This super high protein, creamy, and easy-to-make Egg Salad is a classic with a bit of a twist.
Perfectly hard-boiled eggs, mixed with finely chopped celery and red onions, topped with chives, are served in a zesty, creamy dressing. Simply delicious.
This foolproof recipe works whether you like your egg salad on a bed of lettuce, scooped up with stalks of celery, or served sandwich-style in a bun or croissant.
Egg Salad Recipe Highlights
- Super easy to customize
- Perfect for meal prep
- Simple ingredients
- Ready in minutes with simple ingredients
- Great on sandwiches or salads
- Budget-friendly lunch option
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
EGGS - Hard-boil your eggs for 9 minutes to get perfectly cooked yolks.
RED ONION & CELERY - Red onion adds a bit of a bite and a pop of color. If you're sensitive to strong onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in ice water for a few minutes to mellow it out. Celery brings that classic egg salad crunch.
CHIVES - An optional garnish with a mild onion flavor that's the perfect finishing touch.
MAYONNAISE - The creamy base that brings this salad together. Feel free to use your favorite brand.
MUSTARD - Gives your egg salad a little tang. Use classic yellow for a mellow flavor, or go for Dijon for a bit more spice.
LEMON - Both the zest and the juice brighten up the whole salad.
How To Make Egg Salad
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Coarsely chop the hard-boiled eggs.
- In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, mustard, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Mix in finely chopped red onion and celery.
- Fold in chopped eggs. Season to taste with salt. Optionally, top with fresh chives.
Serving Suggestions
A CLASSIC SANDWICH - You know the drill! All you need is two slices of your favorite bread with a generous scoop of Egg Salad in the middle. It's a winner every time! For a delicious twist, add a bit of the Egg Salad on our Air Fryer Garlic Bread!
WRAP IT UP - Fill a tortilla wrap with egg salad, lettuce, and your favorite veggies for a portable lunch option.
SALAD TOPPER - Egg salad isn't just for sandwiches! Dollop it on top of a bed of mixed greens with chopped veggies and a light vinaigrette.
CUCUMBER SALAD - A tangy and refreshing cucumber salad pairs well with this egg salad.
WATERMELON SALAD - This surprising side adds a juicy sweetness and refreshing element that works surprisingly well with the savoriness of egg salad.
CARROT STICKS & CELERY - Keep it light and crunchy with classic veggie sticks! They work as a side or as a dipper for the egg salad.
- You can also experiment by adding ½ teaspoon of smoked sweet paprika. It will add some delicious smokiness to your salad.
- Adding capers and/or olives to your egg salad gives it a Mediterranean touch. Especially if you also make the dressing with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE - For easy storage, keep the egg salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for at least 3 days. To boost the flavor, you might need to season it with a bit of extra salt before serving it again.
Recipe Success Tips
USE OLDER EGGS - For best results, use eggs that are 7 to 10 days old. They are easier to peel than fresh eggs.
ROOM TEMPERATURE EGGS - To avoid cracked eggs, bring the eggs to room temperature before boiling them. This takes about 15-20 minutes. If you are in a rush, simply place the eggs for 5 minutes in a bowl of lukewarm water before boiling them.
USE THE RIGHT SIZE POT - If you are cooking a large number of eggs, be sure to use a large enough pot. Place each egg individually into the boiling water, making sure the eggs aren't touching.
DON'T SKIP THE LEMON ZEST - Trust me, it's the 'secret ingredient' that will make your guests ooh and ahh over this delicious recipe.
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS - Instead of fresh chives, try adding fresh dill and/or parsley.
More Easy and Delicious Side Salads
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Cold German Potato Salad
- Creamy German Cucumber Salad
- Watermelon and Orange Salad
- Oma's German Cucumber Salad (non-creamy)
Please take a moment to rate our Egg Salad recipe below!
Classic Egg Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard yellow
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 lemon zest of one lemon
Instructions
Making Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Remove eggs from the fridge and allow to rise to room temperature. About 15 minutes.
- Fill a 5-quart pot with water and bring to a boil. One-by-one add the eggs into the boiling water. Adjust heat to medium-high for a gentle boil. Boil for 9 minutes.
- While eggs are boiling, prepare a large bowl with ice water. Once done transfer the eggs into the ice water and chill for 2 minutes. Remove, peel, and coarsly chop the eggs. Set aside
Making The Dressing
- In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest and whisk until well combined.
Making Egg Salad
- In a large bowl combine chopped eggs, celery, and red onion. Add dressing and combine well. Season to taste with salt. Top with fresh chives (optional).
Nutrition
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Volker
Tried it - delicious!!!!!!!!