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This creamy egg salad is my go to for quick lunches and picnic sandwiches It is the perfect way to use up extra hard boiled eggs and has just the right balance of tang crunch and freshness
When I first made this I was surprised how much a handful of chives and lemon brightened the whole mix Now I keep fresh herbs on hand just for this
Ingredients
- Celery: brings a crisp bite I look for bright green stalks with no browning
- Fresh chives and parsley: add herby freshness Choose bunches with vibrant color
- Lemon juice: rounds out the flavor and keeps it from tasting too rich Use a juicy lemon and roll it before cutting to get the most juice
- Mayonnaise: creates that creamy texture Go for a good quality one for best flavor
- Dijon mustard: adds zing and complexity Whole grain also works for more texture
- Kosher salt and black pepper: bring out the flavors I grind pepper fresh for a little kick
- Hard boiled eggs: are the star Look for large eggs with uncracked shells and try to use eggs that are a few days old for easier peeling
- Sandwich bread and Bibb or butter lettuce: are optional Choose a sturdy bread and tender lettuce for the best sandwich
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep Aromatics:
- Finely dice the celery until you have about a third of a cup and place it in a medium bowl Chop the chives finely until you have a tablespoon Do the same for parsley leaves Add everything to the bowl
- Make the Dressing:
- Squeeze the lemon quarter till you have a teaspoon of juice Add it to the bowl with mayonnaise Dijon mustard kosher salt and black pepper Stir everything very well so it is creamy and uniform
- Add Eggs:
- Peel the hard boiled eggs then dice them into bite sized chunks Gently fold the eggs into the dressing mixture so you do not break them up too much You want it just combined
- Taste and Chill:
- Taste for salt and pepper Adjust as needed You can serve right away or cover and refrigerate for up to two hours for maximum flavor blending
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- If making sandwiches spread the egg salad in even layers on bread slices Add Bibb or butter lettuce then close with a second slice Cut sandwiches in half using a serrated knife
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Chives are my favorite addition They match so well with egg and creamy dressing and remind me of my mom making this for summer lunches when I was a kid We always added extra herbs from the garden
Storage Tips
Keep leftover egg salad in a well sealed container in the fridge It stays fresh and tasty for up to five days For best results give it a quick stir before serving after refrigerating Sandwiches made with egg salad are best eaten within a day to keep the bread from getting soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise if you want a lighter version Use red onion for chives if needed Fresh dill also works instead of parsley For those avoiding bread egg salad is delicious on lettuce leaves or in a wrap
Serving Suggestions
Serve egg salad on sandwich bread or scooped on a bed of leafy greens For a light meal pair with tomato slices and cucumber rounds It is also a great filling for pita pockets or as a topping for grain bowls
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Cultural or Historical Context
Egg salad has European roots but became an American picnic and deli classic by the early 1900s It remains a favorite for its simplicity affordable ingredients and the way it showcases leftover eggs
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I cook the eggs for best texture?
Place eggs in a single layer, cover with water, bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover for 10 minutes. Cool in ice water for easy peeling.
- → Can I substitute other herbs?
Absolutely! Dill, tarragon, or green onions can be used alongside (or instead of) chives and parsley for a different flavor profile.
- → Is sandwich bread necessary?
No. This mixture can be enjoyed standalone, with crackers, or as a filling for lettuce cups if you prefer a lighter option.
- → How long will leftovers keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it remains fresh for up to five days. Stir gently before serving each time.
- → What can I add for extra crunch?
Finely diced red onion, radish, or pickles add additional crunch and tang if you want to enhance the texture and flavor.
- → Can I make the dressing lighter?
You can swap some of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use light mayonnaise to reduce richness without losing creaminess.