Best Egg Salad Recipe

Flavorful Egg Salad Recipe Creamiest You’ll Love

Hey, making the best egg salad recipe doesn’t have to be complicated or boring!

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients come together with a dash of creativity.

Creamy eggs blend perfectly with crisp herbs and a zesty touch of seasoning.

Unexpected additions can turn a classic dish into something extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a memorable meal.

Summer picnics or quick lunch breaks become delightful moments with this delectable preparation.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible egg salad.

Egg Salad That Gets All the Rave Reviews

  • Tailor this egg salad to personal preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasoning levels for a personalized touch.
  • Whip up this recipe in just 20-30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
  • Transform simple ingredients into a satisfying lunch or light dinner that's ready in under half an hour, saving precious time during hectic days.
  • Enjoy as a sandwich filling, wrap stuffing, or fresh salad topping, offering multiple delicious ways to savor this classic dish.

Simple Ingredients for a Smooth and Tasty Spread

Main Protein:
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs are the star of this salad, providing rich protein and creamy texture. Large eggs work best for consistent results.
Dressing Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad together. Choose full-fat version for better flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy and sharp flavor complexity. Smooth variety recommended.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall taste and balances richness. Fresh is preferable over bottled.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt: Fundamental seasoning that elevates all ingredients. Use kosher or sea salt for best taste.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth. Freshly ground offers more robust flavor.
  • Celery: Introduces crisp texture and light peppery undertone. Fresh and crunchy stalks are ideal.
  • Red Onion: Brings sharp and zesty notes. Finely diced for even distribution.
  • Parsley or Dill: Fresh herbs that add herbal brightness and visual appeal. Either can be used based on preference.
Optional Garnish:
  • Paprika: Adds mild warmth and decorative red color. Sprinkle lightly for visual interest.

How to Prep and Serve Egg Salad Easily

Step 1: Boil Eggs to Perfection

Fill a pot with water and gently lower eggs into the pot. Let them simmer for about 10-12 minutes until perfectly cooked. Quickly transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Carefully peel the shells and chop the eggs into delightful little chunks.

Step 2: Create Creamy Flavor Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Creamy mayonnaise
  • Zesty Dijon mustard
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, tangy sauce.

Step 3: Mix and Fold Ingredients

Toss into the flavor base:
  • Chopped eggs
  • Crunchy celery
  • Diced red onion
  • Fresh chopped herbs

Gently fold everything together so each morsel gets coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for extra visual appeal and a hint of warmth. You can serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors dance together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spread this heavenly mixture on toast, stuff into a sandwich, wrap it up, or enjoy over crisp lettuce. Your egg salad adventure is ready to delight taste buds!

Tips for Texture and Rich Flavor

  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the egg salad for 20-30 minutes before serving to allow the seasonings to blend and develop a more intense, harmonious taste.
  • Customize Texture Brilliance: Adjust mayonnaise quantity to achieve your preferred creamy consistency, adding more for a smoother spread or less for a chunkier texture.
  • Boost Nutrition Smartly: Replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and increase protein content while maintaining a delicious, creamy base.
  • Elevate Freshness Factor: Chop herbs and vegetables just before mixing to preserve crisp textures and vibrant flavors in your egg salad.
  • Prevent Soggy Situations: If preparing in advance, store egg whites and dressing separately to maintain optimal crunchiness and prevent waterlogging.

Store Egg Salad Without Separation

  • Store egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Cover the container tightly to prevent the egg salad from absorbing other refrigerator odors and to maintain its original flavor.
  • Egg salad does not freeze well due to mayonnaise and eggs separating, which changes the texture and taste when thawed.
  • For best quality, consume egg salad cold. If slightly warmed is preferred, gently heat in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent uneven heating.

Delicious Pairings for Egg Salad

  • Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy egg salad richness, providing a refreshing citrus contrast that lightens the palate.
  • Choose rustic sourdough, hearty whole wheat, or delicate croissants as perfect carriers for this protein-packed spread, adding textural depth and complementary flavors.
  • Pair with a tangy cucumber salad or Mediterranean-style mixed greens featuring bright vinaigrette, which will balance the egg salad's creamy texture and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint.
  • Add quick-pickled radishes, cornichons, or spicy pickled peppers to introduce a sharp, acidic element that cuts through the mayonnaise-based mixture and adds exciting flavor complexity.

Flavor Swaps and Upgrades

  • Vegan Egg Salad: Replace eggs with mashed firm tofu, add turmeric for yellow color, use vegan mayonnaise, and include black salt for eggy flavor.
  • Low-Carb Protein Boost: Swap bread for lettuce wraps, increase chopped celery, add diced avocado for healthy fats, and sprinkle with hemp seeds.
  • Greek-Inspired Version: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and swap dill for fresh oregano for Mediterranean flair.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce for a zesty southwestern kick.

Egg Salad FAQ Help

  • Can I make egg salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare egg salad 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.

  • How do I prevent my eggs from cracking while boiling?

Add a splash of vinegar to the water and start with eggs at room temperature. Gently lower eggs into the water using a spoon to prevent sudden temperature changes.

  • What are the best ways to get perfectly peeled hard-boiled eggs?

After boiling, immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath. The quick temperature change helps separate the egg shell from the membrane, making peeling easier. Also, use slightly older eggs as they peel more cleanly than super fresh ones.

  • Can I customize this egg salad recipe?

Absolutely! You can add chopped pickles, swap herbs like chives or tarragon, or include a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. Experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

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Best Egg Salad Recipe

Best Egg Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic egg salad blends creamy, zesty flavors into a perfect sandwich filling for quick lunch cravings. Crisp celery, tangy mustard, and perfectly boiled eggs create a delightful midday meal sure to satisfy hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 6 large eggs (hard-boiled, peeled, and chopped)

Binding Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice

Vegetable and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (40 grams) celery (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh parsley or dill (chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) black pepper
  • Paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Immerse eggs in a pot of simmering water, allowing them to cook thoroughly for 10-12 minutes, ensuring a perfectly firm yolk throughout.
  2. Immediately transfer the cooked eggs into an ice bath, which rapidly halts the cooking process and prevents overcooking, creating a smooth texture.
  3. Carefully peel the cooled eggs, removing the shells completely and chopping them into precise, uniform small pieces.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, a hint of zesty lemon juice, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
  5. Gently fold the chopped eggs into the prepared dressing, ensuring each morsel is elegantly coated with the creamy mixture.
  6. Incorporate crisp, finely diced celery and subtle red onion, adding a delightful crunch and aromatic depth to the salad.
  7. Sprinkle fresh, finely chopped parsley or dill throughout the mixture, introducing a vibrant herbal note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  8. Optional: Dust the surface with a light sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color and subtle warmth.
  9. For optimal flavor development, refrigerate the egg salad for 20-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify.
  10. Serve as a versatile filling for sandwiches, a robust wrap component, or as a refreshing topping on a crisp bed of lettuce.

Notes

  • Prevent Overcooked Eggs by setting a timer and immediately transferring eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, ensuring a creamy, soft yolk.
  • Customize Texture by adjusting chopping size – smaller pieces create a smoother spread, while larger chunks provide more bite and rustic feel.
  • Boost Nutrition by swapping mayo with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that adds extra creaminess.
  • Make Ahead Friendly by storing egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 370 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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