If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food that’s both effortlessly satisfying and delightfully fresh, this Simple and Creamy Egg Salad Recipe will become your new go-to. It combines perfectly cooked eggs with a luscious dressing and just the right crunch of celery and a hint of red onion, making every bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual brunch, or just craving something quick and tasty, this egg salad strikes that balance between simple prep and rich, comforting taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From creamy mayo to zesty lemon juice and crunchy celery, every component plays a role in elevating this dish beyond average egg salad.
- 6 eggs: The star of the show, hard-boiled to creamy perfection, providing substance and protein.
- 1/2 cup mayo: Adds the smooth, rich base that makes the salad creamy without overpowering the eggs.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A touch of acidity to brighten flavors and balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers subtle tang and complexity with that hint of sharpness everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and smoky depth to keep things interesting.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the salad with savory undertones without overpowering the delicacy of the eggs.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that make all the flavors shine.
- 1 stick celery (chopped small): For that delightful crunch that prevents the salad from feeling mushy.
- 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion: Adds a mild bite and a little zing to round out the texture and flavor.
How to Make Simple and Creamy Egg Salad Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Hard Boil the Eggs
Start by placing your eggs in a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, time exactly 10 minutes to achieve firm yet creamy yolks—not chalky. Drain the hot water, rinse the eggs under cool water to stop cooking, then let them sit in cold water for 5-10 minutes. This cooling step makes peeling easier and ensures perfect texture.
Step 2: Craft the Flavored Mayo Dressing
While eggs are cooling, mix together the mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. This blend is the heart of your egg salad’s creaminess and zest, delivering layers of flavor that complement the eggs beautifully.
Step 3: Chop and Combine
Once your eggs have cooled, peel them carefully and chop according to your preference—chunky chunks give a rustic feel, while smaller pieces create a smoother salad. Add the eggs to your mayo mixture along with finely chopped celery and red onion. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, then taste and add more seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
Your Simple and Creamy Egg Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy right away. However, chilling it for a bit helps the flavors meld together, giving it an even more comforting depth. Whether you prefer it fresh or well-set, either way, it’s delicious!
How to Serve Simple and Creamy Egg Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra freshly chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top adds visual appeal and a subtle flavor lift when serving. Consider a few microgreens or thinly sliced radishes for a bit of crunch and color that make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This egg salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy pickles, crispy potato chips, or a simple green salad. These sides provide contrasting textures and flavors that balance the creaminess, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic sandwich! Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option or dollop it onto toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer. Wrapping it up in a flour tortilla with some fresh greens also makes for a quick, handheld delight perfect for lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Simple and Creamy Egg Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to stir it before serving again, as some settling may occur.
Freezing
Egg salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the mayo base tends to separate and change texture upon thawing. For the best taste and consistency, it’s recommended to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
This egg salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Since it contains mayonnaise and eggs, reheating is not recommended as it can alter both texture and flavor negatively.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Absolutely! While Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, you can experiment with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or spicy brown mustard for a bolder kick. Just adjust the quantity to your taste preferences.
How do I know when eggs are perfectly hard-boiled?
Timing is key. Boil your eggs for about 10 minutes once the water reaches a rolling boil, then cool them promptly in ice water. This method produces firm whites and creamy, fully set yolks without overcooking.
Is there a healthier alternative for mayonnaise?
For a lighter option, you can substitute half or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt. This swap keeps your salad creamy while adding a pleasant tang and boosting protein content too.
Can I add other ingredients to this egg salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with additions like chopped pickles, fresh dill, or even crispy bacon bits for extra texture and flavor. Just keep balance in mind so the simple and creamy texture remains the star.
How long can I keep the egg salad in the fridge?
It’s best to consume your egg salad within 3 days when stored properly in the fridge. Beyond that, the taste and texture may start to decline, and it’s safer to enjoy it fresh.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a well-made Simple and Creamy Egg Salad Recipe that comforts like a warm hug and satisfies cravings effortlessly. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to whip up a dish that feels homemade and indulgent all at once. Once you taste it, I bet it will become one of your favorites too, ready to brighten up lunches and gatherings alike!
Print
Simple and Creamy Egg Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and easy-to-make Simple Egg Salad recipe featuring hard-boiled eggs mixed with creamy mayo, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, smoked paprika, and crunchy celery and red onion. Perfect as a sandwich filling, in wraps, or served in lettuce cups for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Egg Salad
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 stick celery, chopped small
- 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
Instructions
- Hard Boil the Eggs: Place 6 eggs in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water, then let them sit in cold water in the pan for 5-10 minutes until fully cooled.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
- Chop and Mix the Eggs: Peel the cooled eggs and chop them to your desired size. Add the chopped eggs, 1 stick chopped celery, and 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the egg salad and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt and pepper if desired. Serve the egg salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld before serving. Enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.
Notes
- Hard boiling eggs for exactly 10 minutes ensures a firm yolk without overcooking.
- Chilling the egg salad before serving enhances the flavor, but it can be eaten right away.
- Feel free to customize by adding herbs like dill or chives for extra freshness.
- To make it lighter, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of both.
- Use smoked paprika sparingly if you prefer less smoky flavor.
- For a crunchier texture, keep the celery finely chopped.
