The Best Egg Salad

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Few side dishes have as much versatility as homemade egg salad.

For one, it can become its own dish, either by layering it on a sandwich or just enjoying it in a large bowl (I do this, no judging).

And for two, you can pair egg salad with just about anything. It’s a great option for when you want to bring food to a gathering but have no idea what else will be on the menu. Because odds are, even if someone else brings some egg salad, the recipes will be so different that it will be like two different side dishes.

Which also brings me to three: there are so many different flavors and additions you can add to this dish, and they’re all bound to create something that tastes amazing.

This is the best (and easiest!) recipe for egg salad that I’ve come across. It’s perfect for enjoying and customizing and has very minimal prep work.

What ingredients are in this egg salad?

In order to mix up the absolute best egg salad there is, you’ll need to round up these ingredients:

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: The star of the show, these eggs are boiled to perfection, cooled, and peeled. They’re then sliced or chopped to your preference, ready to blend smoothly into the salad.
• Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment adds a lush, rich texture to the salad, binding the ingredients together with its velvety embrace.
• Mustard: A zesty kick that brings a subtle heat and depth, mustard perfectly complements the creamy mayonnaise, introducing a tangy twist to the mix.
• Lemon Juice: Just a teaspoon, but it’s like a splash of sunshine, brightening up the salad with a hint of citrus, enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Salt: A pinch to taste, salt is the flavor enhancer, making all the other components of the salad sing in harmony.
• Black Pepper: Another pinch to taste, black pepper adds a gentle heat and a fragrant spice, rounding out the flavors with its distinctive buzz.

Can you use Miracle Whip instead?

Absolutely, you can use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise in your egg salad recipe. Just remember that Miracle Whip will add a slightly sweeter and tangier flavor profile, giving your egg salad a more unique taste.

What else can you add to egg salad?

This recipe is designed to be a base recipe that’s great to enjoy on its own or you can customize it with flavors of your choice.

If you’re looking for more options, try any one (or more than one!) of these:

• Replace the mustard in the recipe with Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard.
• Fresh thyme, ½ tablespoon (or about ½ teaspoon for dried).
• Fresh chives, ½ tablespoon (or about ½ teaspoon for dried).
• Fresh oregano, ½ tablespoon (or about ½ teaspoon for dried).
• Fresh sage, ½ tablespoon (or about ½ teaspoon for dried).
• Cooked and crumbled bacon, about one or two tablespoons.
• Avocado, about ¼ cup.
• Red onion, about one or two tablespoons.
• Jalapenos (or even candied jalapenos) about one or two tablespoons.

The list could go on and on. If you have any additions you use, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

What to serve with egg salad?

Egg salad is not only great for holidays and potlucks, but it’s also a great filler side for any meaty main dish. Some of my favorites include

• Steak Kabobs: Savory and hearty, with a mix of spices that complement the creamy and delicate flavors of egg salad.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Sticky, sweet, and garlicky wings that offer a crispy contrast to the creamy smoothness of egg salad.
• Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork: Melt-in-your-mouth pork with a sweet and savory sauce, pairing wonderfully with the light and creamy texture of egg salad.
• Breaded Dijon Chicken Skewers: Crispy, tangy chicken pieces that bring a delightful crunch and zestiness, balancing the rich creaminess of egg salad.
• Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Decadent and savory, offering a rich taste that contrasts nicely with the light and refreshing egg salad.
• Baked Stuffed Flank Steak: Flavor-packed and juicy, its robust flavors and textures make egg salad a refreshing side to cleanse the palate.
• Tangy Pineapple Glazed Ham: Sweet with a tropical twist, its bold flavors shine alongside the simple, comforting taste of egg salad.
• Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewers: Luxurious and smoky, where the saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the scallops elevate the creamy egg salad.

How long does egg salad last?

Egg salad has a “typical” perishable food timeline of staying fresh for three to five days when refrigerated in an air-tight container.

Can you freeze egg salad?

Due to the egg and mayonnaise in this recipe, I do not recommend freezing this dish. Freezing will make the consistency will turn watery and rubbery, which ruins creaminess we all love about egg salad.

How long can you leave out egg salad?

If you’re bringing egg salad to a potluck or event, there’s bound to be a point where your salad will sit on the table while everyone grabs their portion.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature. I recommend preparing this salad with chilled ingredients or serving it chilled, as this should give you more time (about one hour) before the dip reaches room temperature.

So, in total, this dip can be left out for “about” three hours, depending on the start temperature and the temperature of the room. However, be sure to still check the dish every now and then – eggs and mayonnaise can be tricky like that.

Once you’re near the recommended time, you can cover the salad and place it back in the refrigerator. If your guests still want more, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

More great side dishes

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Step 1

In a large bowl, start by adding the hard-boiled eggs. There are a couple ways you can do this: mash them in the bowl, chop them up, or slice them. After you’ve added your eggs, toss in the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2

Use a spatula to give all the ingredients a gentle (but thorough!) mix.

Step 3

Cover the bowl and let chill, usually about one or two hours.

Step 4

Serve and enjoy!