Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and grated
- ½ cup good mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
Instructions
- Grate the eggs using the large holes of a box grater into a medium bowl. Season lightly with salt.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice.
- Combine: Add the dressing to the grated eggs, along with celery, onion, chives, dill, salt, and pepper. Fold gently until well combined.
- Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is better).
- Serve: On your bread of choice, with lettuce and tomato if desired.
Variations
Curried Egg Salad:
Add 1 teaspoon curry powder to the dressing. Add ¼ cup golden raisins and 2 tablespoons toasted almonds.
Bacon Egg Salad:
Add ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon. Because bacon.
Avocado Egg Salad:
Replace half the mayo with mashed avocado. Add a squeeze of lime.
Spicy Egg Salad:
Add 1 minced jalapeño and a dash of hot sauce.
Herbed Egg Salad:
Double the fresh herbs—chives, dill, parsley, and tarragon all work.
Pickle Lover’s:
Add ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles and 1 tablespoon pickle juice.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve by day two.
Not freezer-friendly: Mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well.
Your Egg Salad Questions, Answered
Can I use a food processor?
You can, but be careful—it’s easy to over-process into paste. Pulse gently if you must, but grating by hand gives the best texture.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?
Unpeeled, up to 1 week. Peeled, eat within a few days.
Can I use olive oil mayo?
Yes, but choose a mild-flavored one. Strong olive oil can overpower the delicate egg flavor.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Make it a day ahead—it’ll be even better.
What’s the best bread for egg salad sandwiches?
Soft white bread is classic, but it’s also delicious on croissants, rye, or toasted sourdough.
Can I add cheese?
Finely grated sharp cheddar or crumbled feta can be lovely additions.
