Dive into the world of simple yet sublime flavors with the ultimate egg salad recipe. Perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, creamy mayonnaise, a hint of relish, and expert seasoning come together for a dish that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Plus, discover creative ways to customize and serve this classic!

The Ultimate Classic Egg Salad Recipe: Your Go-To Guide

There’s a reason classic egg salad has remained a beloved staple for generations: its comforting simplicity and versatile nature. In a culinary world often striving for complex creations, sometimes the most satisfying dishes are the ones that celebrate pure, unadulterated flavor. This recipe isn’t just “good”; it’s the benchmark for what truly exceptional egg salad should be – creamy, perfectly seasoned, and utterly delicious without a single unnecessary ingredient. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether you’re craving a quick lunch, preparing for a picnic, or needing a delightful filling for a special occasion.

Why This Is The Only Egg Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Need

My philosophy for the best egg salad is straightforward: keep it simple, focus on quality ingredients, and let the natural flavors shine. You don’t need exotic spices or a complicated list of components to achieve greatness. This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, creamy texture and a delightful taste profile that evokes nostalgia while satisfying modern palates. It’s robust enough to enjoy straight from the bowl, yet refined enough to be the star filling in delicate finger sandwiches, or provide a luxurious touch when nestled into a warm, flaky croissant. The magic lies in the harmony of its few, but essential, elements.

Mastering the Art of Hard-Boiled Eggs

The foundation of any great egg salad is, undoubtedly, perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs. Overcooked eggs can lead to a rubbery texture and that unappealing greenish ring around the yolk, while undercooked ones make for a messy, runny salad. Achieving that ideal firm yet tender yolk and perfectly set white is easier than you might think with the right technique.

How to Make Flawless Hard-Boiled Eggs Every Time:

• Start with a rolling boil: Bring a pot of water to a strong, rolling boil. Ensure there’s enough water to completely cover the eggs.
• Gentle placement: Carefully use a slotted spoon to lower the eggs into the boiling water. This prevents cracking and ensures even cooking.
• Timing is key: Set a timer for 12 minutes. This duration typically yields a firm, fully cooked yolk without overcooking. For slightly softer yolks, reduce the time to 10-11 minutes.
• The ice bath essential: As soon as the timer goes off, immediately drain the hot water from the pot. Transfer the eggs to a large bowl filled generously with ice and cold water (an “ice bath”). This sudden temperature change stops the cooking process and helps the shells peel away effortlessly.
• Chill out: Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for at least 30 minutes. This critical step ensures easy peeling and a beautiful texture.
• Dry and ready: Once peeled, gently pat the eggs dry with a paper towel. They’re now ready for chopping and transforming into the best egg salad.

For more advanced tips on achieving the easiest peel, even with very fresh eggs, consider techniques like steaming or using an Instant Pot, which can also yield fantastic results.

Essential Ingredients for a Classic Egg Salad

Crafting the perfect egg salad requires a careful selection of a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. This recipe champions the traditional approach, proving that simplicity often leads to the most satisfying results.

What Goes Into a Traditional Egg Salad?

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: The star of the show! As discussed, getting these just right is crucial. Once cooled and peeled, they should be chopped into bite-sized pieces, not mashed into a paste, to provide texture.
• Mayonnaise: This is where the creaminess and much of the richness come from. For a truly authentic and delicious egg salad, a high-quality mayonnaise is non-negotiable. Brands like Duke’s or Hellmann’s (Best Foods on the West Coast) are often favored for their rich, tangy flavor and smooth consistency. Miracle Whip, while popular, is a dressing, not a true mayonnaise, and has a distinct sweeter, spicier flavor profile that can significantly alter the taste of a classic egg salad. Choose your mayo wisely!
• Sweet Relish (Optional, but Recommended): A touch of sweet pickle relish introduces a delightful tang and a subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise, adding depth and complexity. If sweet relish isn’t to your liking, dill pickle relish offers a sharper, savory alternative. You can even try making your own Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish or Dill Pickle Relish for an extra fresh touch.
• Salt and Pepper: These humble seasonings are paramount for enhancing all the other flavors. Always season to taste, adding a little at a time and sampling until the perfect balance is achieved. Freshly ground black pepper offers a superior aromatic quality.
• Sliced Green Onions (Optional): For a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of color, thinly sliced green onions are an excellent addition. They provide a gentle allium bite without overpowering the delicate egg flavor.
• Fresh Watercress (Optional, for a unique twist): If you’re looking to elevate your egg salad, fresh watercress is a sophisticated choice. Its slightly peppery, vibrant flavor complements the richness of the eggs and mayonnaise beautifully, adding a refreshing crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Salad

Is an Egg Sandwich Healthy?

The healthiness of an egg sandwich largely depends on your definition of “healthy” and the ingredients you choose. Eggs themselves are nutritional powerhouses, packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins (like B12, D, and A), and minerals (iron, selenium). They also contain healthy fats and choline, which is vital for brain health. Where the ‘healthy’ aspect can vary is with the other components:

• Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise is calorie-dense due to its oil content. If you’re mindful of fat intake, consider using avocado mayonnaise (which offers healthy monounsaturated fats), a lighter low-fat mayonnaise, or even replacing a portion of it with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and tang.
• Bread: Opting for whole wheat, multi-grain, or low-carb bread varieties can increase fiber content and nutrient density compared to white bread. For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free bread is an easy substitution.

Overall, an egg sandwich can be a nutritious and satisfying meal, especially when made with conscious ingredient choices.

How Long Does Egg Salad Last in the Fridge?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade egg salad safely. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, classic egg salad will typically last for up to 3 days. It’s always best to consume it within this timeframe for optimal freshness and safety. Due to the mayonnaise base, egg salad should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. It’s also not recommended to freeze egg salad, as the mayonnaise will separate and the texture of the eggs can become rubbery upon thawing.

How to Make The Best Egg Salad: Step-by-Step

With your perfectly hard-boiled eggs ready, assembling this delectable egg salad is incredibly quick and easy. This recipe focuses on minimal steps for maximum flavor.

1. Combine Main Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Then, spoon in your chosen mayonnaise, sweet relish (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Start with the recommended amounts in the recipe card below, but remember that seasoning is always to your personal taste.

   
   

2. Mix Thoroughly: Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the eggs too mushy. You want to maintain some texture from the chopped eggs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – perhaps a little more salt, pepper, or relish to hit your perfect flavor balance.

3. Add Optional Freshness: If you’re incorporating green onions or watercress, gently fold them into the egg salad now. These additions provide a wonderful fresh crunch and aromatic lift.

   
   

4. Chill for Best Flavor: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and intensifies the overall taste, resulting in a much more delicious salad.

   
   

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

The beauty of classic egg salad lies in its adaptability. While it’s fantastic on its own, here are numerous ways to enjoy and customize your creation:

• Classic Sandwiches: Serve it generously between slices of your favorite bread – white, whole wheat, or sourdough. Add a leaf of crisp lettuce or a slice of tomato for freshness.
• Open-Faced Delights: Pile it high on toasted bread or English muffins for a quick, satisfying meal.
• Croissant Sandwiches: For an extra touch of elegance, spoon egg salad into a freshly baked croissant.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, use large, crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) as a wrap.
• Tortilla Wraps: Spread it on a tortilla with some fresh greens, roll it up, and slice into pinwheels for an easy snack or party appetizer.
• Crackers or Cucumber Slices: A perfect light snack or appetizer, especially when entertaining.
• Salad Topper: Add a scoop of egg salad to a bed of mixed greens for a protein-rich main course salad.
• Breakfast Toast: A simple spread on toast in the morning provides a satisfying start to your day.

Creative Variations to Try:

• Curry Egg Salad: Mix in ½ to 1 teaspoon of curry powder for an exotic, flavorful twist.
• Spicy Egg Salad: Add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Herbed Egg Salad: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, or parsley for a burst of garden-fresh flavor.
• Avocado Egg Salad: Mash in half an avocado with the mayonnaise for extra creaminess and healthy fats, and a beautiful green hue.
• Dijon Delight: A small amount (½ teaspoon) of Dijon mustard can add a sharp, sophisticated tang.

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

If you loved this classic egg salad, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and easy-to-make recipes:

• Best Ever Potato Salad
• The Best Deviled Eggs
• Chicken Macaroni Salad
• Bologna Salad
• Tuna Salad
• Ham Salad
• Chicken Salad
• Tuna Macaroni Salad

Originally published: April 2011
Updated photos and republished: May 2024