Simple and satisfying... always leading to a smile. Yum. Classic egg salad is just so good any time of the year. I know, in the winter, it is always nice to have something warm, but for lunch, this is a great option — and this is the Best Egg Salad Recipe I know. The best part is that they are now selling perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs in the store, which makes this recipe a snap to put together. Today, this was done, starting to finish in under 5 minutes. That's fast!
I like my egg salad, which is more of a rustic style with larger egg pieces. For me, it just tastes better this way. Also, since I'm gluten-free and not eating bread, it seems to fill me up more, if that makes any sense at all. If you put the more rustic style in an egg salad sandwich, the large chunks of egg might make a mess. Around here, it is either eaten straight out of the bowl or put into romaine lettuce wraps for a little added crunch and freshness.
This classic egg salad recipe differs from the sea of egg salad recipes floating around in the ethos. I've always punched up the acidity with both Dijon mustard and lemon juice to really knock out the flavors. With the fat in the mayonnaise, the acid really piques your tastebuds. It's so good. Let's learn how to make egg salad!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegetarian
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this egg salad recipe for so many reasons:
- Ready in minutes with store-bought hard-boiled eggs.
- Amazingly high in protein and fat, a low-carb dream combo.
- Best egg salad, proven by everyone I’ve served it to.
- Super-easy to customize to your own style.
- Very economical lunch option.
- My kids love it, and they typically don’t like egg salads.
- Proven recipe, made thousands of times over.
Is Egg Salad Low-Carb?
Yes, egg salad is low-carb. As for this recipe, it contains only 3 g net carbs per serving. Plus, these carbs come from celery, onion, and spices. This recipe offers an amazing lunch option if you're following a low-carb diet.
Best Egg Salad Recipe Ingredient List
The following is the list of simple ingredients you need to make this easy egg salad recipe:
- 12 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 4 stalks celery, sliced lengthwise and chopped
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion (just the green part)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup mayo
- fresh cracked black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some simple and tasty substitutions to keep your simple egg salad delicious:
- Celery: Swap with seeded and diced cucumber, though celery's flavor pairs best with eggs.
- Celery seed: Omit if unavailable, but it adds a unique touch if you can find it.
- Green onion: Substitute with chives or shallots (soak diced shallots in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness).
- Dijon mustard: Use yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or whole-grain mustard (add a bit of apple cider vinegar with whole-grain mustard for extra acidity).
- Lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a different twist.
Additional Ingredients
To elevate this quick and easy egg salad even more from the basic recipe, consider these tasty additions that complement the main ingredients:
- Fresh herbs: A touch of fresh dill adds a burst of flavor, but remember, a little goes a long way. You can also add fresh parsley to enhance the flavor.
- Spices: For added zest and color, consider hot Hungarian paprika, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Pickles: To introduce a tangy twist, opt for chopped dill pickles. Avoid using fresh dill and dill pickles together.
- Bacon: Elevate your salad with chopped, cooked bacon, or try homemade bacon bits for a flavorful upgrade.
- Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the flavor of the salad.
Note: These ingredients are optional. You can use them to enhance the flavors of the recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
The following is the list of tools you'll need to make the recipe for egg salad:
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Medium bowl
How to Make Best Egg Salad: Complete Guide
Cooking Method
- No-cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Slice hard-boiled eggs.
- Slice celery stalks lengthwise and then chop.
- Slice green onion.
Putting It Together
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well until the yolks break and are incorporated with the mayo.
- Taste. Adjust seasoning. Taste again.
- Serve in a lettuce leaf for a delicious lunch!
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2: Mix well until the yolks break and are incorporated with the mayo.
Step 3: Delicious lunch is ready!
💡 My Pro Tip
Celery seed is a crucial addition to my egg salad recipe. It imparts instant, robust celery flavor and perfectly balances the acids. It's affordable and versatile, enhancing various salads that call for celery.
Also, while this recipe can be prepared ahead, I suggest making it no more than a couple of hours in advance. The salt content in the salad will cause the celery to release its moisture (as it's mostly water), potentially altering the texture over time.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Purchase hard-boiled eggs for the egg salad to save time on peeling and preparation.
- Chop all your veggies in advance for convenience.
- Slice the eggs ahead of time; it's more time-saving than you might expect.
- If making homemade mayo, prepare it in advance to streamline your cooking process.
What to Serve with Best Egg Salad Recipe?
My version of egg salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or paired with a variety of other recipes. You can serve it with any leafy green salad, top on crackers, or make the best delicious sandwich recipe. Besides that, you can serve a batch of egg salad with these foods:
- Baked Zucchini Fries: The crispiness of zucchini fries perfectly complements the creamy texture of egg salad.
- Cucumber Feta Salad: The fresh flavor of cucumber and tangy feta provide a delightful contrast to the delicious egg salad.
- Fresh Summer Broccoli Salad: A light and crunchy broccoli salad enhances the flavors of this simple salad while adding a nutritious touch to your meal.
- Keto Cheese Chips: These crispy, cheesy chips add a satisfying crunch and complement the creamy texture perfectly.
- French Frisée Salad: The delicate bitterness of frisée lettuce pairs well with the rich flavors of the basic egg salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Alternatively, you can also make classic egg salad sandwiches using lettuce wraps or low-carb bread.
Storage Instruction
This homemade egg salad doesn't store well due to the high moisture content of its ingredients. The salt draws out moisture, resulting in a puddle in the container. If desired, drain the excess liquid from leftover egg salad and add more mayo and a touch of mustard for a refresh. Mix well and enjoy! Keep in mind that the eggs may become slightly tougher due to the moisture loss caused by the salt.
Note: This recipe doesn't freeze and can't be reheated.
Recipe Conclusion
It is a subjective issue when I think about what makes something the best. This Best Egg Salad Recipe truly is my best, and people have always enjoyed it. At my catering company, we made hundreds of pounds of this recipe, and people kept coming back for more. Is it the best? Well, my taste buds seem to think so!
If you have a favorite egg salad recipe that you would like to post in the comments, please do so. Or, if you have any questions, give me a shout! You can join in the conversation and see more pictures and stuff on Facebook and Instagram. Let's explore food together.
More Salad Recipes
Thinking about some other great lunch options? Check these out!
- Bacon Avocado Salad: super-easy and so tasty!
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat's Cheese: Add some color to your day with this vibrant salad.
- Caprese Salad Recipe:Love cheese and tomatoes with basil? This one is simple and delicious.
- Curried Egg Salad: Super easy, simple, yet full of flavors!
FAQs
To thicken runny egg mayo, add more mayo gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
To prevent egg salad from getting watery, drain excess liquid before serving and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Yes, egg yolks and egg whites are included in this salad recipe.
To hard-boil eggs, place them in hot water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Drain and cool in ice water before peeling.
THE BEST EGG SALAD RECIPE
Ingredients
- 12 hard-boiled eggs sliced
- 4 stalks celery sliced lengthwise and chopped
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion just the green part
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup mayo
- fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Slice hard-boiled eggs.
- Slice celery stalks lengthwise and then chop.
- Slice green onion.
Putting It Together
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well until the yolks break and are incorporated with the mayo.
- Taste. Adjust seasoning. Taste again.
- Serve in a lettuce leaf for a delicious lunch!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
The Ultimate Game Day Dip
Hosting a game day party? My Ultimate Game Day Dip is the perfect addition. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Simple Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are quick to make and bursting with flavor! Pulled chicken is tossed in a tangy hot sauce, wrapped in crisp lettuce, and topped with crumbled blue cheese for an easy, satisfying dish. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Coleslaw for Pulled Pork Recipe
My Coleslaw for Pulled Pork recipe has been a favorite for over 20 years. With a creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s the ultimate sidekick to pulled pork or barbecue. Quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
Understanding Carbs In Guacamole: Low Carb or Keto?
Delve into the world of guacamole and its carb content—essential knowledge for low carb and keto enthusiasts. Avocado's creamy texture
What is Low Carb Diet? Carb Confusion Conquered!
Ever wondered what a Low Carb Diet really entails? I’ve broken down the basics to help you understand how reducing
Low Carb Diet for Weight Loss: Does It Actually Work?
Many studies suggest that a low carb diet can indeed be effective for weight loss. By restricting carbohydrates, the body
23 Responses
can you publish nutritional info
Hey there:
You can find the nutritional info at the end of the recipe.
Thank you and happy eating!
Scott
I have been absolutely loving your blog. The title was initially what drew me in, but I must say - your recipes are great. I love the idea of using lemon juice! My secret to tang is a dash of Worcestershire. You can check out my recipe at to see my own twist 😉
Wow- your egg salad looks delicious!
I've been sharing this recipe with all my friends for the last several months. I rarely comment on blogs, but really wanted to say thank you. We all love it.
Hi Liz:
Wow, what a compliment! Thank you very much, it really is a delicious salad.
Have an excellent day in the kitchen!
Scott
I made this tonite...cannot WAIT for dinner! This is a delicious recipe! Can't wait to try your fajita frittata recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Susan:
Thank you so much for taking the time to write, I truly appreciate it.
Hope you have a fantastic day in the kitchen!
Scott
Absolutely the BEST egg salad! Thx so much for the recipe!
Hi Sarah:
It's the jam- right? I just made this last weekend for friends and everyone loved it. So simple too-
Thanks for reading and have fun in the kitchen!
Take care-
Scott
Terrific egg salad, full of flavor & textures. Fantastic recipe, thanks!
Hi Jenny:
Thanks so much!! You just made my entire day bright!
Have an excellent afternoon-
Scott
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I followed your instructions then added 2 teaspoons of dill weed seasoning. This is super yummy!
Hi Sheena,
I wasn't kidding when I said it's the best. Haha
Thank you for your compliments, I hope you'll try other recipes too.
Have a great day in the kitchen!
Scott
Hi, I’m more of a lurker and don’t normally post on blogs, but I’ll admit this recipe is The Real Deal. We stumbled across it a couple years ago on Pinterest, and we still make it to this day. Follow the recipe! The second time we made it, we added more mayo than it calls for,, and it got all gloopy, so the proportions are perfect.
A great egg salad! Thanks so much for sharing
You are really a stand up guy to admit that the original recipe is just right. I am so SICK of people who post comments like k"it was really good, but I changed this, and I substituted that, etc.etc. I always think - well, if you have such great recipes, why don't you post your own.
Kudos, and I will try this recipe just as it is written!
Great recipe! I didn't change a thing and it was a hot with my family