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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe

    Published: Aug 31, 2019 · Modified: Feb 12, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 12 Comments

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    The Best Classic Egg Salad or Boiled Egg Salad recipe is healthy, perfect for sandwiches, and full of flavor with celery, pickles, onions and so much more!

    Classic egg salad sandwich on white plate with eggs on plate in background

    Egg Salad for Sandwiches

    I have always wanted to figure out a way to make the Best Classic Egg Salad, every time I made it. For the longest time, the boiled eggs were always such an exercise in frustration.

    I hate having difficulty removing the eggshells and worse, the discoloration around the yolk. Drives me nuts. 

    Finally, I have a technique that is foolproof. Me being the fool ... ? Luckily, it works every time.

    Now boiling eggs has never been easier and I am excited to show you how.

    Let's discuss the wonderful taste.

    The taste of this classic egg salad makes the perfect sandwich. Just like boiled egg salad is supposed to be and I just can't get enough of it.

    You have literally found the perfect egg salad recipe and I am so glad I get to share it with you.

    You will also find a very long list of options. Perfect to help you create your own delicious egg salad, just the way you want it.

    If possible please take a moment to make me aware of exactly what is missing on the list, if anything. As always, I would be grateful.

    I always find it so much easier to look at a list to choose from rather than trying to think of different options in my head. Hopefully there is someone out there like that to. I hate to think I am the only one!

    Surely I can't be.

    Regardless, you will not be disappointed in this light and creamy egg salad sandwich recipe. Everyone who tries it always wants the recipe.

    Classic Egg Salad Sandwich 

    There is something to be said for eating a classic egg salad sandwich, on plain, white sandwich bread, that reminds me of my childhood. Lots of foods do but egg salad is a little different.

    My grandmother lived with us while my mother went back to school and made us the best lunches. Week after week. My sister and I were spoiled rotten.

    Egg salad day was always one of my favorites.

    This is not her recipe but boy oh boy does the taste remind me of hers. 

    This classic egg salad recipe includes celery and green onions even though you can easily swap out the green onion for a purple or red sweet onion or a yellow or white onion. All will work and work well.

    You need to have some crunch in your boiled egg salad in my opinion and celery and onions provide it.

    Still, if you prefer to add crunch in another way you will have to check out our list of options below. There are so many to choose from. I think you will be glad you did.

    Closeup of the best classic eggs salad with spoon in white bowl

    How do you boil eggs?

    You'll need to boil eggs to make this classic egg salad recipe. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, that's easier said than done sometimes. Here's the best way to do it.

    First, you add the eggs to a saucepan and fill it with cold water, about an inch or so above the eggs. Over high heat, bring your water to a full boil, cover with a lid, and immediately remove from heat.  Allow your eggs to stand for 8-9 minutes.

    After 8 or 9 minutes, pour out the hot water into your sink and start to shake the eggs back and forth to crack the shells.  Next I place the pot under the cold water in the sink and let the coldest water run for about 5 minutes, into the pot of cracked eggs.

    My friend Marcel who taught me this technique said you could also throw ice cubes in the bowl with the cold water rather than just let the cold water run. Both methods work beautifully.

    Every single time.

    Next you remove the eggs from the sink and dump the water. Peel all of the shells off and set the eggs aside into a bowl, large enough to hold them all.

    This will be the bowl you make your egg salad in.

    Feeling the shells slide right off. I just love that part. The bright yellow yolks with no ring around the yolk. I just love that part too.

    So super easy. That is the best part of all.

    How do you make the Best Egg Salad Sandwich?

    It's easy to make this healthy egg salad recipe. 

    Use a potato masher or fork to break up the eggs.  Once your eggs are in pieces add the mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until totally incorporated.

    Carefully add in celery, green onion, and whatever options you decide to include.

    Now take a moment to taste your mixture to see if it needs any more salt or pepper, hot sauce or anything else for that matter. Set aside. I usually throw a plate on top of the bowl and put it in the refrigerator until I am ready for it.

    Spread on bread, tortilla, a bun or roll,  or your favorite crackers and serve.

    How Long Does Boiled Egg Salad last?

    If your boiled egg salad is properly stored, in an airtight container, your egg salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. 

    How long can boiled egg salad be left at room temperature?

    Bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F.  Therefore, this classic egg salad recipe should be thrown away if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
     
    Just to be safe. I've had food poisoning before and let me tell you how horrible it can be. I try to never take unnecessary chances. After all, this healthy egg salad recipe isn't exactly healthy if it's filled with bacteria.
    Hand holding egg salad sandwich with bread and more egg salad in the background

    Egg Salad with Pickles, Celery and more

    • add pickle juice, diced pickles, or relish
    • yellow, white, red, or purple onion, diced
    • celery
    • carrots, shredded
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • yellow or dijon mustard
    • add some protein such as diced cooked bacon, shrimp, chicken, or ham
    • diced tomato or cherry tomatoes, soft flesh and seeds removed
    • avocado, mashed

    Healthy Egg Salad Recipe 

    The best way to make a healthy egg salad recipe is to use a low-fat mayo and use less of it. Instead of using all of the mayo listed in the directions be sure to include Greek yogurt instead of or with it.

    Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on who you are, this is a great or horrible thing. I find people either love or hate Greek yogurt and there is no in between.

    Regardless, creating an egg salad that is healthy is easier than you might think. You will need to taste as you go the first time and then you will know exactly what you need after that.

    I highly recommend putting ¼ cup of Greek yogurt into a bowl with the dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Give it a stir, taste it and see what you think.

    You can use up to another ¼ cup of Greek yogurt or mayo for a total of ½ cup. Try adding a little mayo at a time, if you need to. Maybe a little more mustard will do the trick. That always works for me and it might just work for you too!

    If Greek yogurt isn't your thing try adding some hummus or mashing some avocados yourself and blending it with the mayo and/or Greek yogurt.

    You will be so surprised at how much of a difference adding a little mashed, ripe avocado or hummus will make! Not only with the incredible flavor but the many added health benefits.

    Come up with a mixture or blend that is perfect for you and no more than ⅔ of a cup.

    If you don't mind please take a moment to let me know what combination works best for you. I would love to hear myself and share it with the other readers of this blog. 

    As long as you don't mind sharing too!

    What can I substitute Mayonnaise with?

    As you reduce the amount of mayo you are using, replace it with a little of any of the ingredients on the list below. For example, this Best Classic Egg Salad asks for ½ cup of mayo.

    As I mentioned before, I will use a measuring cup and add about ¼ cup of Greek yogurt to it. Then I add some hummus, olive oil or mashed avocado, or any combination.

    Then I add an extra tablespoon of mustard for a total of 3 tablespoons.

    I add the hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it a stir and then taste it. Sometimes I add a little more hot sauce and sometimes a little more mustard. 

    Add mayo as necessary until you reach ⅔ of a cup. 

    Play with the mixture until you are satisfied with the taste. You will be glad you did.

    • Hummus
    • Pesto
    • Avocado
    • Olive oil
    • Greek Yogurt
    Egg salad with spoon in white bowl with glass, bread, and more eggs in background

    Tuna and Chicken Salad Recipes

    Now that you know how to make Our Favorite Egg Salad I believe it will be your favorite egg salad too!  Perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all!

    If you also love tuna salad you will have to check out Our Favorite Tuna Salad or chicken salad, our Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps.  With or without the tortilla wraps, this chicken salad is hands down, the best we have ever had!  I can't wait t hear what you think!

    Our simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Salad is just as incredible and I can't wait to hear what your thoughts are!

    Closeup shot of egg salad sandwich on white plate

    Lastly, I love our Tuna Egg Salad Roll Ups which are a fabulous appetizer, lunch or snack!  Egg and tuna salad blend perfectly together and the taste is just fabulous and should be tried by all!  At least once!

    Ingredients in this Classic Egg Salad Recipe 

    • eggs
    • mayo
    • dijon mustard
    • salt
    • pepper
    • celery
    • green onions
    • hot sauce
    • avocado
    • baby romaine lettuce or baby spinach

    How to Make the Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe

    First, we are going to make the egg salad. Grab a pot that will hold all of your eggs. Place them inside and cover them with water, about an inch above the eggs.

    Turn the stove element up to high and bring the eggs to a boil. When they start to really boil, place the lid on top, remove them from the heat and let them sit for between 8 and 9 minutes.

    After 8 or 9 minutes pour out the hot water into your sink. Start to shake the eggs back and forth to crack the shells.

    Next, I place the pot under the cold water in the sink and let the coldest water run for about 5 minutes, into the pot of cracked eggs. My friend Marcel who taught me this technique said you could also throw ice cubes in the bowl with the cold water rather than just let the cold water run. Both methods work beautifully. Every time.

    Next, you remove the eggs from the sink and dump the water. Peel all of the shells off and set the eggs aside into a bowl, large enough to hold them all. This will be the bowl you make your egg salad in.

    Use a potato masher or fork to break up the eggs.

    Once your eggs are in pieces add the mayonnaise, mashed avocado (if using), hot sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until totally incorporated.

    Carefully add in celery and green onion.

    Now take a moment to taste your mixture to see if it needs any more salt or pepper or even hot sauce. Set aside. I usually throw a plate on top of the bowl and put it in the refrigerator until I am ready for it.

    Serve on your favorite bread, roll, cracker or tortilla! 

    What To Serve With Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe

    So you have your awesome egg salad sandwich...now all you need is something equally amazing to serve with it. Check out the list that Ken and I created for your dining pleasure. You won't be disappointed!

    More Easy Lunches To Try

    Cheesy Honey Mustard Turkey Roll Ups

    Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

    Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

    Easy Crispy Chicken Salsa Wraps

    Slow Cooker Chicken Salad

    Cheesy Tuna Bombs

    Easy Smoked Salmon Tortilla Roll Ups

    Cheesy Ham Roll Ups

    Cocktail Seafood Salad

    Sweet Chili Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

    Mediterranean Rice Salad

    Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad

    Best Greek Pasta Salad

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

    Our Favorite Egg Salad Video

    YouTube video

    Best Classic Egg Salad

    Karin and Ken
    The Best Classic Egg Salad or Boiled Egg Salad recipe is healthy, perfect for sandwiches, full of flavor, with celery, pickles, onions and so much more!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 9 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 24 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, brunch, lunch
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 252 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • saucepan
    • potato masher hand mixer or fork
    • Rubber spatula

    Ingredients
      

    Egg Salad

    • 10 large eggs
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 rib celery, diced
    • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
    • 3-5 dashes hot sauce, more or less to taste

    Options

    • 1 small ripe avocado, mashed
    • baby romaine lettuce or baby spinach
    • pickles or relish
    • ½ pound smoked salmon, diced
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • First we are going to make the egg salad. Grab a pot that will hold all of your eggs. Place them inside and cover them with water, about an inch above the eggs.
    • Turn the stove element up to high and bring the eggs to a boil. When they start to really boil, place the lid on top, remove them from the heat and let them sit for between 8 and 9 minutes.
    • After the 8 or 9 minutes pour out the hot water into your sink. Start to shake the eggs back and forth to crack the shells.
    • Next I place the pot under the cold water in the sink and let the coldest water run for about 5 minutes, into the pot of cracked eggs. My friend Marcel who taught me this technique said you could also throw ice cubes in the bowl with the cold water rather than just let the cold water run. Both methods work beautifully. Every time.
    • Next you remove the eggs from the sink and dump the water. Peel all of the shells off and set the eggs aside into a bowl, large enough to hold them all. This will be the bowl you make your egg salad in.
    • Use a potato masher or fork to break up the eggs.
    • Once your eggs are in pieces add the mayonnaise, mashed avocado (if using), hot sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until totally incorporated. Carefully add in celery and green onion. Now take a moment to taste your mixture to see if it needs any more salt or pepper or even hot sauce. Set aside. I usually throw a plate on top of the bowl and put it in the refrigerator until I am ready for it.
    • Serve on your favorite bread, roll, cracker or tortilla! Enjoy!

    Notes

    When it comes to what to serve with a good egg salad sandwich...look no further. Ken and I created a list with many awesome ideas for you to choose from. One bite into one of these sides and you'll be smiling from ear to ear!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 11gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 318mgSodium: 395mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 536IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword easy lunch, easy recipe, egg salad, eggs, lunch, sandwich
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
     


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    Comments

    1. Emily says

      April 27, 2023 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      I dont do egg salad but my friend made this and I love it. With the Dijon and and smoked salmon. What a difference. This is how you eat egg salad!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        May 05, 2023 at 3:00 pm

        I’m so happy you liked it. I love this recipe! Thank you for letting me know. You made my day. All the best. Karin

    2. Betty says

      October 07, 2019 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      I also added tomato with no pulp and shredded carrots The egg salad was GREAT!!!!!!! Loved by all

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        October 07, 2019 at 4:34 pm

        Such great additions! I’m happy the egg salad was a success! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! Take care. Karin

    3. Marty says

      October 07, 2019 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      WOW what a great egg salad recipe I added extra hot sauce thanks

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        October 07, 2019 at 4:33 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it! My sons adds extra hot sauce too and loves it! Take care and all the best. Karin

    4. Max says

      October 07, 2019 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      This egg salad is delicious we loved it thank you

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        October 07, 2019 at 4:32 pm

        You are most welcome. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care. Karin

    5. Donna says

      October 07, 2019 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      The best egg salad I have ever tried. Thank you for sharing the recipe

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        October 07, 2019 at 4:31 pm

        You are most welcome! Happy to hear you enjoyed it! All the best. Karin

    6. Maddie says

      September 20, 2019 at 2:26 am

      Sounds great but haven’t tried it yet. What is ‘hot sauce’? Is i5 tobacco?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        September 20, 2019 at 8:55 am

        You bet! Tobasco would work just fine and is usually what I use. My son always adds sriracha. It comes down to personal preference. My son also uses a lot more than we do! This egg salad recipe is delicious! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! All the best. Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    More about us

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