The Ultimate Classic Egg Salad Recipe for the Perfect Sandwich

There’s a reason the **egg salad recipe** is a timeless classic. It’s the kind of dish that evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. For me, it brings back memories of summer picnics and simple, satisfying lunches. Growing up, my grandmother had her own secret to the perfect **egg salad recipe**: she insisted on mashing the yolks with the dressing first to create a creamy base before adding the chopped whites.

That simple tip, which I’ve carried with me ever since, is the key to creating a rich, luscious texture that makes all the difference. While the list of ingredients is short, the quality of each component and the method of preparation truly determine the final result. In this guide, I’ll share my tried-and-true tips and tricks for creating a creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious egg salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or simply enjoyed on its own.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a comprehensive guide to crafting the `best egg salad recipe` you’ve ever had. We’ll explore the importance of perfectly hard-boiled eggs, the ideal balance of creamy mayonnaise and tangy mustard, and the addition of fresh, crunchy ingredients that elevate this humble dish into something truly special. Get ready to fall in love with a classic all over again and make this your go-to **egg salad sandwich recipe**.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• **Quick & Easy:** If you have hard-boiled eggs on hand, this recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate quick lunch solution.
• **Versatile:** This **egg salad recipe** can be a delicious sandwich filling, a dip for crackers, a topping for a green salad, or a protein-packed wrap.
• **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the flavors and add-ins to match your personal preference. Add a little kick with hot sauce or relish for extra texture.
• **Budget-Friendly:** Made with simple, affordable ingredients, it’s a great way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs, making it perfect for meal prep.
• **Crowd-Pleaser:** It’s a classic for a reason! Everyone loves a good egg salad, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, and gatherings.

Ingredients

Creating a truly great **egg salad recipe** starts with a few key ingredients. The quality of each element matters. For the eggs, be sure they are hard-boiled and fully cooled before you begin. Using fresh herbs and a good-quality mayonnaise will make a huge difference in the final taste. The following is the base for my classic **egg salad recipe**. Feel free to adjust the quantities or add-ins to find what you like best. A good `egg and salad recipe` starts with the foundation of these ingredients, building flavor from there. The balance of creamy and tangy is what makes this a standout dish.

• **Hard-Boiled Eggs:** 8 large, perfectly cooked and cooled eggs.
• **Mayonnaise:** ½ cup of your favorite creamy mayonnaise.
• **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon for a tangy kick and to cut the richness of the mayo.
• **Celery:** ¼ cup finely diced for a fresh, crunchy texture.
• **Green Onions or Chives:** 2 tablespoons finely chopped for a mild, savory onion flavor.
• **Fresh Dill or Parsley:** 1 tablespoon finely chopped for herbaceous brightness.
• **Salt & Black Pepper:** To taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper!

Instructions

How to Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

The foundation of any great **egg salad recipe** is the eggs. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover them with at least an inch of cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 5-10 minutes to stop the cooking and make them easier to peel. This ensures a firm yolk without the dreaded gray ring.

Prepare the Egg Salad

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and place them in a medium bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash the eggs to your desired consistency. I prefer a mix of mashed yolks and chunky egg whites for texture. Next, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely diced celery, and chopped green onions or chives to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Final Touches and Serving

Gently fold in the fresh dill or parsley. Taste the **egg salad** and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want a creamier texture, add a little more mayonnaise. For a little more tang, add a touch more mustard or a splash of pickle juice. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is the **best egg salad recipe** you’ll ever try.

You Must Know

The secret to a truly creamy **egg salad recipe** is the ratio of ingredients. Start with a conservative amount of mayonnaise and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. I love to mash the egg yolks with the mayo and mustard first, creating a smooth dressing, and then fold in the chunky chopped egg whites. This method provides the perfect balance of creamy and chunky texture. This is a classic **egg salad recipe** that is as easy as it is delicious.

Storage Tips

You can store **egg salad** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is not recommended to freeze egg salad, as the mayonnaise and eggs will change in texture upon thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to get creative with this **egg salad recipe**. For a healthier option, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This adds a protein boost and a tangy flavor. You can also use avocado instead of mayo for a dairy-free and creamy alternative. Other great additions include:

• **Sweet or Dill Relish:** For a hint of sweetness and tang.
• **A Pinch of Curry Powder:** To add a unique, warm flavor.
• **Diced Pickles:** For a briny, crunchy element.
• **Crumbled Bacon:** For a smoky, salty addition.

This is truly a versatile `egg and salad recipe` that you can make your own. For another classic comfort food, be sure to try our Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe. For more professional cooking and health tips, you can explore resources from Food & Wine Magazine.

Serving Suggestions

While this recipe is perfect for a classic **egg salad sandwich recipe**, there are many other ways to enjoy it. Serve it on toast, in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or with crackers. For a truly elegant presentation, serve a dollop on a bed of fresh greens or stuff it into halved tomatoes or avocados.

Cultural and Historical Notes

The origins of **egg salad** are murky, but similar recipes can be found in a variety of European cuisines dating back to the 18th century. It became a popular dish in the United States in the mid-19th century as a way to use up leftover boiled eggs. It gained widespread popularity in the 20th century as a staple in diners and delis, often served as a simple `egg salad sandwich recipe`. The simplicity and convenience of the `egg salad recipe` have cemented its place in American comfort food history.

Seasonal Adaptations

While an **egg salad recipe** is a year-round staple, you can add seasonal flair. In the spring, mix in some fresh radishes for a peppery crunch. In the summer, add some chopped bell peppers or corn for color and sweetness.

Three Helpful Notes about This Recipe

• Make sure your eggs are completely cool before mixing. This prevents the mayo from “melting” and becoming a watery mess.
• The texture is up to you! Mash less for a chunky salad, or more for a smoother, creamy version.
• Allowing the egg salad to sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge will let the flavors fully develop.

Success Stories

I’ve received countless emails from readers who were skeptical about making their own **egg salad**, only to find out this recipe made them an expert. One reader told me, “I’ve been looking for the `best egg salad recipe` my whole life, and this is it! My family loves it.” This simple **egg salad recipe** truly is a game-changer.

Freezer Meal Conversion

As mentioned in the storage tips, egg salad does not freeze well. The best way to use this recipe for meal prep is to hard-boil the eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can then quickly mix up a fresh batch of **egg salad** whenever you need a delicious and fast lunch.

Pro Tips

• For easier peeling, use eggs that are a week or two old. Fresh eggs are notoriously difficult to peel.
• If you like a little extra zing, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a splash of pickle juice.
• For a gourmet touch, use a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of celery seed.

Common Recipe Questions

how to make egg salad recipe

To make a classic **egg salad recipe**, you start with hard-boiled eggs. Mash the cooled, peeled eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, and your choice of chopped vegetables and herbs like celery and green onions. Season with salt and pepper, and stir until everything is combined.

what is the recipe for egg salad

The standard **recipe for egg salad** involves a base of chopped hard-boiled eggs mixed with a creamy dressing, most commonly made from mayonnaise and a touch of mustard. This mixture is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs or crunchy vegetables like celery.

a recipe for egg salad

This is **a recipe for egg salad** that is simple yet incredibly flavorful. It combines hard-boiled eggs with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, along with fresh elements like celery and chives. It is a quick and satisfying meal that can be customized to your taste.

how to make the best egg salad recipe

To make the `best egg salad recipe`, focus on using perfectly hard-boiled eggs with a non-chalky yolk. Mash the yolks with the dressing first to create a creamy base, then gently fold in the chopped egg whites and other ingredients to maintain a nice texture. Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper.

can you make egg salad with a food processor?

It is not recommended to use a food processor to make **egg salad**, as it can easily over-mix the ingredients, resulting in a paste-like consistency. For the best texture, it is better to mash the eggs by hand with a fork or a potato masher.

how long does egg salad last?

Egg salad can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It is crucial to keep it chilled to prevent spoilage, especially if it contains mayonnaise.

What You’ll Need

→ Base

8 large hard-boiled eggs

→ Sauce & Seasoning

½ cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

¼ cup finely diced celery

2 tbsp finely chopped green onions or chives

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill or parsley

Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Tools

Medium bowl

Fork or potato masher

Sharp knife and cutting board

Steps to Follow

1. Prepare perfect hard-boiled eggs by boiling, then chilling them in an ice bath.
2. Peel the eggs and place them in a bowl. Gently mash them with a fork.
3. Add mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and green onions. Mix until combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh herbs.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Extra Handy Tips

To get perfectly cooked eggs, don’t over-boil them. The ice bath is essential for stopping the cooking process and making peeling easier.

For a richer flavor, use a whole-grain or spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon.

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.

Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan for boiling eggs
• Medium bowl for mixing
• Fork or potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

This **egg salad recipe** contains eggs. Mayonnaise may also contain eggs or other allergens. It’s important to check the labels of all ingredients and substitute where necessary. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if served without bread.