Classic Egg Salad Recipe (2024)

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This Classic Egg Salad recipe makes the best egg salad sandwiches! It is simple, uncomplicated and always delicious.

Classic Egg Salad Recipe (1)

Egg Salad is one of the best examples of how sometimes keeping things simple is best. You can do all kinds of tweaking to this Classic Egg Salad recipe to make it your own but I really just love it as it is. Simple, nostalgic, and always delicious.

I know there are a lot of strong feelings out there on just what needs to go into a good egg salad. But, after making this delicious recipe for decades, I really believe that this is the BEST egg salad recipe.

Classic Egg Salad Recipe (2)

Table of contents

  • Ingredient Notes
  • How to Make Classic Egg Salad
  • Classic Egg Salad Variations
  • Storage Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
Classic Egg Salad Recipe (3)

Ingredient Notes

  • Hard-boiled eggs – I always use my method for Easy to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs and make them a day in advance. This recipes calls for 8 large eggs.
  • Mayonnaise – My favorite mayo of the moment is olive oil mayonnaise.
  • Yellow mustard – You want simple prepared yellow mustard for that classic, old-fashioned egg salad flavor. You can substitute Dijon mustard, if you’d like, but it won’t give you that same familiar taste.
  • Red onion and celery – Finely diced. Red onion adds a little color contrast and excellent flavor.
  • Seasoning – Don’t be tempted to go overboard on the seasonings or they will overpower the dressing. I love this egg salad with a little dried dill weed, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If I happen to have fresh dill on hand, I’ll double the amount called for in the recipe.

Pro Tip

Make your hard-boiled eggs a day in advance and peel them immediately after shocking them in the ice water bath. Place the peeled eggs between damp paper towels in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

How to Make Classic Egg Salad

Classic Egg Salad Recipe (4)
  1. Peel and chop the eggs and transfer them to a medium bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, dill, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir to combine the mixture.
Classic Egg Salad Recipe (5)

Classic Egg Salad Variations

  • Onion – If you are not a fan of red onion you can substitute thinly sliced green onion, finely diced shallots, or even fresh chives for a milder onion flavor.
  • Mustard – For a slightly more sophisticated flavor give Dijon a try in place of the yellow mustard.
  • Herbs –Add dried or fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or tarragon. Start with a very small amount, taste, and go from there.
  • Bold flavor boosts – Add some sweet pickle relish, a little crumbled bacon, chopped olives, or a touch of curry powder.
  • Lighten it up – Substitute some of the mayonnaise for non-fat Greek yogurt.
Classic Egg Salad Recipe (6)

Storage Tips

Store Egg Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than 4 days.

It’s important to remember that you should never allow dairy based recipes, like egg salad, sit out for more than two hours. If you are serving outside, place the bowl of egg salad in a bowl of ice water in a shaded area for no more than one hour. Promptly refrigerate leftovers to keep them fresh and tasty.

Serving Suggestions

  • Sandwiches or Wraps – Pile it on sandwich bread or roll it in wraps with lettuce, sliced tomato and pickles. It’s always a happy day when I remember I’ve got a batch of this Egg Salad waiting in the fridge for an easy lunch.
  • Egg Salad on Toast – Try toasting a slice of grainy sandwich bread and top it with egg salad. Delicious!
  • Low-Carb Lunch – I love to spoon egg salad into endive leaves for a crunchy, satisfying, low-carb lunch.
Classic Egg Salad Recipe (7)

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Classic Egg Salad Recipe (8)

Classic Egg Salad Recipe

5 from 15 votes

This Classic Egg Salad recipe makes the best egg salad sandwiches! It is simple, uncomplicated and always delicious.

Course: Main Dish, Sandwiches

Cuisine: American

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Keyword: classic egg salad recipe

Print RecipePin RecipeRate Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes minutes

Cook Time:0 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time:5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 hard boiled eggs
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • sandwich bread, wraps, lettuce, tomato, pickles, optional for serving

Instructions

  • Peel and chop the eggs and transfer them to a medium mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, dill, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine the mixture.

  • Serve on sandwich bread or in wraps with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Notes

Variations

  • Onion – If you are not a fan of red onion you can substitute thinly sliced green onion, finely diced shallots, or even fresh chives for a milder onion flavor.
  • Mustard – For a slightly more sophisticated flavor give Dijon a try in place of the yellow mustard.
  • Herbs –Add dried or fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or tarragon. Start with a very small amount, taste, and go from there.
  • Bold flavor boosts – Add some sweet pickle relish, a little crumbled bacon, chopped olives, or a touch of curry powder.
  • Lighten it up – Substitute some of the mayonnaise for non-fat Greek yogurt.

Storage

Promptly refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal · Carbohydrates: 2 g · Protein: 13 g · Fat: 32 g · Saturated Fat: 7 g · Cholesterol: 385 mg · Sodium: 465 mg · Potassium: 136 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 2 g · Vitamin A: 620 IU · Vitamin C: 0.3 mg · Calcium: 50 mg · Iron: 1.2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.

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As a culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of classic recipes and a penchant for creating delightful dishes, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the Classic Egg Salad recipe presented. My experience in the kitchen spans decades, and my expertise is grounded in both traditional methods and innovative twists on timeless favorites.

The foundation of this Classic Egg Salad recipe lies in the carefully selected ingredients. The use of hard-boiled eggs, a key component, is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor. I endorse the suggested method for Easy to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs, having employed it myself to consistently produce eggs that are easy to peel and yield a smooth, velvety egg salad.

The choice of mayonnaise is pivotal, and I resonate with the preference for olive oil mayonnaise, which imparts a rich and nuanced flavor to the egg salad. Additionally, the inclusion of yellow mustard is advocated for its ability to provide that classic, old-fashioned egg salad taste. While a substitution with Dijon mustard is mentioned, it's emphasized that the flavor profile may differ.

The aromatic components of red onion and celery add both color contrast and a depth of flavor to the egg salad. Having finely diced these ingredients myself, I appreciate their contribution to the overall texture and taste.

The seasoning blend, comprising dried dill weed, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, reflects a nuanced approach to flavor enhancement. I echo the advice not to go overboard on the seasonings, as a delicate balance is crucial to avoid overpowering the dressing.

The Pro Tip of making hard-boiled eggs a day in advance aligns with my personal practice, emphasizing the importance of immediate peeling after an ice water bath to preserve freshness. Storing peeled eggs between damp paper towels in an airtight container is a practice I have found effective in maintaining their quality.

The recipe's versatility is highlighted through various Classic Egg Salad Variations, such as substituting different types of onions, experimenting with mustard choices, incorporating herbs like basil or tarragon, or adding bold flavor boosts like sweet pickle relish or crumbled bacon.

Storage Tips are provided, emphasizing the refrigeration of egg salad in an airtight container for no longer than four days. The caution against leaving dairy-based recipes, like egg salad, unrefrigerated for more than two hours underscores the importance of food safety.

Serving Suggestions are diverse, ranging from classic sandwiches or wraps to more unconventional options like egg salad on toast or a low-carb lunch using endive leaves.

In conclusion, this Classic Egg Salad recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, and my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience validate its status as one of the best egg salad recipes.

Classic Egg Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is egg salad made of? ›

It is similar to chicken salad, ham salad, macaroni salad, tuna salad, lobster salad, and crab salad. A typical egg salad is made of chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, minced celery and onion, salt, black pepper and paprika. A common use is as a filling for egg sandwiches.

What goes well with egg salad? ›

What to Serve with Egg Salad Sandwiches (23 Easy Sides)
  • Meat. • 1 Bacon-wrapped tater tot cups. ...
  • Produce. • 1 Perfect baked potato. ...
  • Canned Goods. • 1 Tomato soup, Homemade.
  • Snacks. • 1 Onion rings.
  • Dairy. • 1 Mozzarella sticks, Homemade. ...
  • Frozen. • 1 Fruit and yogurt parfaits. ...
  • Prepared. • 1 Simple crudites platter.
  • Deli.

What can I use to thicken up egg salad? ›

To thicken egg salad, some cooks add mayonnaise or other thickeners, such as Greek yogurt or sour cream. Adding a few tablespoons of mayonnaise or other thickeners should do the trick. In addition to mayonnaise and other thickeners, some cooks like to add chopped vegetables and fresh herbs to their egg salad.

How many days is homemade egg salad good for? ›

Egg salad is always better fresh, but you can certainly store it for up to 4 days in the fridge for quick lunches or for potlucks and picnics.

Why is my egg salad bland? ›

Stir through and adjust by adding more mayonnaise if you like your egg salad creamier. Why does my egg salad taste bland? The simple reason may be that it's not seasoned enough. Add a little more salt and pepper to taste.

Why does egg salad go bad? ›

The texture may be watery or slimy, which may be a sign of bacterial growth. If left longer, it can develop dark spots and mold. You might also see little bubbles or fizzing when stirring the salad; these are also surefire indicators of microbial growth.

How long can egg salad last in the fridge? ›

If the egg salad has been properly stored—in a sealed container in the refrigerator—it is safe to eat it within five days. This rule also applies to similar mayonnaise-based salads like chicken, tuna, ham, and macaroni salads.

Are you supposed to eat egg salad cold? ›

Egg salad should be served cold, and should not sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. If you're serving it somewhere where it needs to be out of the fridge, make sure you are at least serving it over an ice bath or bowl of ice to keep it cool.

Do you eat egg salad by itself? ›

Here are a few traditional ways to eat egg salad:
  1. By itself/ on top of lettuce.
  2. As a sandwich on bread.
  3. Stuffed in a tomato or pepper.
  4. As an Egg Salad Wrap: Wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce.
May 4, 2013

Why does my egg salad get soggy? ›

Every ingredient that goes into egg salad has water in it. Salt and sugar in the dressing draw the water out of the ingredients as they sit, and they make your egg salad watery regardless of whether it's in the fridge or in a sandwich.

What is the best way to mash eggs for egg salad? ›

Recipe developer and cookbook author Sheri Castle suggests that "for a salad with hearty texture that won't turn gummy or pasty, use your hands to crumble the eggs instead of chopping the whites and mashing the yolks with a fork." You will, of course, want to wait until the boiled eggs are cool enough to handle, but ...

How long to boil eggs? ›

Put the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Once the water is at a rolling boil, turn off the heat and cover the pot with the lid. Allow the eggs to sit in the hot water for the following times according to the desired doneness: 3 minutes for SOFT boiled; 6 minutes for MEDIUM boiled; 12 minutes for HARD boiled.

Can I freeze homemade egg salad? ›

Can You Freeze Egg Salad? We don't recommend freezing egg salad, as it will change the texture and flavor. If you're OK with that, you can freeze it for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How can you tell if egg salad has gone bad? ›

A spoiled egg salad will emit a sour or sulfurous odor and may also become slimy or watery, which can be an inditication of bacterial growth. Eventually, it can develop mold, dark spots, and other visible signs of spoilage. Stay on the safe side and discard the salad, even if there's just one moldy spot.

Can you use old eggs for egg salad? ›

So, save your freshest eggs for frying (one more reason: the yolks of more alkaline eggs are more prone to breaking as soon as they hit the pan) and put your older eggs towards egg salad, deviled eggs, and the like.

Is egg salad the same as egg mayo? ›

Egg salad and egg mayonnaise are similar dishes with a few key differences. Ingredients: Egg Salad: In egg salad, hard-boiled eggs are typically chopped or mashed and mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Additional ingredients like celery, onions, or herbs may be added for flavor and texture.

What's the difference between egg salad and deviled eggs? ›

Deviled eggs are eggs cut in half the yolks taken out mixed with mayonnaise and seasoning and put back into the eggs garnished with paprika. egg salad the eggs get all chopped up and mayonnaise is added and then they put egg salad on bread and eat a sandwich. Deviled eggs are an appetizer and egg salad is a sandwich.

Is eating eggs and salad healthy? ›

You've already made the healthy choice by having a salad. Why not add an egg to make it even healthier? Studies show that eating eggs, which naturally contain fats, alongside vegetables helps the body to better absorb the fat-soluble nutrients in veggies like vitamin E and lutein.

Is egg salad good to eat sick? ›

People may find it easier to eat cold foods when feeling sick, as they often smell less than hot foods. The odor of hot food may increase feelings of nausea for some people. Good options for cold foods include: a sandwich with protein, such as peanut butter or egg salad.

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