Best Egg Salad Recipe (Easy, 5 Minutes!)

Name: Best Egg Salad Recipe (Easy, 5 Minutes!)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp Lemon juice; 8 large Hard boiled eggs ((diced)); 1/4 cup Celery ((finely chopped)); 2 tbsp White onion ((minced)); 2 tbsp Chives ((chopped)); 1/2 tsp Sea salt ((to taste)); 1/8 tsp Black pepper ((to taste)); Paprika ((optional, for garnish))

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This is the best egg salad recipe I’ve ever made… equal parts easy and flavorful! I’ve been making this simple recipe for egg salad since my kids were toddlers and it’s always been a family favorite. It’s such a tasty way to use up leftover hard boiled eggs, and with just a few ingredients it transforms into something totally different. Learn how to make egg salad, and this easy recipe will become your go-to on busy days!

I love serving cold salads like shrimp avocado salad, quinoa salad, or buffalo chicken salad for lunch. This easy egg salad is such a comforting classic, though, especially if I only have a few minutes to put a meal together.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Egg Salad Recipe

Perfectly cooked eggs
Creamy, tangy dressing
Just the right amount of crunch
7 simple ingredients found at any grocery store
Quick 5 minute prep time (if you have hard boiled eggs on hand)
Naturally gluten-free, low carb, dairy-free, vegetarian, whole30, paleo, high in protein, and just plain healthy
The best egg salad recipe for sandwiches and more!

The best egg salad recipe in a bowl with a spoon.

Egg Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

This section explains how to choose ingredients for a simple egg salad recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Mayonnaise – The is the base of the salad dressing. You can make your own avocado oil mayo or buy it. You could substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option if you like, but the flavor will be different.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a little peppery flavor. You can also substitute yellow mustard or brown mustard (or honey mustard), but Dijon has the most classic flavor for egg salad recipes.
Lemon Juice – Adds brightness. Fresh lemon juice has the best flavor, but bottled is fine for convenience.
Hard Boiled Eggs – I simply used leftover boiled eggs, but you could make hard boiled eggs in the oven, Instant Pot, or air fryer, too!
Crunchy Veggies – White onion and finely chopped celery give this dish a nice crunch. You could also add some pickle relish or green onion, too.
Fresh Herbs – I used fresh chives, but fresh dill would also go nicely.
Seasonings – Sea salt, black pepper, and a garnish of paprika complete the easy egg salad recipe.

How To Make Egg Salad

This section shows how to make the best egg salad recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

Boil the eggs. If you don’t have hard boiled eggs on hand already, make perfect boiled eggs like this. Make sure to place eggs into an ice water bath immediately afterward. This prevents overcooking and also ensures your egg salad will be cold like it should be. After 10 minutes in ice water, peel and chop the eggs.
Whisk the dressing. In a medium bowl (or a large bowl), whisk together the mayo, mustard, and lemon juice, until smooth.

Mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice whisked together.

Mix the egg salad. Add the diced eggs, celery, onions, and chives to the bowl with the dressing. (Alternatively, you can combine the egg salad ingredients first and then pour the dressing over them.) Gently stir.
Season. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish. If desired, sprinkle with paprika and more chives (or fresh parsley).

Chopped eggs mixed together with dressing.

How Long To Boil Eggs For Egg Salad?

For firm hard boiled eggs for egg salad, place submerge the eggs in cold water in a saucepan, add salt and vinegar, bring to a boil, and then boil for 9 minutes.

Read more details about how to ensure easy peel boiled eggs here. (There’s also a time chart included to get the doneness you like.)

Egg Salad Recipe Variations

Avocado – If you are a fan of avocado like I am, simply add chunks of avocado to this recipe. Or try my avocado egg salad (without mayo).
Tuna – Adding tuna combines tuna salad recipes and egg salad recipes into one, and makes an ideal meal prep option. Simply add a can of drained tuna, or try this tuna salad with egg.
Chicken – Like tuna, you can simply add a can of drained chicken to the salad. However, I like to use up leftover shredded chicken. Or, try my chicken salad and add egg to it.
Deviled – If you like bacon deviled eggs, you’ll love this variation. Instead of dicing up whole boiled eggs for egg salad, only use the diced yolks in the salad itself. Then, scoop the finished salad into the white parts of the eggs.
Curried – Want this recipe to have a spicy kick? Simply add 1 teaspoon curry powder.
Bacon – Who doesn’t love bacon?! You can add bacon bits to the mix for the most convenient option, or make bacon in the oven (or air fryer bacon) and crumble it.

Storage Instructions

Keep leftovers in glass storage containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

How Long Does Egg Salad Last?

If stored properly in the refrigerator, an egg salad recipe should last up to 4 days. However, the key is to ensure all of your ingredients are fresh and that you refrigerate it immediately after assembling.

Why Does Egg Salad Get Watery Overnight?

Egg salad gets watery if the veggies release too much moisture, if the salad gets warm, or if the eggs were not cold enough when they were added. To fix this, simply refrigerate the salad and/or stir in an additional hard boiled egg.

To avoid this in the future, make sure your eggs are cold before mixing with the dressing, and refrigerate the salad right away if you won’t eat it immediately.

Can You Freeze Egg Salad?

Avoid freezing egg salad recipes. Neither eggs nor mayonnaise freeze well.

What To Eat With Egg Salad

There are countless ways to enjoy this salad! Here are some ideas:

Classic Egg Salad Sandwiches – Just slather the salad on a slice of bread and top with another! For healthier and low carb options, try my white keto bread, super fast 90-second bread or chewy almond flour bread.
Lettuce Wraps – A great way to serve the best egg salad recipe. Use romaine or butter (bibb) lettuce leaves and top with the salad, as shown above. (Get more ideas in my full guide on keto lettuce wraps!)
Crackers – Any cracker is great for scooping. I like to use flax seed crackers, almond flour crackers or sometimes even cheese crisps.
Veggies – Use cucumber slices or mini peppers as a cracker-like option. You can also add egg salad to cucumber subs or make a bell pepper sandwich.

More Simple Egg Recipes

I always have a few egg recipes on hand when I need something quick and tasty. Try these favorites!

Recommended Tools

Bowl Set – I love this set of glass bowls. It comes with all sizes and they nest for easy storage.
Egg Slicer – Use this egg slicer to quickly slice eggs and then roughly chop to get them ready for this classic egg salad recipe. The slices are also great for garnishes and for other salads that call for sliced eggs, such as chef salad.

Best Egg Salad Recipe

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20 Comments

Irene
0 March 21, 2023Reply

The best egg salad we’ve had: Simply chop hard-boiled eggs, add chopped green olives with the pimentos inside, and add avocado mayonnaise to your taste. No need to add salt as the olives do that for you. Very tasty!
Rae T
0 March 13, 2023Reply

This was my lunch again today! So easy to make and yummy.
Andie Thueson
0 March 13, 2023Reply

You were not kidding when you said the BEST egg salad! It was better than the best! It was super easy to make and definitely will be my go-to recipe from here on out!
Abby
0 March 13, 2023Reply

I put this over a bed of lettuce and it was the best lunch! The egg salad really made my salad next level. Will make again.
M.k
0 March 8, 2023Reply

Good
Cherylann Hutchinson
0 February 15, 2023Reply

Can I have 2 eggs in my egg salad and How much mayo do you use / single serving
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 February 16, 2023Reply
  
  Hi Cherylann, You can change the number of servings at the top of the recipe card to get the correct ingredient amounts.
Deborah
0 October 26, 2022Reply

I just made this for lunch today. It was so very good. This will be my go to recipes for egg salad.
Carole
0 October 3, 2022Reply

The egg salad was amazing. Yum.
Mar
0 June 6, 2022Reply

Loved it! I’ll be making it again!
Lisa
0 April 25, 2022Reply

Was so tasty! I Doubled the recipe to think I would have some left… Boy I was wrong! Everyone loved it and ate it all!!! Will definitely be making again!!
Christal
0 March 28, 2022Reply

Can I use light miracle whip instead of mayonnaise?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 March 29, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Christal, Yes you could do that.
Anuta
0 March 4, 2022Reply

Yummy! We skipped the chives since we didn’t have any. We added smoked paprika powder. It turned out delicious.
Gee Cee
0 May 30, 2021Reply

I made it. I used shallots doubled, chives doubled. It was absolutely OUTSTANDING !!!
Aroob
0 October 23, 2020Reply

Loved this recipe! My go to breakfast!
EMK
0 August 8, 2020Reply

Quick, easy, and delicious!!
Taryn
0 August 5, 2020Reply

I really liked the chives in this! Thanks for the recipe.
- NAOMI white
  0 June 29, 2021Reply
  
  It was amazing
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
0 August 5, 2020Reply

I know it’s going to be a hit!