Name: Best Egg Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 eggs (room temperature); ¼ cup red onion (finely diced); 2 tablespoons parsley (finely diced); 2 tablespoons chives (finely diced); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; kosher salt (to taste); freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish to brighten up your lunch or snack time, you’ve come to the perfect place. This Best Egg Salad Recipe takes humble ingredients and transforms them into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that’s about to become your go-to comfort food. Imagine perfectly boiled eggs mingling with zesty Dijon, a touch of fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon — all coming together in one irresistible bowl. Whether you’re a seasoned egg salad lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six brown eggs arranged in a white egg tray placed on the left side of the frame. To the right of the eggs, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley with vibrant leaves and stems. Below the parsley, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy white sauce. Next to it, a small white bowl holds a pale yellow mustard. On the left bottom side, a white round dish contains fresh green chives, neatly laid side by side. In the middle of the setup, there is a whole lemon with a smooth bright yellow skin and a whole red onion with reddish-purple skin. A small round wooden bowl filled with coarse salt and black pepper rests near the center. All items are set on a white marbled textured surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious egg salad. Each component plays an important role, from providing creamy texture and tangy notes to a pop of brightness and color that makes every bite exciting.

6 eggs (room temperature): Hard-boiled to creamy perfection, they’re the star of the dish.
¼ cup red onion (finely diced): Adds a gentle crunch and sharpness that wakes up the flavors.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Brings that smooth, rich creaminess we all crave in egg salad.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Infuses a subtle tang and a bit of a kick that balances the richness.
2 tablespoons parsley (finely diced): Fresh and bright, parsley lifts the salad with its herbaceous notes.
2 tablespoons chives (finely diced): Offers a mild onion flavor, complementing the red onion beautifully.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of citrus to add a refreshing zing and keep the flavors lively.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring everything together in harmony.

How to Make Best Egg Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat so there aren’t vigorous bubbles that might crack the eggs. Gently place your room-temperature eggs into the water using a skimmer to keep them intact. Return the heat to high and let the eggs boil steadily for 12 minutes, ensuring a firm white and perfectly cooked yolk every time.

Step 2: Cool the Eggs

Immediately transfer your eggs from the pot into an ice water bath. This chills them quickly to stop the cooking process, ensuring that the yolks won’t turn green or develop that sulfuric flavor. Leave them to chill for at least 15 minutes — this step is key for easy peeling and crisp, clean flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

Peel your cooled eggs and slice or roughly chop them depending on your texture preference — chunky or finely diced, it’s all delicious. Toss the eggs in a mixing bowl along with the finely diced red onion, chives, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy with a lovely bite from the herbs and onion.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your egg salad a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — maybe a little more pepper or a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up. This is your moment to customize the salad exactly to your liking before serving.

How to Serve Best Egg Salad Recipe

A white plate holds an open sandwich with three layers: the bottom layer is a slice of toasted brown bread with visible seeds, on top of it a layer of bright green leafy lettuce, and the final layer is a chunky egg salad with creamy dressing, small bits of red onion, and chopped herbs, all sprinkled with green chives. Nearby, a white bowl contains more egg salad with a spoon, and part of another white plate with more green leafy lettuce is visible. The background is a white marbled surface with some scattered chives and cracked black pepper. A striped white and gray cloth is partially visible under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this humble egg salad into something stunning. Sprinkle a few extra chopped chives, a pinch of paprika for color, or even some microgreens on top for that fresh, garden-picked vibe that makes every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

The creamy richness of the Best Egg Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think crunchy celery sticks, a light green salad with vinaigrette, or even some sweet pickles to cut through the creaminess. These pairings keep the meal balanced and full of exciting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the classic sandwich, spread your egg salad on toasted baguette slices for elegant crostini, stuff it into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or serve it as a dip alongside colorful vegetable sticks. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or avocado halves to turn it into a hearty, crowd-pleasing bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Best Egg Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen over time, but make sure to give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

While egg salad is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed, but expect some changes in texture as mayonnaise-based salads don’t always freeze perfectly. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and stir well before enjoying.

Reheating

Egg salad is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended as it can affect the texture and overall taste. Just bring it out of the fridge and allow it to rest a few minutes for optimal flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use different types of mustard in this Best Egg Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Dijon mustard adds a smooth, slightly spicy tang, but you can experiment with yellow mustard for a milder taste or whole grain mustard for extra texture – feel free to customize based on your palette.

What’s the best way to peel boiled eggs for this salad?

The ice water bath helps immensely with peeling. Also, cracking the shell gently all over and peeling under running water can make the process easier and avoid damaging the whites.

Can I add other ingredients to the Best Egg Salad Recipe?

Yes! Some people love adding celery for crunch, pickles for tang, or even a sprinkle of paprika for smoky flavor. The recipe is very flexible—just keep the balance of creaminess and freshness in mind.

Is it better to use room temperature eggs for boiling?

Starting with room temperature eggs helps prevent cracking and makes the cooking time more consistent, so yes, it’s recommended for the best results in this recipe.

How can I make the egg salad healthier?

Try swapping out some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a slight tanginess, or use avocado as a creamy alternative to boost nutrients and healthy fats.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of making and sharing the Best Egg Salad Recipe with friends and family. It’s straightforward, comforting, and endlessly customizable, making it a timeless favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed egg salad any other way. So grab those eggs, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!