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Egg Salad (Quick and Easy)

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Made with creamy mayo, a hint of Dijon mustard, and a few herbs and spices, this Easy Egg Salad is the first step to making the best egg salad sandwiches. Enjoy on sliced bread, croissants, or in a lettuce wrap.

Two big egg salad sandwiches on croissants

The Best Egg Salad Sandwiches

Egg salad sandwiches were something I grew up loving as a kid and are something I still continue to love today. I love that they’re high in protein, creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make, so they’re a quick lunch not only for me but also the boys. Not to mention, they’ve become synonymous with baby showers and other gatherings, as they’re cut into squares and turned into finger food.

In my opinion, the best egg salad is packed with flavor – not just basic eggs, mayo, salt, and pepper. My favorite additions are a bit of Dijon mustard for some heat and fresh herbs like chives and dill, along with a little celery for added crunch. The added ingredients just make it feel a little more like an “adult dish”.

This can easily be made a day in advance – in fact, I recommend it – and I’ve provided suggestions for how to customize it to your desired taste!

Egg salad ingredients

What You’ll Need

All you’ll need is 5 ingredients, plus herbs and spices, to whip up your childhood favorite.

  • Egg – See below for tips on the best hard-boiled eggs.
  • Mayonnaise – The creamy base to this recipe.
  • Lemon juice – Helps to balance the creaminess of the mayonnaise and egg yolks.
  • Dijon mustard – Adds a little kick to the mixture.
  • Herbs & spices – Salt, pepper, and fresh chives and dill add more flavor.
  • Celery – Finely chopped celery adds some texture.

Add-In Ideas

This classic egg salad recipe sticks to the basics but this salad can really be customized any way you want. Here are a few ways to switch up the flavor:

  • Add some pickles – either chopped pickles or relish
  • Carrots
  • Chicken, ham, or bacon
  • Avocado
  • Tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Onions
  • A splash of hot sauce
  • More spices like paprika
An egg salad croissant sandwich on a white plate

Tips for Making Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are at the heart of this egg salad sandwich recipe. Here are a few tips to make sure you end up with the perfect ones. (They should be cool when you prepare the salad, so definitely make these in advance!)

  • Use eggs that are ~a week old. Unless you live on a farm with your own chickens, this may not be a concern. But, it is best to use eggs that are not freshly laid when making hard-boiled eggs. The membrane of fresh eggs tends to cling to the shell and make them difficult to peel.
  • How long do eggs need to boil? Once the eggs come to a boil, they should cook for just 7 to 9 minutes, depending on how firm you want the center to be. For this recipe, I’d stay closer to 9 minutes.
  • Immediately place in cold water. As soon as the eggs are done, place them in a big bowl of ice water to cool.
  • Gently crack and peel. Once the eggs are cool, crack them on the edge of the counter and roll. The shell should practically fall off.
  • Baking. We also love to Make Hard Boiled Eggs in the Oven. They turn out perfect every time!

How to Make Egg Salad

This easy egg salad recipe comes together with just 5 minutes of prep time. Then you’ll just need to let it chill before diving in.

  • Prepare the eggs. Cut the peeled eggs in half lengthwise. Place the yolks in a bowl and place the whites aside.
  • Make the yolks. Add the mayo, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the yolks. Mash until mostly smooth.
  • Add the remaining ingredients. Chop the egg whites into small pieces. Add to the yolk mixture, along with the celery and dill. Mix to incorporate.
  • Chill. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Enjoy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as desired.
Two big egg salad sandwiches on croissants

Serving Suggestions

Spread the chilled salad on your favorite bread or croissant for the best egg salad sandwich. It may be basic but I personally think regular old white bread makes the best sandwiches, though that may just be childhood nostalgia.

You can also serve it in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. Alternatively, enjoy with crackers as a snack or light lunch.

Close-up of an egg salad sandwich

How Long Will Egg Salad Last in The Fridge?

Egg salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours but will last for up to 3 days.

It’s very important to keep it refrigerated except for when serving. Be sure to keep these egg salad sandwiches cold when you carry them to lunch!

More Easy Lunch Ideas:

Egg Salad Feature
5 from 1 vote

Egg Salad (Quick and Easy)

Made with creamy mayo, a hint of Dijon mustard, and a few herbs and spices, this Easy Egg Salad is the first step to making the best egg salad sandwiches. Enjoy on sliced bread, croissants, or in a lettuce wrap.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 large hard-boiled eggs
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 large celery rib finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 teaspoons dill

Instructions

  • Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Set the whites aside and put the yolks into a medium bowl.
  • Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and salt and pepper to the bowl and mash everything together with a potato masher.
  • Cut the egg whites into small, 1/4-inch pieces and add the whites into the egg yolk mixture. Next, add in the celery, dill and mix gently until incorporated. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes, and up to 1 day ahead of time.
  • Just before serving, season with salt and pepper. Serve over a bed of lettuce or on croissants or bread for sandwiches.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 469mg | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 671IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg

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Egg Salad (Quick and Easy)