Egg Salad Recipe

This Egg Salad Recipe is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a brunch, or simply need a quick lunch, this creamy and flavorful egg salad fits the bill. It’s incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients and can be served in various ways—on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or even on toasted bread topped with creamy avocado. Plus, it’s great for meal prep as it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious dish ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, or atop mixed greens, making it suitable for any meal of the day.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from eggs and made creamy with Greek yogurt, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare in advance and store it for busy days; it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust seasoning and add your favorite herbs to create a flavor profile that suits your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your egg salad preparation smooth and efficient, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Medium saucepan: Essential for boiling the eggs to achieve that perfect hard-boiled texture.
• Slotted spoon or metal strainer: Helps gently lower the eggs into boiling water without cracking them.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all your ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy chopping of eggs and vegetables.

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 or pot with enough water so that it will cover the eggs by ¾ to 1 inch when you add them (do not add the eggs yet). Heat over high heat until the water comes to a rolling boil. Then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Very gently lower the eggs into the water using a slotted spoon or metal strainer. Immediately increase the heat so that the pot returns to a gentle rolling boil. Boil the eggs for 14 minutes while adjusting heat as needed.

Step 2: Ice Bath

Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl filled with ice water. Let them sit for 5 minutes. This helps stop cooking and makes peeling easier.

Step 3: Chop Eggs

Peel the cooled eggs under running water if desired. Coarsely chop them and place them in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add your choice of plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, chopped red onion, chives, salt, and pepper to the bowl with eggs. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Taste Test

Taste your egg salad and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer it creamier, stir in more yogurt or mayo until satisfied.

Step 6: Serve

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

How to Serve Egg Salad Recipe

Egg salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it in a sandwich, on its own, or wrapped in lettuce, there are plenty of delicious options to suit your taste.

In a Sandwich

• A classic choice, serve the egg salad between two slices of whole grain or white bread for a hearty meal.

Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce to wrap the egg salad for a low-carb, fresh option.

On Toasted Bread

• Spread the egg salad on toasted bread and top it with sliced avocado for added creaminess and flavor.

With Crackers

• Serve the egg salad on whole-grain crackers for a crunchy snack that’s perfect for parties or picnics.

Over Mixed Greens

• Place the egg salad over a bed of mixed greens for a light and healthy lunch option.

As a Snack

• Enjoy it by itself as a quick and protein-packed snack anytime during the day.

How to Perfect Egg Salad Recipe

Creating the perfect egg salad takes just a few tips to enhance its flavor and texture. Follow these suggestions for an egg salad that everyone will love.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and herbs will elevate the overall taste of your dish.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste your egg salad before serving; don’t hesitate to tweak the salt, pepper, or mustard levels based on your preference.
• Chill before serving: Allowing your egg salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor variation.
• Choose your base wisely: Whether you opt for Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, pick one that suits your dietary needs while complementing the eggs.

Best Side Dishes for Egg Salad Recipe

Egg salad pairs well with many side dishes that enhance its creamy texture. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks provide a refreshing crunch alongside your egg salad.
2. Potato Chips: A classic side; their salty crispness contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the egg salad.
3. Pickles: Dill or bread-and-butter pickles offer a tangy bite that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
4. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit mix provides balance to the savory notes of the egg salad, making it a refreshing addition.
5. Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds texture while also providing a zesty flavor contrast.
6. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can round out your meal, offering another layer of taste and heartiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making egg salad is simple, but small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.

• Boldly Overcooking the Eggs: Cooking eggs for too long can lead to a rubbery texture. Stick to boiling them for exactly 14 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
• Ignoring Texture Balance: Not adding enough creamy ingredients can leave your egg salad dry. Adjust the amount of yogurt or mayonnaise until you achieve your desired creaminess.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can make your egg salad bland. Always sample your mixture and add salt, pepper, or chives as needed.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Serving egg salad immediately can affect its flavor. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.
• Using Old Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial for the best flavor and texture. Always check your eggs’ freshness before cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label with a date to track freshness.

Freezing Egg Salad Recipe

• It’s not recommended to freeze egg salad due to texture changes.
• If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating Egg Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a pan, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve an Egg Salad Recipe?

The egg salad can be served in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or on toasted bread with avocado.

How long does homemade Egg Salad Recipe last?

Homemade egg salad lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Egg Salad Recipe?

Yes! You can add ingredients like diced celery, pickles, or even spices like paprika for extra flavor.

Is this Egg Salad Recipe healthy?

With Greek yogurt as a base, this egg salad is lower in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy choice.

Conclusion

This classic egg salad recipe is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile enough for any meal. Customize it with your favorite herbs or vegetables for added flair! Don’t hesitate—try making this easy dish today!

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