Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (2024)

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The Best Classic Egg Salad or Boiled Egg Salad recipe is healthy, perfect for sandwiches, and full of flavor with celery, pickles, onions and so much more!

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (1)

Egg Salad for Sandwiches

I have always wanted to figure out a way to make the Best Classic Egg Salad, every time I made it. For the longest time, the boiled eggs were always such an exercise in frustration.

I hate having difficulty removing the eggshells and worse, the discoloration around the yolk. Drives me nuts.

Finally, I have a technique that is foolproof. Me being the fool ... ? Luckily, it works every time.

Now boiling eggs has never been easier and I am excited to show you how.

Let's discuss the wonderful taste.

The taste of this classic egg salad makes the perfect sandwich. Just like boiled egg salad is supposed to be and I just can't get enough of it.

You have literally found the perfect egg salad recipe and I am so glad I get to share it with you.

You will also find a very long list of options. Perfect to help you create your own delicious egg salad, just the way you want it.

If possible please take a moment to make me aware of exactly what is missing on the list, if anything. As always, I would be grateful.

I always find it so much easier to look at a list to choose from rather than trying to think of different options in my head. Hopefully there is someone out there like that to. I hate to think I am the only one!

Surely I can't be.

Regardless, you will not be disappointed in this light and creamy egg salad sandwich recipe. Everyone who tries it always wants the recipe.

Classic Egg Salad Sandwich

There is something to be said for eating a classic egg salad sandwich, on plain, white sandwich bread, that reminds me of my childhood. Lots of foods do but egg salad is a little different.

My grandmother lived with us while my mother went back to school and made us the best lunches. Week after week. My sister and I were spoiled rotten.

Egg salad day was always one of my favorites.

This is not her recipe but boy oh boy does the taste remind me of hers.

This classic egg salad recipe includes celery and green onions even though you can easily swap out the green onion for a purple or red sweet onion or a yellow or white onion. All will work and work well.

You need to have some crunch in your boiled egg salad in my opinion and celery and onions provide it.

Still, if you prefer to add crunch in another way you will have to check out our list of options below.There are so many to choose from.I think you will be glad you did.

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (2)

How do you boil eggs?

You'll need to boil eggs to make this classic egg salad recipe. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, that's easier said than done sometimes. Here's the best way to do it.

First, you add the eggs to a saucepan and fill it with cold water, about an inch or so above the eggs. Over high heat, bring your water to a full boil, cover with a lid, and immediately remove from heat. Allow your eggs to stand for 8-9 minutes.

After 8 or 9 minutes, pour out the hot water into your sink and start to shake the eggs back and forth to crack the shells.Next I place the pot under the cold water in the sink and let the coldest water run for about 5 minutes, into the pot of cracked eggs.

My friend Marcel who taught me this technique said you could also throw ice cubes in the bowl with the cold water rather than just let the cold water run. Both methods work beautifully.

Every single time.

Next you remove the eggs from the sink and dump the water. Peel all of the shells off and set the eggs aside into a bowl, large enough to hold them all.

This will be the bowl you make your egg salad in.

Feeling the shells slide right off. I just love that part. The bright yellow yolks with no ring around the yolk. I just love that part too.

So super easy. That is the best part of all.

How do you make the Best Egg Salad Sandwich?

It's easy to make this healthy egg salad recipe.

Use a potato masher or fork to break up the eggs. Once your eggs are in pieces add the mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until totally incorporated.

Carefully add in celery, green onion, and whatever options you decide to include.

Now take a moment to taste your mixture to see if it needs any more salt or pepper, hot sauce or anything else for that matter. Set aside. I usually throw a plate on top of the bowl and put it in the refrigerator until I am ready for it.

Spread on bread, tortilla, a bun or roll, or your favorite crackers and serve.

How Long Does Boiled Egg Salad last?

If your boiled egg salad is properly stored, in an airtight container, your egg salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

How long can boiled egg salad be left at room temperature?

Bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F. Therefore, this classic egg salad recipe should be thrown away if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

Just to be safe. I've had food poisoning before and let me tell you how horrible it can be. I try to never take unnecessary chances. After all, this healthy egg salad recipe isn't exactly healthy if it's filled with bacteria.

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (3)

Egg Salad with Pickles, Celery and more

  • add pickle juice, diced pickles, or relish
  • yellow, white, red, or purple onion, diced
  • celery
  • carrots, shredded
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • yellow or dijon mustard
  • add some protein such as diced cooked bacon, shrimp, chicken, or ham
  • diced tomato or cherry tomatoes, soft flesh and seeds removed
  • avocado, mashed

Healthy Egg Salad Recipe

The best way to make a healthy egg salad recipe is to use a low-fat mayo and use less of it. Instead of using all of the mayo listed in the directions be sure to include Greek yogurt instead of or with it.

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on who you are, this is a great or horrible thing. I find people either love or hate Greek yogurt and there is no in between.

Regardless, creating an egg salad that is healthy is easier than you might think. You will need to taste as you go the first time and then you will know exactly what you need after that.

I highly recommend putting ¼ cup of Greek yogurt into a bowl with the dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Give it a stir, taste it and see what you think.

You can use up to another ¼ cup of Greek yogurt or mayo for a total of ½ cup. Try adding a little mayo at a time, if you need to. Maybe a little more mustard will do the trick. That always works for me and it might just work for you too!

If Greek yogurt isn't your thing try adding some hummus or mashing some avocados yourself and blending it with the mayo and/or Greek yogurt.

You will be so surprised at how much of a difference adding a little mashed, ripe avocado or hummus will make! Not only with the incredible flavor but the many added health benefits.

Come up with a mixture or blend that is perfect for you and no more than ⅔ of a cup.

If you don't mind please take a moment to let me know what combination works best for you. I would love to hear myself and share it with the other readers of this blog.

As long as you don't mind sharing too!

What can I substitute Mayonnaise with?

As you reduce the amount of mayo you are using, replace it with a little of any of the ingredients on the list below. For example, this Best Classic Egg Salad asks for ½ cup of mayo.

As I mentioned before, I will use a measuring cup and add about ¼ cup of Greek yogurt to it. Then I add some hummus, olive oil or mashed avocado, or any combination.

Then I add an extra tablespoon of mustard for a total of 3 tablespoons.

I add the hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it a stir and then taste it. Sometimes I add a little more hot sauce and sometimes a little more mustard.

Add mayo as necessary until you reach ⅔ of a cup.

Play with the mixture until you are satisfied with the taste. You will be glad you did.

  • Hummus
  • Pesto
  • Avocado
  • Olive oil
  • Greek Yogurt
Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (4)

Tuna and Chicken Salad Recipes

Now that you know how to make Our Favorite Egg Salad I believe it will be your favorite egg salad too! Perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all!

If you also love tuna salad you will have to check out Our Favorite Tuna Salad or chicken salad, our Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps. With or without the tortilla wraps, this chicken salad is hands down, the best we have ever had! I can't wait t hear what you think!

Our simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Salad is just as incredible and I can't wait to hear what your thoughts are!

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (5)

Lastly, I love our Tuna Egg Salad Roll Ups which are a fabulous appetizer, lunch or snack! Egg and tuna salad blend perfectly together and the taste is just fabulous and should be tried by all! At least once!

Ingredients in this Classic Egg Salad Recipe

  • eggs
  • mayo
  • dijon mustard
  • salt
  • pepper
  • celery
  • green onions
  • hot sauce
  • avocado
  • baby romaine lettuce or baby spinach

How to Make the Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe

First, we are going to make the egg salad. Grab a pot that will hold all of your eggs. Place them inside and cover them with water, about an inch above the eggs.

Turn the stove element up to high and bring the eggs to a boil. When they start to really boil, place the lid on top, remove them from the heat and let them sit for between 8 and 9 minutes.

After 8 or 9 minutes pour out the hot water into your sink. Start to shake the eggs back and forth to crack the shells.

Next, I place the pot under the cold water in the sink and let the coldest water run for about 5 minutes, into the pot of cracked eggs. My friend Marcel who taught me this technique said you could also throw ice cubes in the bowl with the cold water rather than just let the cold water run. Both methods work beautifully. Every time.

Next, you remove the eggs from the sink and dump the water. Peel all of the shells off and set the eggs aside into a bowl, large enough to hold them all. This will be the bowl you make your egg salad in.

Use a potato masher or fork to break up the eggs.

Once your eggs are in pieces add the mayonnaise, mashed avocado (if using), hot sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until totally incorporated.

Carefully add in celery and green onion.

Now take a moment to taste your mixture to see if it needs any more salt or pepper or even hot sauce. Set aside. I usually throw a plate on top of the bowl and put it in the refrigerator until I am ready for it.

Serve on your favorite bread, roll, cracker or tortilla!

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (6)

What To Serve With Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe

So you have your awesome egg salad sandwich...now all you need is something equally amazing to serve with it. Check out the list that Ken and I created for your dining pleasure. You won't be disappointed!

More Easy Lunches To Try

Cheesy Honey Mustard Turkey Roll Ups

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Easy Crispy Chicken Salsa Wraps

Slow Cooker Chicken Salad

Cheesy Tuna Bombs

Easy Smoked Salmon Tortilla Roll Ups

Cheesy Ham Roll Ups

Our Favorite Egg Salad Video

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (7)

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (8)

Best Classic Egg Salad

The Best Classic Egg Salad or Boiled Egg Salad recipe is healthy, perfect for sandwiches, full of flavor, with celery, pickles, onions and so much more!

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Cooling Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, brunch, lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 252 kcal

Ingredients

Egg Salad

  • 10 large eggs
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 rib celery, diced
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3-5 dashes hot sauce, more or less to taste

Options

  • 1 small ripe avocado, mashed
  • baby romaine lettuce or baby spinach
  • pickles or relish
  • ½ pound smoked salmon, diced

Instructions

  • First we are going to make the egg salad. Grab a pot that will hold all of your eggs. Place them inside and cover them with water, about an inch above the eggs.

  • Turn the stove element up to high and bring the eggs to a boil. When they start to really boil, place the lid on top, remove them from the heat and let them sit for between 8 and 9 minutes.

  • After the 8 or 9 minutes pour out the hot water into your sink. Start to shake the eggs back and forth to crack the shells.

  • Next I place the pot under the cold water in the sink and let the coldest water run for about 5 minutes, into the pot of cracked eggs. My friend Marcel who taught me this technique said you could also throw ice cubes in the bowl with the cold water rather than just let the cold water run. Both methods work beautifully. Every time.

  • Next you remove the eggs from the sink and dump the water. Peel all of the shells off and set the eggs aside into a bowl, large enough to hold them all. This will be the bowl you make your egg salad in.

  • Use a potato masher or fork to break up the eggs.

  • Once your eggs are in pieces add the mayonnaise, mashed avocado (if using), hot sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until totally incorporated. Carefully add in celery and green onion. Now take a moment to taste your mixture to see if it needs any more salt or pepper or even hot sauce. Set aside. I usually throw a plate on top of the bowl and put it in the refrigerator until I am ready for it.

  • Serve on your favorite bread, roll, cracker or tortilla! Enjoy!

Notes

When it comes to what to serve with a good egg salad sandwich...look no further. Ken and I created a list with many awesome ideas for you to choose from. One bite into one of these sides and you'll be smiling from ear to ear!

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 11gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 318mgSodium: 395mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 536IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 2mg

Keyword easy lunch, easy recipe, egg salad, eggs, lunch, sandwich

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Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (9)
Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (10)

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Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my egg salad taste 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 is my egg salad always watery? ›

What Makes Egg Salad Watery? 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.

How many days is homemade egg salad good for? ›

According to the USDA, egg salad that's been stored properly in the fridge will be good for three to five days. To maximize that timeframe, use an airtight container and place the egg salad in the coldest part of the fridge promptly. Make sure your fridge is set to 40 F or lower.

How to make more flavorful eggs? ›

11 things to add to eggs
  1. A teaspoon of chopped, fresh stronger herbs like oregano, tarragon, or thyme.
  2. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh milder herbs like parsley, chives, chervil, basil, or mint.
  3. Tabasco, Worcestershire, or other prepared sauce, to taste.
  4. A quarter cup grated or crumbled cheddar, goat, or other melting cheese.
Mar 23, 2020

Why do I get an upset stomach after eating egg salad? ›

Egg intolerance symptoms may occur between 2 and 72 hours after exposure to eggs, but the severity may vary depending on your body's tolerance level. The common symptoms of egg intolerance include stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. In some cases, it may also cause: Itchy skin, eczema, acne.

Is it OK to let egg salad with mayo in the fridge overnight? ›

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.

Can you eat egg salad that has been left out overnight? ›

Never leave cooked eggs or egg dishes out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40° F and 140° F).

Can you use old eggs for egg salad? ›

Perfect boiled eggs—hard- or soft-cooked. 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.

How to mash up eggs for egg salad? ›

Place the eggs in a mixing bowl and use a co*cktail muddler, potato masher, or even a large fork to break them up into uneven, irregular chunks. You can also use a potato masher, or press the hard boiled eggs through the wires on a cooling rack to chop them up.

How long do you boil eggs? ›

How long to boil an egg
  1. 5 minutes: set white and runny yolk – just right for dipping into.
  2. 6 minutes: liquid yolk – a little less oozy.
  3. 7 minutes: almost set – deliciously sticky.
  4. 8 minutes: softly set – this is what you want to make Scotch eggs.
  5. 10 minutes: the classic hard-boiled egg – mashable but not dry and chalky.

Why do my eggs taste bland? ›

Most people cook their eggs for far too long or on high heat, which is why they might taste dry and bland. Christopher Koetke, Executive Chef at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, says it's all about how long the eggs are cooked.

Why does my salad taste bland? ›

Season the greens & vegetables

Your dressing or vinaigrette may be perfectly seasoned but when added to unseasoned or raw vegetables, the overall taste of the salad may turn out bland.

Why does my egg have a weird taste? ›

'Fishy' or other undesirable flavours may be produced by feeding: excessive amounts of low-grade fish meals or fish oils. some vegetables including onions, turnips and excessive amounts of cabbage. rapeseed.

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