This Perfect Egg Salad Recipe is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light lunch. Made with hard-boiled eggs, a touch of mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh herbs, this classic egg salad is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it on toasted bread, in a lettuce wrap, or on its own, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Egg Salad Recipe
- Creamy & Delicious: The combination of mayo and mustard gives the egg salad a rich, tangy flavor with a perfectly creamy texture.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this egg salad is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
- Customizable: You can easily add in your favorite ingredients like celery, herbs, or pickles for extra flavor and crunch.
- Perfect for Sandwiches: This egg salad is ideal for sandwiches, served on toasted bread or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Egg Salad
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Hard-boiled eggs are the star of this recipe. Cook them just right to ensure a creamy, smooth texture without being overcooked.
2. Mayonnaise
- Mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness to the egg salad. You can use regular or light mayo depending on your preference.
3. Mustard
- Dijon or yellow mustard adds a bit of tang and a slight sharpness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
4. Fresh Herbs
- Chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives add brightness and a fresh flavor to the egg salad.
5. Lemon Juice
- A little lemon juice enhances the flavor of the salad and adds a bit of acidity to balance the richness.
6. Seasonings
- A simple combination of salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle kick.
How to Make the Perfect Egg Salad
This easy egg salad recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Cook the Eggs
- Place 6 large eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and cover the pan. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel the eggs once cooled.
Step 2: Chop the Eggs
- Roughly chop the hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces. You can chop them finely for a smoother salad or leave them in larger chunks for more texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
- In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Eggs and Dressing
- Gently fold the chopped eggs into the dressing, being careful not to overmix. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the egg salad on toasted bread, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups for a lighter option. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Egg Salad
1. Perfectly Cook the Eggs
- To avoid overcooked eggs with a greenish yolk, use the boiling method where you remove the eggs from heat and let them sit in hot water for 10-12 minutes.
2. Use Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives add a pop of flavor and brightness to the egg salad. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
3. Don’t Overmix
- Gently fold the eggs into the dressing to avoid breaking them down too much and to maintain some texture.
4. Chill Before Serving
- For the best flavor, let the egg salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Crunch
- For extra texture, consider adding finely diced celery, pickles, or onions to the salad.
Recipe Variations
1. Avocado Egg Salad
- Replace half of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy, healthier twist.
2. Spicy Egg Salad
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
3. Greek Yogurt Egg Salad
- Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise to lighten up the recipe while keeping it creamy.
4. Bacon & Egg Salad
- Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the egg salad for a savory and smoky flavor.
5. Curried Egg Salad
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder to the dressing for a flavorful, exotic twist.
FAQs: Perfect Egg Salad
1. Can I Make Egg Salad Ahead of Time?
- Yes! Egg salad can be made up to a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a quick stir before serving.
2. How Long Does Egg Salad Last?
- Egg salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container.
3. Can I Freeze Egg Salad?
- It’s not recommended to freeze egg salad, as the texture of the eggs and mayonnaise can become watery and grainy once thawed.
4. How Can I Serve Egg Salad?
- Egg salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. You can also serve it on crackers for a quick snack.
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