If there’s one dish that never goes out of style, it’s a creamy, flavorful egg salad recipe. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch, packing sandwiches for a picnic, or looking for a protein-rich snack, egg salad is a timeless option. This humble dish combines simple ingredients—hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings—into something incredibly satisfying.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect egg salad recipe. From boiling eggs the right way to exploring variations like avocado egg salad or Greek yogurt egg salad, you’ll have all the inspiration to master this classic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Egg Salad Recipe
Egg salad isn’t just delicious—it’s versatile, affordable, and quick to make. Here are a few reasons why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:
- Simple ingredients – Most of the ingredients are pantry or fridge staples.
- Protein-packed – Eggs are full of protein, making this a filling meal.
- Budget-friendly – A dozen eggs goes a long way in feeding the family.
- Customizable – You can keep it classic or experiment with fresh herbs, spices, or add-ins.
- Great for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it for days.
Ingredients for the Perfect Egg Salad Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic egg salad:
- 6 large eggs – Hard-boiled to perfection.
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise – For creaminess. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy kick.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar – Brightens up the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped – Provides crunch.
- 2 tablespoons red onion or green onion, finely chopped – For extra flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional): dill, parsley, or chives
How to Boil Eggs for Egg Salad
The foundation of any egg salad recipe is perfectly cooked eggs. Overcooked eggs can turn rubbery with a grayish yolk, while undercooked eggs won’t mash well.
Here’s a foolproof method:
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water (about 1 inch above the eggs).
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the pot and remove it from the heat.
- Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10–12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to an ice bath immediately and let them cool for 5 minutes before peeling.
This method ensures easy-to-peel shells and bright yellow yolks.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Classic Egg Salad Recipe
- Peel and chop the eggs – Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.
- Mix the dressing – In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the crunch – Stir in celery and onion for texture.
- Combine everything – Fold in the chopped eggs gently until coated.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste and add more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed.
- Chill (optional) – Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
That’s it! Your egg salad is ready to be served on toast, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens.
Serving Ideas for Egg Salad
One of the best things about this egg salad recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:
- Egg Salad Sandwich – Serve between slices of soft white bread, multigrain, or rye. Add lettuce for freshness.
- On Crackers or Crostini – Makes a quick appetizer or snack.
- Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps – Use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes – Scoop egg salad into avocado halves or hollowed tomatoes.
- On a Bed of Greens – Turn it into a protein-rich salad bowl.
Variations of the Egg Salad Recipe
The classic version is always a winner, but you can easily switch things up depending on your taste:
- Avocado Egg Salad – Replace some mayo with mashed avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Greek Yogurt Egg Salad – Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Spicy Egg Salad – Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Curried Egg Salad – Mix in a teaspoon of curry powder for warm, earthy flavor.
- Bacon Egg Salad – Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch.
- Herbed Egg Salad – Fresh dill, parsley, or basil make the dish refreshing and aromatic.
Tips for the Best Egg Salad Recipe
- Use fresh eggs but not too fresh—slightly older eggs peel easier.
- Mash eggs to your preference – Some like chunky, others like smooth and creamy.
- Chill before serving – A short rest in the fridge deepens the flavors.
- Don’t overdo the mayo – Start with less and add more if needed.
- Store properly – Egg salad lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
This classic egg salad recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s the approximate breakdown for one serving (about ½ cup):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Salad
1. How long does egg salad last in the fridge?
Egg salad will stay fresh for 3 days if stored in an airtight container. Always refrigerate it promptly.
2. Can you freeze egg salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended since mayonnaise and boiled eggs don’t thaw well. The texture becomes watery.
3. How do you keep egg salad from getting watery?
Make sure eggs are fully cooled and dry before chopping. Also, add vegetables (like celery or onion) just before serving.
4. What bread goes best with egg salad?
Soft sandwich bread, croissants, rye, or multigrain bread work beautifully.
Why This is the Best Egg Salad Recipe
This recipe stands out because it balances creaminess, tang, and crunch. The mayo and mustard dressing coats the eggs without overwhelming them, while celery and onion add freshness. Plus, the endless variations ensure you’ll never get bored.
Whether you’re making a quick lunch for one or prepping sandwiches for a crowd, this is the egg salad recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of egg salad lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s comforting, filling, and endlessly adaptable. This egg salad recipe proves that classic recipes never go out of style.
So the next time you have a few hard-boiled eggs on hand, skip the store-bought spreads and make your own homemade egg salad. It’s fresher, tastier, and guaranteed to be a hit at the table.