This Old Fashioned Egg Salad is creamy and full of flavor. With just eggs, mayo, and a touch of mustard, it brings back memories of simple, tasty lunches!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hard-Boiled Eggs: The key to a delicious egg salad is perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs. I prefer using fresh eggs, as they tend to peel easier after boiling. If you’re making a larger batch, feel free to adjust the number of eggs based on your needs.
Mayonnaise: This binds the salad together. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise, adding a nice tangy flavor. I often mix half mayo and half yogurt for a creamy yet nutritious balance.
Dijon Mustard: This gives the salad a nice kick. If you want a milder flavor, yellow mustard works well too! You can even try whole grain mustard for added texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds a bit of tang. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or white vinegar can be good substitutes. I’ve found that a splash of lemon juice really brightens up the dish!
Chives or Green Onions: They add freshness and color. If you can’t find chives, fresh dill or parsley can work too. I love using fresh herbs when available for extra flavor.
How Do I Hard-Boil Eggs Perfectly?
Hard-boiling eggs might seem simple, but getting them just right can be tricky. The goal is to get the yolk fully cooked without that green ring around it. Here’s how I do it:
- Place eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, cover the pot and remove from heat.
- Let the eggs sit for 12-15 minutes depending on their size.
- Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. After the time is up, transfer the eggs to the ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Once cool, gently tap the eggs to crack and peel them. A little running water can help remove stubborn shells!
How to Make Old Fashioned Egg Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (or green onions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Paprika for garnish
- Lettuce leaves for serving
- Bread for sandwiches
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes boiling and cooling the eggs, and then just a few minutes mixing everything together. A quick and delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Hard-Boiled Eggs:
Start by boiling the eggs. Place them in a pot and cover them with water. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, cover the pot and take it off the heat. Let the eggs sit for about 12-15 minutes. After that, cool the eggs in an ice bath, which will help them peel easily. Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.
2. Mixing the Dressing:
In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chopped chives. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This dressing will add a delicious flavor to your egg salad!
3. Combining the Eggs with the Dressing:
Now it’s time to mix the chopped hard-boiled eggs into the dressing. Gently fold the eggs into the mixture until everything is well combined. Be careful not to mash the eggs too much; you want to keep some nice texture and chunks in your salad!
4. Seasoning:
Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test and adjust the seasoning as you like! If you want, sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for a lovely garnish.
5. Serving:
You can serve your egg salad on a bed of fresh lettuce, or use it as a filling in sandwiches with your favorite bread. Enjoy your delicious old-fashioned egg salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Mustard?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, yellow mustard works great for a milder flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you might try spicy brown mustard for an added kick!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to chop the eggs and mix them with the dressing right before serving for freshness, but the flavors will meld beautifully if you leave it overnight!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftover egg salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it cool, and give it a quick stir before serving again, as some separation of ingredients might occur.
Can I Add Additional Ingredients to the Egg Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add other ingredients like diced celery for crunch, or sweet relish for a touch of sweetness. A dash of hot sauce or curry powder can also give it a unique twist!