Egg Salad Recipe

Egg salad is a classic dish that’s simple to make and perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty dip. This recipe keeps it straightforward and delicious, ideal for beginners looking to whip up a quick meal. Here’s how to make a basic egg salad:

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs: Hard-boiled and peeled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup celery: Finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red onion: Finely chopped
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Paprika: For garnish (optional)
• Fresh chives or parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Medium mixing bowl
• Fork
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions:

1. Hard-Boil and Prep Eggs:
   • Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
   • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat.
   • Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes.
   • Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool completely before peeling.
2. Make Egg Salad:
   • Once the eggs are cooled and peeled, chop them into small pieces and place them in a medium mixing bowl.
   • Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, and red onion to the bowl.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix Well:
   • Use a fork to gently mash and mix the ingredients together until well combined. You can leave the mixture chunky or mash it finer depending on your preference.
4. Chill (Optional):
   • For best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the egg salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but enhances the taste.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish the egg salad with a sprinkle of paprika and chopped fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
   • Serve the egg salad on bread as a sandwich filling, on a bed of lettuce as a salad, or as a dip with crackers.

Tips for Success:

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh eggs and crisp celery for the best texture and flavor.
• Customization: Add diced pickles, relish, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor variations.
• Storage: Keep leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Avocado Egg Salad: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy twist.
• Spicy Egg Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Herbed Egg Salad: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

This easy egg salad recipe is perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Enjoy the creamy texture and delicious taste of homemade egg salad!