Egg Salad Recipe

This Egg Salad Recipe is a timeless favorite that combines simplicity with rich flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, hosting a picnic, or looking for meal prep ideas, this creamy egg salad is versatile and satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in sandwiches, wraps, or atop greens. Its standout quality lies in the balance of taste and texture, ensuring every bite is deliciously enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal steps and ingredients, this egg salad comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days.
• Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, adding herbs or spices as desired.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from eggs and made creamy with Greek yogurt, this recipe is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on bread, in lettuce wraps, or as part of a salad; it’s delicious in any form.

Tools and Preparation

To make this egg salad recipe seamlessly, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need to create this dish effortlessly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Medium saucepan
• Slotted spoon or metal strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and chopping board

Why These Tools Matter

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for boiling eggs evenly while ensuring they stay submerged.
• Slotted spoon or metal strainer: Perfect for safely lowering eggs into boiling water and removing them once cooked.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
• Knife and chopping board: Essential for finely chopping onions and herbs, allowing for even distribution throughout your egg salad.

Ingredients

This is my favorite classic egg salad recipe! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so simple to make with just a handful of ingredients. Serve it in an egg salad sandwich, in lettuce wraps, over a bed of mixed greens or on toasted bread with avocado. This recipe is perfect for meal prep since you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the Egg Salad

• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

How to Make Egg Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook Eggs

Fill a medium saucepan with enough water so that it will cover the eggs by ¾ to 1 inch when you add them. Heat the water over high heat until it comes to a rolling boil. Then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil and carefully lower the eggs into the water using a slotted spoon or metal strainer. Adjust heat as necessary to keep a gentle rolling boil and cook the eggs for 14 minutes.

Step 2: Cool Eggs

Once cooked, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with ice water. Let them sit for about 5 minutes before peeling.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Salad Mixture

Coarsely chop the peeled eggs and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Add plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, chopped red onion, chives, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings

Taste your egg salad mixture and adjust seasonings if needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in more yogurt or mayo according to your liking.

Step 5: Serve as Desired

Serve your egg salad in sandwiches or wraps, on toasted bread topped with sliced avocado, in lettuce wraps, or however you like! Enjoy!

How to Serve Egg Salad Recipe

Egg salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, there are numerous serving options to suit your taste.

On Toasted Bread

• Enjoy your egg salad on toasted whole-grain or sourdough bread for a satisfying sandwich. Top it with fresh greens or sliced tomatoes for added flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a low-carb option, serve egg salad in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a delightful bite-sized snack.

With Avocado

• Spread egg salad on toasted bread and top with sliced avocado. This combination adds creaminess and healthy fats, making it both tasty and nutritious.

Over Mixed Greens

• Create a light salad by placing the egg salad over a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar for extra zest.

As a Snack

• Serve egg salad as a dip with vegetable sticks or crackers. This is perfect for gatherings or as an afternoon snack.

In Mini Sandwiches

• Make mini sandwiches using slider buns or small rolls filled with egg salad. These are great for parties or picnics.

How to Perfect Egg Salad Recipe

To ensure your egg salad is truly delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs not only taste better but also peel more easily after boiling.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer creamier egg salad, add more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise until you reach your desired consistency.
• Add flavor: Experiment with additional ingredients like diced pickles, celery, or spices to enhance the flavor profile of your egg salad.
• Let it chill: Allowing the egg salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes can help meld the flavors together.
• Season well: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper before serving to ensure optimal flavor.
• Keep it covered: Store leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Egg Salad Recipe

Egg salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its creamy texture. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

1. Crispy Potato Chips: The crunch of potato chips offers a delightful contrast to the smoothness of egg salad.
2. Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the richness of egg salad.
3. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and balances out the meal.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings sweetness to the table, making it an excellent side for lunch.
5. Pickles: Tangy pickles enhance the flavors of egg salad while providing a satisfying crunch.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can serve as a hearty side dish that complements the lighter flavors of egg salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect egg salad is easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using old eggs: Fresh eggs yield better results. Always check the expiration date and opt for recent purchases for optimal flavor and texture.
• Overcooking the eggs: Overcooked eggs can become rubbery. Stick to boiling them for exactly 14 minutes for a creamy texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: A bland egg salad is unappealing. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
• Skipping cooling time: Skipping the ice bath can make peeling difficult. Always cool the eggs immediately in ice water to make peeling easier.
• Not customizing flavors: Egg salad is versatile! Experiment with herbs or spices beyond chives for unique flavors that suit your taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Item: Store egg salad in an airtight container.
• Item: It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Item: Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor absorption.

Freezing Egg Salad Recipe

• Item: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
• Item: If necessary, consider freezing individual ingredients (like chopped onions) separately.

Reheating Egg Salad Recipe

• Oven: Not recommended; egg salad is best served cold.
• Microwave: If necessary, heat on low power in 10-15 second intervals until just warm, but be cautious not to cook further.
• Stovetop: Gently warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with this Egg Salad Recipe?

You can pair egg salad with toasted bread, lettuce wraps, or serve it on top of mixed greens for a healthy meal option.

Can I customize this Egg Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced celery, pickles, or different herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor and crunch.

How long does this Egg Salad Recipe last?

This egg salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use other types of mustard in this Egg Salad Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute Dijon with yellow mustard or even spicy brown mustard based on your flavor preference.

Is this Egg Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Just prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Conclusion

This classic egg salad recipe is creamy and flavorful, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich or as a refreshing salad on its own, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try and discover how simple yet delicious homemade egg salad can be!

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