If you want to make the best egg salad recipe ever without the hassle, just follow this easy method for making perfect, super peelable hard-boiled eggs. And, it all has to do with the age of your eggs!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Everyone Needs a Simple Egg Salad Recipe
Egg salad is a timeless classic, great for quick lunches, picnics, or as a delightful sandwich filler.Â
And once you know the easiest method for making hard-boiled eggs with creamy yolks that peel like a dream, you’ll want to make this dish all the time!
The trick? Use older eggs! They peel with more ease as fresh eggs tend to stick to their shell more.
Even though it’s super simple, this is hands-down the best egg salad recipe. The right balance of simple ingredients means every bite hits the spot!
Why This is the Best Recipe for Egg Salad
- The eggs are easy to peel
- Creamy
- Full of flavor
- Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Easy Egg Salad Ingredients
- Eggs
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Red onion
- Dill relish
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika — optional for garnish
How to Make Egg Salad
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Place the eggs in a pot of cold water. Bring the water to a hard boil, then cover the pot with a lid and remove it from the heat. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
STEP TWO: Drain the hot water from the pot and fill it again with cold water and 2 cups of ice cubes. Allow the eggs to sit in the cold bath for 10 minutes.
STEP THREE: Remove the eggs from the cold water and peel them.
STEP FOUR: Chop the eggs to the desired size.
STEP FIVE: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, relish, and salt and pepper.
STEP SIX: Carefully fold the eggs into the mayonnaise mixture.
STEP SEVEN: Top with paprika if desired and serve on bread, crackers, or a salad.
Best Egg Salad Tips and Tricks
- Place the eggs in cold water before bringing everything to a boil to help prevent the shells from cracking.
- Use older eggs in this recipe for egg salad if possible, as they’re easier to peel after boiling than fresh eggs.
- The 10-minute ice bath after boiling stops the cooking process and makes peeling a breeze for easy egg salad.
- Gently fold the eggs into the mayo, Dijon, onion, relish, and salt and pepper mixture to keep the texture light and creamy.
- Sprinkle paprika on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
How Long to Boil Eggs for Egg Salad
From start to finish, the perfect hard-boiled eggs take about 25 minutes.
Begin by filling a pot with cold water, adding the eggs, bringing the pot to a hard boil, then covering and removing from heat.
Let the pot with the eggs sit, covered, for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute ice bath. This method ensures firm yet creamy yolks ideal for making the best egg salad!
What to Eat with Egg Salad
- Air Fryer Bread
- Air Fry Frozen French Fries
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Crunch Salad
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
Storing this Classic Egg Salad Recipe
You want to store any extra egg salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s the best egg salad recipe for meal prep or for those moments when you need a quick bite!
How long does Egg Salad last?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, your egg salad can stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. It’s a great make-ahead dish if you’re heading to a potluck or backyard BBQ!
Can You Freeze Egg Salad?
I would not recommend freezing this simple egg salad recipe. The mayonnaise and eggs can separate when thawed, which just isn’t very appetizing.
More Egg Recipes:
- Air Fryer Poached Eggs
- Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
- Air Fryer Egg Bites
- Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
- Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
Best Egg Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons red onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons dill relish
- salt and pepper to taste
- paprika to garnish (optional)
Instructions
Make Hard Boiled Eggs
- Place the eggs into a pot of cold water and bring the water to a hard boil.
- Cover the pot with a lid and remove it from the heat. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Drain the hot water from the pot and fill it again with cold water and 2 cups of ice cubes.
- Allow the eggs to sit in the cold bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the cold water and peel them.Â
Make Egg Salad
- Chop the eggs to the desired size.Â
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, red onion, relish, salt and pepper.Â
- Carefully fold the eggs into the mayonnaise mixture.Â
- Serve on bread, crackers, or a salad.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
