When It Comes to the Best Egg Salad Recipe, Simple and Classic Is The Tastiest Choice
Egg Salad
When it comes to a delicious salad for a sandwich, there are the classics: chicken salad, tuna salad and of course, egg salad. Every family seems to have their own version of each, and generation after generation continues to make it the exact same way. For our family, egg salad is actually called "egg and olive salad," because my grandma made it with lots of green olives, as does my mom, and it is hands down my favorite. But I enjoy a traditional egg salad sandwich too, and if you're in need of some new lunch ideas, or want to switch up your next soup and sammy combo for an easy supper, this classic egg salad recipe is exactly what you're looking for.
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Best Egg Salad Recipe
The best egg salad recipe should only have a few ingredients. Chopped eggs in a mayonnaise based dressing with salt and pepper. From there the variations are endless to making it something all your own. This classic version is as simple as it gets, but oh-so tasty!
How To Boil Eggs Perfectly
Ask anyone how they hard boil eggs and each will have their favorite tip or trick. For me, it's very simple. Put the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, at least 1-2 inches above, and heat on high until boiling. Turn off the heat, cover and in 10-12 minutes you will have perfectly boiled eggs.
Some say adding vinegar to the water will help the whites not to run if the eggs crack. Others swear baking soda in the water will help them to peel easier.
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I will tell you I have always found (and evidently so have others because I discovered many internet articles saying the same thing) older eggs peel easier than fresh ones. Apparently this is because the egg white shrinks, leaving more space between the white and the shell. I always try to chose eggs that are 1-2 weeks old when boiling them. I will even buy them ahead of time if I know I will be making deviled eggs.
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Best Egg Salad Recipe Variations
As I mentioned above, my go-to egg salad recipe has a ton of sliced green olives in it. Other favorite veggies I've seen added are finely chopped onion and celery, which add flavor and crunch. Chopped pickles or relish seem to be popular in egg salad too, but be careful to drain them well so they don't add too much moisture.
I always use yellow mustard in my egg salad, but Dijon would add even more flavor. If you like things a little spicy, a dash of hot sauce can give it a real kick too. Once you master a basic recipe like this, it becomes a template for you to build on with anything you can think of.
How Long Does Egg Salad Last?
You can keep a batch of egg salad in a covered dish in the fridge for 2-3 days at most. Stir well with each serving because it will have extra moisture the longer it sits. If you love picnics like we do, be sure to use a cooler to transport these sandwiches, not just a picnic basket!
Egg Salad Recipe Ingredients
Making your perfect egg salad doesn't get much easier than this!
Krista Marshall
Hard boiled eggs
Mayonnaise
Yellow mustard
Salt
Pepper
How To Make Egg Salad
1. In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper.
Krista Marshall
2. Coarsely chop the eggs. Use a board scrape to transfer them to medium bowl.
Krista Marshall
3. Mix chopped eggs with the dressing. Combine well, but gently. Chill for 1 hour before serving. (This isn't absolutely vital, but I do think it has better flavor after sitting for a bit.) Serve on good sandwich bread, toast, croissants, with crackers, etc.
Krista Marshall
If I am serving this to others, I like to garnish with a little parsley for color. I set out the bowl of egg salad along with bread, crackers and sandwich toppings, so everyone can build their perfect bite. If you have been craving the perfect egg salad, I just know this classic, simple version will really hit the spot!
Tips For Your Best Egg Salad
To perfectly hard boil eggs, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, cover and turn off heat. In 10-12 minutes the eggs will be just right.
Miracle Whip or Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise.
Optional add ins: celery, onion, green olives, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, dill.
Older eggs tend to peel easier than fresh.
Serve with good sandwich bread that is a little thicker, such as "artisanal."
This is the perfect amount for about 4-6 sandwiches. The recipe is easily doubled or even tripled.
What To Serve With Egg Salad:
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Classic Egg Salad
Ingredients
6-7 hard boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper.
Add chopped eggs and dressing to a medium bowl.
Mix well, but gently.
Chill for 1 hour.
Serve on good quality sandwich bread, toast, croissants, toast, bagels, or with crackers.
