Classic Egg Salad

Here’s how to make the best egg salad! It’s creamy and full of bold flavor, with the perfect ratio of ingredients. Bookmark this one!

Yes, we’ve cracked the code to the best egg salad recipe! You might not think you need a recipe for egg salad. (And you don’t.) But for the best flavor that works ever time, here’s one you can bookmark and make on repeat! It’s ultra creamy and savory, with just the right balance of fresh herbs with savory Dijon and mayo. Layer it between bread slices and it’s absolutely heavenly! Here are the tricks to a killer egg salad.

The trick to egg salad

Here’s a secret to making the best egg salad: up the creaminess factor by using both Greek yogurt and mayonnaise! We also use this trick in our Tuna Salad Sandwich and our fan favorite Homemade Ranch Dressing. Here’s why it works:

• Mayo lends a savory richness, but using all mayo can taste heavy.
• Greek yogurt keeps light and healthy, and adds a tangy, fresh flavor.

Don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, or don’t want to use it? No problem: you can substitute all mayonnaise like a traditional egg salad recipe.

Ingredients for egg salad

Egg salad is one of those recipes like potato salad and tuna salad: everyone has their own spin! There are thousands of variations on this classic recipe: with pickles, with avocado, with chives, and so forth. In our recipe testing, here’s what we found to be the essential ingredients for a classic egg salad recipe:

• Eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt (or more mayonnaise)
• Dijon mustard
• Green onion
• Fresh dill or basil (optional, but recommended)

That’s it! The Dijon mustard works with the Greek yogurt and mayo to bring in a tangy, savory flavor. There’s no need for lemon juice in this salad: the mustard adds enough of a bright pop!

How to make hard boiled eggs

All you need for a great egg salad is a batch of hard boiled eggs. There are a few methods for boiling eggs, and we’re partial to the straightforward stovetop method. However, they work well in a pressure cooker and steamed, too! Here are a few options:

• Stovetop: Make Hard Boiled Eggs by placing the eggs in a pot and covering with 1-inch of water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat, cover and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Then place the eggs in ice water and allow to cool completely.
• Steamer Basket: These Steamed Hard Boiled Eggs is fast and easy, and makes the eggs easy to peel.
• Pressure Cooker: Go to Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs for this simple, hands-off method.

Fresh dill or basil make 2 variations!

The fresh herbs in this egg salad take it over the top! You only need a little and it goes a long way. If you don’t have access to fresh herbs you can leave them out, but we highly recommend it for the herby, irresistible flavor they add. Here are the two options:

• Fresh dill: This gives a classic egg salad flavor, like something you’d get at a gourmet deli!
• Fresh basil: Add basil and it makes a peppery, Italian-inspired vibe. We’re huge fans of using basil to vary up this salad.

How long can you store egg salad?

Egg salad lasts for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Here’s the thing: the flavors can dull after refrigeration. Egg salad is best served fresh. When you serve leftovers, let it come to room temperature and take a taste. Add a pinch of salt and another squeeze of Dijon mustard to taste to revive the flavors.

Ways to serve egg salad (including gluten-free)

There are lots of ways to serve egg salad outside of a simple sandwich…some you might not have thought of! It makes for a healthy lunch idea or a fast and easy dinner. Here are some of our favorites:

• Sandwich: Classic. Try No Knead Bread or Homemade Bread if you’re up for the homemade bread challenge.
• Lettuce Wrap: Serve it rolled up into butter lettuce leaves (gluten-free).
• In an Avocado: Stuff it in an avocado and you’ve got a tasty gluten-free lunch.
• Wrap: Roll it up in a tortilla or spinach wrap.
• Crackers: Try Almond Crackers (gluten-free) or Homemade Crackers.
• Croissants: Croissants make a fancy finger sandwich for a nice brunch, bridal shower, or baby shower.
• Over Greens: Serve it as a salad itself! Add some sliced tomatoes or other veggies for color.

This egg salad recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

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More egg recipes

There are so many ways to use hard boiled eggs! Here are some of our favorites:

• Easy Deviled Eggs Classic and taste amazing! They use both Greek yogurt and mayo to make the perfect flavor.
• Tuna Salad with Egg Creamy and savory, this protein-packed sandwich is perfect as an easy lunch or dinner idea.
• Nicoise Salad This French main dish salad is legendary: for good reason! It’s protein-packed, doused in zingy dressing, and makes a stunning lunch or dinner…glass of wine optional.
• Grilled Cheese with Boiled Egg This grilled cheese has a unique filling: hard boiled eggs and smoky cheese!