Best (and easy!) homemade egg salad recipe

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This easy homemade egg salad recipe is truly the best! This classic dish is not only easy to make, but it also provides a fantastic way to use up those leftover eggs. 

With just a few simple ingredients and this great recipe, you will be making this summer staple. A good egg salad is always welcome at 4th of July cookouts, family celebrations or brunch. It’s such a crowdpleaser and so versatile!

Today, I’ll share with you my tried-and-true classic egg salad recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Use it as a brunch side dish, to fill croissants and make the best egg salad sandwich, as a spread or serve it at your next picnic. Plus, I’ll give you some tips on how to properly store egg salad, in case you have any leftovers. 

Let’s get cracking!

How Can I Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs?

Achieving perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs can be a game-changer when it comes to making egg salad or enjoying them as a snack. Follow these 7 steps to achieve the perfect boiled egg every time:

1. Start with room temperature eggs: Allow the eggs to come to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and reduces the chances of the eggs cracking during the boiling process.
2. Place eggs in a saucepan: Arrange the eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a saucepan. Make sure there’s enough space for the eggs to move around freely.
3. Add water: Add enough water to the saucepan to cover the eggs with about an inch of water above them. This will provide enough water for even heat distribution and prevent the eggs from touching the bottom of the pan.
4. Heat the water: Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and gradually bring the water to a gentle boil. Avoid rapid boiling, as it can cause the eggs to bounce around and potentially crack.
5. Reduce the heat: Once the water reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for about 9 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For eggs with a fully set yolk and no softness in the center, simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Ice bath: When the desired cooking time is reached, carefully transfer the eggs to an ice bath or a bowl of ice water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This sudden temperature change helps stop the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.
7. Peel and enjoy: After allowing the eggs to cool in the ice bath for about 10 minutes, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to create cracks, then roll it between your hands to loosen the shell. Peel the shell under a stream of running water to make the process smoother. The shells should come off easily, revealing perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs. Or you can use this top-rated egg peeler.

By following these steps, you’ll consistently achieve eggs with a firm white and a creamy, fully cooked yolk. Feel free to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your preference for a softer or firmer yolk. Now you’re ready to follow the rest of my easy egg salad recipe!

How Can I Avoid Egg Salad Turning Soupy?

If your egg salad turns out soupy, there are a few factors that could contribute to this consistency. Here are some possible reasons:

1. Excessive Moisture: Adding too much mayonnaise or other liquid ingredients can make your egg salad watery. While mayo is a key ingredient for creaminess, it’s important to use it in moderation. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more as needed, ensuring the mix remains thick and cohesive.
2. Overcooked Eggs: Overcooking your hard-boiled eggs can lead to a higher water content in the yolks, making them more prone to releasing moisture when mashed. Properly cooked eggs should have firm yolks without any greenish-gray rings around them. This will help prevent excess moisture.
3. Lack of Mashing: Not mashing the eggs thoroughly enough can result in larger egg pieces that don’t bind together well. Mash the eggs with a fork until you achieve the desired texture. Breaking them down adequately will help create a cohesive mixture and prevent excess moisture.
4. Vegetable Moisture: If you incorporate vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes into your egg salad, they may release moisture, contributing to a soupy consistency. To avoid this, make sure to remove excess moisture from these vegetables before adding them to the mixture. You can do this by patting them dry with a paper towel or draining them after chopping.

How to fix soupy egg salad

If your salad does end up too soupy, there are a few steps you can take to thicken it up:

1. Add more mashed eggs: Prepare a couple of additional hard-boiled eggs, mash them, and incorporate them into the salad. The extra eggs will help absorb some of the excess moisture and thicken the mixture.
2. Extra mayonnaise or mustard: Gradually add small amounts of mayo or mustard to the salad, mixing well after each addition. This will increase the binding agents in the salad and help thicken it up.
3. Refrigerate and let it set: Place the egg salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to chill and firm up. The cold temperature will help solidify the ingredients and reduce any excess moisture.

By being mindful of these factors and making a few adjustments, you can achieve the perfect consistency for your egg salad—creamy, but not soupy. However, if you follow my simple recipe, this should not be a problem.

What Can I Use Egg Salad For?

Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using egg salad! It’s such a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways and is a wonderful way to use leftover Easter eggs.

Here are some fantastic ideas for incorporating it into your meals:

1. Classic Egg Salad Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of egg salad between two slices of your favorite sourdough bread for a timeless and satisfying sandwich. You can add lettuce, tomato, or even some crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture. Pro tip: a little dijon mustard for a slight kick. 
2. Wraps and Pitas: Transform your regular salad into a delicious filling for wraps or pita pockets. Add some fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and sprouts for a delightful crunch.
3. Salad Topping: Top your favorite green salad with a dollop of egg salad for a creamy and protein-packed addition. It adds a delightful richness and complements the crispness of the greens.
4. Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out ripe tomatoes or avocados and fill them with egg salad for a delightful and visually appealing appetizer or light lunch option. It’s a great way to also eat more fresh produce.
5. Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb and refreshing option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps and fill them with egg salad. It’s a guilt-free and nutritious way to enjoy this tasty dish. garnish with red onion if you wish.
6. Crackers or Toast Points: Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices. It makes for an excellent party appetizer or a simple snack for the kids. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh chives.
7. Deviled Eggs: Give your deviled eggs a twist by using egg salad as the filling. Simply slice hard-boiled eggs in half, remove the yolks, and mix them with the egg salad. Pipe or spoon the mixture back into the egg halves for a unique and delicious twist on a classic.
8. Breakfast Burritos: Wake up to a flavorful breakfast by adding egg salad to your breakfast burritos. Combine it with sautéed vegetables, cheese, and a touch of hot sauce for an irresistible morning treat.

Remember, these ideas are just the beginning. Feel free to experiment and get creative with how you make my simple egg salad recipe. 

Best Egg Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• About 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon celery salt, to your taste
• Salt and pepper, if desired

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mash the eggs with the back of a fork. You can make the pieces as chunky or as smooth as you prefer.
2. Stir in the mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, and celery salt. Combine everything until well blended. Don’t be afraid to adjust the quantities to suit your family’s taste preferences.
3. Taste the egg salad and add salt and pepper if desired. Remember, a little bit goes a long way, so season it conservatively at first and add more if needed.

If you want to instantly elevate your egg salad’s presentation, garnish with fresh dill or a sprig of fresh parsley.

How to Safely Store Egg Salad

Now that you have a delectable bowl of egg salad ready to enjoy, it’s important to know how to store it properly to maintain its freshness.

1. Refrigeration: Place the egg salad in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure that no air can get in, as exposure to air can cause the salad to spoil more quickly. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Separation: If you plan to store the egg salad for an extended period, it’s a good idea to keep the dressing and the salad components separate. Mix the dressing and eggs just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
3. Temperature: Keep the egg salad chilled at all times. It’s best to store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally below 40°F (4°C). Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
4. Serve with Care: When serving egg salad at parties or picnics, keep it on ice or use a cold pack to maintain its temperature. This will help preserve its freshness and ensure food safety.

With this simple and delicious egg salad recipe, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing meal in no time. Remember to store the egg salad properly in the refrigerator, following the guidelines we’ve discussed. So whether you’re preparing a quick lunch for the kids or hosting a gathering, this egg salad is sure to become a family favorite. 

Egg Salad Variations

Need to vary this classic egg salad recipe a bit? Here are a few suggestions:

• Add chopped dill pickles to the mix for extra crunch
• Add mashed avocado to the mashed egg mix for an extra creamy avocado egg salad
• Sprinkle with smoky paprika right before serving

More Salad Recipes

• The Most Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe
• Fuji Apple Salad and Dressing
• Refreshing Watermelon Mint Feta Salad

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