Classic Egg Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is egg salad made of? ›

It is similar to chicken salad, ham salad, macaroni salad, tuna salad, lobster salad, and crab salad. A typical egg salad is made of chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, minced celery and onion, salt, black pepper and paprika. A common use is as a filling for egg sandwiches.

Add Greek yogurt: Mixing in some Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and help thicken the egg salad. It also adds a tangy flavor.

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.

Recipe developer and cookbook author Sheri Castle suggests that "for a salad with hearty texture that won't turn gummy or pasty, use your hands to crumble the eggs instead of chopping the whites and mashing the yolks with a fork." You will, of course, want to wait until the boiled eggs are cool enough to handle, but ...

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.

The texture may be watery or slimy, which may be a sign of bacterial growth. If left longer, it can develop dark spots and mold. You might also see little bubbles or fizzing when stirring the salad; these are also surefire indicators of microbial growth.

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.

If your egg salad looks good but has a sour or bitter taste, it's best to throw it away. In some cases, you might notice small bubbles or fizzing when stirring the salad. These are telltale signs of microbial growth. Refrain from tasting the salad, and discard it immediately.

Besides swapping regular onions for green onions or chives, there are other ways you can build up your egg salad's flavor and limit unsightly pooling water. Try adding spices, such as garlic powder or paprika; paprika is often dusted atop deviled eggs, so it would taste fantastic in egg salad.

Can You Freeze Egg Salad? We don't recommend freezing egg salad, as it will change the texture and flavor. If you're OK with that, you can freeze it for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

What do you serve with egg salad? ›

Potato Salad: A classic side dish that pairs well with egg salad. You can choose from various potato salad recipes, such as creamy mayonnaise-based or a tangy vinegar-based version. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw with a mix of cabbage and carrots adds a crunchy and refreshing element to your meal.

According to the USDA, you might have a little more time to finish egg salad than you may think. If the egg salad has been properly stored—in a sealed container in the refrigerator—it is safe to eat it within five days.

The egg salad itself can get watery after it sits for a while, though. To counter this tendency, make sure the eggs aren't overcooked, chill them well before chopping, and add a tablespoon of very fine bread crumbs to the salad. Your choice of bread can make or break an egg salad sandwich.

Additional ingredients like celery, onions, or herbs may be added for flavor and texture. Egg Mayonnaise: Egg mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a simple mixture of hard-boiled eggs and mayonnaise. It's a more straightforward combination, omitting additional ingredients like mustard or vegetables.

Egg salad and egg mayonnaise are similar dishes with a few key differences. Ingredients: Egg Salad: In egg salad, hard-boiled eggs are typically chopped or mashed and mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Additional ingredients like celery, onions, or herbs may be added for flavor and texture.

You've already made the healthy choice by having a salad. Why not add an egg to make it even healthier? Studies show that eating eggs, which naturally contain fats, alongside vegetables helps the body to better absorb the fat-soluble nutrients in veggies like vitamin E and lutein.

Another reason why egg salad is easy to digest is because it is typically made with mayonnaise, which is a creamy and smooth condiment that is easy on the stomach. Mayonnaise is made from oil, egg yolks, and vinegar or lemon juice, which are all ingredients that are gentle on the digestive system.

People may find it easier to eat cold foods when feeling sick, as they often smell less than hot foods. The odor of hot food may increase feelings of nausea for some people. Good options for cold foods include: a sandwich with protein, such as peanut butter or egg salad.