitute for celery?
If you’re not a fan of celery, try diced pickles or bell peppers for a similar crunch.
6. How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
This recipe is already keto-friendly! Just pair it with low-carb options like lettuce wraps or avocado.
Why You Should Try This Easy Egg Salad Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up something for a last-minute gathering, egg salad is a reliable choice that never disappoints.
Ready to make this timeless dish? Gather your ingredients, boil those eggs, and dive into the creamy, satisfying world of egg salad. Your taste buds will thank you!
PrintEasy Egg Salad Recipe: A Classic Dish Perfect for Any Meal
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This easy egg salad recipe is a creamy, tangy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Ready in minutes, it’s versatile, protein-packed, and sure to become a favorite for quick meals and snacks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 large hard-boiled eggs, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp white onion, minced
- 2 tbsp chives, chopped
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Place eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 9–12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to an ice water bath for 10 minutes, then peel and dice.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gently fold the diced eggs, celery, onion, and chives into the dressing. Mix carefully.
- Season to Taste:
- Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with paprika and extra chives.
- Serve immediately or chill for an hour for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for better flavor and easier peeling.
- Avoid overcooking eggs to prevent a green ring around the yolk.
- Experiment with add-ins like dill, parsley, or curry powder for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salade
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American