Egg Salad Recipe

Egg salad is one of the easiest and tastiest go-to comfort foods for our family, and it’s always a favorite to share. This is the only Southern-style egg salad recipe you’ll need for picnics, potlucks, and lazy Sunday brunches. 

While preparing this post, I wondered if egg salad is an iconic Southern thing. While no one is certain, I can tell you the recipe I am sharing today is the most popular among those I have tried over the years. It is the best egg salad recipe in my opinion, known for its tangy flavors from ingredients like sweet pickles, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.

Did you know you can variations all over the world! Makes sense given how eggs are so easy to prepare and adaptable. They easily take on many different flavor combinations, which is perfect for showing off regional flavors and ingredients.

There’s the Russian Olivier salad, which combines chopped boiled eggs with potatoes, pickles, sweet peas, carrots, onions and ham. South African egg salads also include potatoes, and more of them than they do eggs. Others stand out with different base ingredients instead of mustard and mayo. For example, Polish egg salads use cream cheese instead of mayo, while Hungarian versions use butter and sour cream.

If you want to dive deeper into the history of egg salad, Tasting Table has a lot more info on the matter.

If you’d rather get to this easy egg salad recipe and make your own, keep reading! There’s something incredibly satisfying about making egg salad from scratch. All it takes is a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover eggs you might have on hand.

What goes with egg salad?

Egg salad can be served by itself or as part of a larger meal and hits the spot either way with its creamy texture and tasty combo of flavors. 

For a classic approach, spoon a generous scoop of the egg salad onto a bed of crisp lettuce with a few big slices of fresh tomato on the side with Club crackers. You could also serve it as part of a scoop duo or trio this way, adding scoops of any of these:

• Classic Chicken Salad
• Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad
• Fruit Chicken Salad
• Spicy White Pimento Cheese

Besides almost limitless types of crackers you can try with it, from Club or Ritz to Wheat Thins or Saltines, there are so many other delicious accompaniments for this egg salad, too. If you are watching starch and carbohydrates, try carrot sticks, celery or fruit slices.

For a heartier meal, spread it onto slices of thick, whole-grain bread or tucked into a light, buttery croissant. You could add a soup or salad for even more substance.

For beverages, a glass of iced tea with lemon or cold lemonade are both refreshing choices that pair well. For a sweet finish, think light and fruity, as well. A cup of fresh fruit or my strawberry pretzel salad would be perfect.

Ingredients needed to make this traditional, Southern-style egg salad

Here are the few items to gather for this egg salad. If you’re like me, you already have some or all of these at any given time!

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are the foundation, giving the salad its satisfying flavor and a smooth texture.
• Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Binds and combines the ingredients while adding creaminess and tanginess.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty flavor and depth to the dish, complementing the creaminess of the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the overall flavor with a deep, savory note.
• Sweet Pickles and Pickle Juice: Bring a sweet, tangy flavor and crunch to balance the richness and enhance the texture. Feel free to use dill pickles if you do not like the sweet variety.
• Celery: Adds a more pronounced crunch and a mild, fresh flavor.
• Chives: Give each bite a mild, onion flavor and bring a pop of color to the salad. You can substitute green onions for the chives, or even finely chopped red onions for a much stronger onion flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh flavor and adds a touch of elegance as a garnish. Pro tip: You can try adding other fresh herbs like fresh dill to add complexity to the flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by amplifying and balancing the taste of each ingredient.
• Bread, Croissants, or Crackers: Any of these are the perfect vehicle for scooping or sandwiching the salad, but you don’t have to have them!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

1. Food processor
2. Large pot
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Cutting board
5. Chopping knife

Frequently asked questions about this classic egg salad recipe

Below are a handful of the most popular questions that come up whenever the conversation turns to egg salad. If you have other questions I haven’t answered here, please ask in the comments!

What is the best way to boil eggs?

I strongly recommend to everyone that the best way to perfectly hard-boil eggs is in an Instant Pot.

To boil eggs on the stove, place eggs in a saucepan so they fit comfortably without overcrowding. Add cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch, then add a pinch of salt. The salt help keep them from cracking during boiling and also makes them easier to peel afterward.

Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat and allow the water to reach a rolling boil. When it does, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10 to 12 minutes while preparing an ice bath in a large bowl.

Remove the eggs from the stove and transfer them to the ice bath with a slotted spoon or tongs. Let them cool for about five minutes before gently cracking the shells and peeling them.

How long does homemade egg salad last in the fridge?

Homemade egg salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. Always stir it before serving to redistribute the flavors and ensure it’s still fresh.

Is it healthy to eat egg salad?

Egg salad can be a healthy choice when made with wholesome ingredients and consumed in moderation. Eggs are a great source of protein, and using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise can lower the overall calorie and fat content.

How do I keep egg salad sandwiches from getting soggy?

To prevent egg salad sandwiches from becoming soggy, consider toasting the bread or adding a layer of lettuce or other greens between the bread and the egg salad. You can also store the egg salad and bread separately and assemble the sandwich just before serving.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes

If you loved this egg salad recipe, here are a few others you should try! They are all delicious and grandma-approved.

• The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
• Black Bean Salad with Corn
• Fruit Chicken Salad Recipe
• Strawberry Pretzel Salad
• Radish Potato Salad