BEST CRUNCHY EGG SALAD EVER

That first bite of creamy, tangy, and surprisingly crunchy Egg Salad is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the satisfying pop of celery and the rich, comforting flavor of perfectly cooked eggs all melding together in a symphony of textures. I promise, this will be the only Egg Salad recipe you’ll ever need!

The Secret to Amazing Egg Salad: Ingredients

Essential Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s, but use your favorite!)
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: A pinch of paprika for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Swaps:

• Mayonnaise: The quality of your mayonnaise will significantly impact the flavor of your egg salad. Don’t skimp! If you’re not a mayo fan, you can substitute part of it with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier twist.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard adds a classic tang. For a spicier kick, try using Dijon mustard or even a touch of horseradish mustard.
• Celery and Red Onion: These are your crunch powerhouses! Make sure they’re finely diced for the best texture. If you’re not a fan of red onion, you can use green onions or shallots instead.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: This adds a touch of sweetness and tang that balances the richness of the eggs. If you don’t have relish on hand, you can use finely chopped sweet pickles.
• Eggs: Fresh, high-quality eggs will give you the best flavor.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Perfectly Cooked Eggs

1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes. This will give you perfectly cooked yolks without that dreaded green ring.
4. After 10-12 minutes, drain the hot water and immediately run cold water over the eggs until they are cool enough to handle. This stops the cooking process and makes them easier to peel.

Step 2: Peeling the Eggs Like a Pro

• Gently tap the eggs all over on a hard surface to crack the shell.
• Start peeling from the wider end of the egg, where there’s often an air pocket.
• Run the eggs under cold water while you peel to help separate the shell from the egg.
• Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble peeling, try adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water while boiling. It helps loosen the shell.

Step 3: Chopping the Eggs

• Once the eggs are peeled, gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Chop the eggs into your desired consistency. I prefer a mix of larger and smaller pieces for textural interest. You can use an egg slicer for more uniform results, but I like the rustic look of hand-chopped eggs.
• Place the chopped eggs in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 4: Assembling the Egg Salad

1. Add the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, diced celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl with the chopped eggs.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
3. Gently stir everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the egg salad mushy. We want to maintain those nice chunks of egg.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the egg salad to chill properly.
• Before serving, give the egg salad another gentle stir.
• Garnish with a pinch of paprika, if desired.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Sandwich

While classic egg salad sandwiches are always a winner, there are tons of other ways to enjoy this delicious dish:

• On Crackers: Serve it as an appetizer with your favorite crackers or crostini.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the egg salad into crisp lettuce cups.
• Deviled Egg Alternative: Use it as a filling for deviled eggs for a twist on a classic. You could even make a batch of Dragon Devilish Eggs for a spicier option!
• As a Salad Topper: Add a scoop to your green salad for extra protein and flavor.
• With Avocado: Serve it alongside sliced avocado for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Egg Salad

• Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Overcooked eggs are dry and rubbery. Follow my cooking instructions for perfectly cooked yolks every time.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold mayonnaise and other ingredients will help keep the egg salad chilled and prevent it from getting watery.
• Taste as You Go: Seasoning is key! Taste the egg salad after adding each ingredient and adjust accordingly.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients and flavors. Some popular additions include chopped bacon, dill, chives, and hot sauce.
• Storage: Egg salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Spicy Egg Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Dill Pickle Egg Salad: Substitute the sweet pickle relish with dill pickle relish for a tangier flavor.
• Avocado Egg Salad: Mash half an avocado and mix it into the egg salad for a creamy, healthy twist.
• Consider making a Chicken Caesar Sandwich or Black Beans And Rice With Sausage for another delicious and easy lunch or dinner.
• You can even make Deviled Egg Halloween Snack using a similar method.

Why This Recipe Works

I’ve made countless batches of egg salad over the years, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until I landed on this winning combination. The key is the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy mayonnaise is offset by the tangy mustard and sweet pickle relish, while the crunchy celery and red onion provide a delightful contrast to the soft eggs. This isn’t just any egg salad; it’s an experience!

Enjoy Your Crunchy Egg Salad!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below what your favorite way to eat egg salad is. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!