How to Make Perfect Egg Salad
Egg salad is a classic dish made with hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It is a simple, delicious, and versatile way to enjoy eggs that can be adjusted to suit almost any taste. Try it with chives, pickles, celery, dill–the possibilities are endless! Check out our FAQ section below for ideas on how to customize your egg salad just the way you like it.
Egg salad can also be served in many ways too–atop a slice of crusty bread with a sprig of fresh dill, tucked into a buttery croissant, or spooned into a crisp lettuce cup for a quick and delightful lunch. It's perfect for picnics and potlucks as it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until it's time to serve.
To make egg salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4-6 hard boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional add-ins e.g. dill, chives - see below for more inpso
To make the egg salad, follow these steps:
- Begin by peeling and placing the hard boiled eggs in a medium-sized bowl.
- Using a fork, gently press into the egg yolks until they are finely mashed and the whites break into pieces. Don’t over-mash–it’s good to have some texture.
- Incorporate the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper into the bowl, and mix it all together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in any additional ingredients and mix until everything is just combined.
- Give the mixture a taste test and make any necessary seasoning adjustments.
Serve the egg salad immediately or refrigerate it until ready to use. Egg salad will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Of course, this is merely the foundation for a great egg salad. Change up the ingredients and seasonings, anything from paprika to cumin to celery salt, and there’s no end to the ways that you can enjoy it.
If you’re looking for more egg salad inspiration, check out our collection of egg salad recipes.
Common Egg Salad Questions
How do I properly boil eggs for egg salad?
For perfectly boiled eggs, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with about an inch and half (3 cm) of cold water. Over high heat, bring the water to a boil and then immediately cover and remove from the heat. Let the eggs sit for 3-4 minutes for soft boiled eggs and 12 minutes for hard boiled eggs. When they've finished cooking, drain the water and transfer into a bowl of icy water to give them a cool chill. Perfection awaits!
For more details, check out our Eggs 101 article on making perfect hard boiled eggs.
Can I make egg salad with homemade mayonnaise?
If you love to make your own homemade mayonnaise, you can swap it directly with store-bought. It's a great option if you want to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives or are cutting down on sodium. Be sure to taste, season as needed, and you'll have the perfect egg salad in no time. Keep in mind that homemade mayonnaise contains raw eggs and should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a day.
How long can I store egg salad in the refrigerator?
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 I add any other ingredients to my egg salad for added flavour?
Egg salad is a world of possibilities. Why not take your sandwich to the next level with the perfect combination of crunchy celery, the delicate flavour of chives, and an added hint of earthiness from fresh parsley? Try adding crispy bacon, dill, green onions, dill pickles or even a bit of Tabasco for some heat and added flavour. Get creative and have some fun in the kitchen with this classic lunchtime favourite.
How can I make egg salad without mayonnaise?
For an egg salad that's just as flavourful but without the mayo, you can use Greek yogurt for a scrumptious texture that's also tangy and creamy. Mashed avocado also works.
Can I pack egg salad for lunch or is it best consumed fresh?
One of our favourite ways to enjoy egg salad is freshly made, however, if you need to pack it in your lunchbox, make sure to keep it securely stored in a cool container and consumed within a few hours. Nothing beats the flavour and texture of freshly prepared egg salad–be sure not to keep it for too long for optimal flavour!