- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (the secret ingredient!)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion (or green onions)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, chives, or parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Optional: A pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick
How to Make the Best Egg Salad
Step 1: Boil the Eggs
- Place the eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
- After the time is up, transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and water) to cool down quickly. This helps to make peeling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Once the eggs are cool, peel them and chop them into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped onions, and fresh herbs.
Step 3: Season to Taste
- Mix everything gently until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little paprika or cayenne pepper on top before serving for color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sandwich: Spread the egg salad on your favorite bread, topped with lettuce and tomatoes.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the egg salad in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing wrap.
- With Crackers: Serve the egg salad on crackers as a delightful appetizer.
- On a Bed of Greens: Create a light meal by placing the egg salad over mixed greens with additional veggies.
Tips for the Perfect Egg Salad
- Choose the Right Eggs: For easy peeling, use eggs that are at least a week old. Fresh eggs tend to be harder to peel.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Customize the amount of mayonnaise to your preference. For a healthier version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add other ingredients like diced pickles, celery, or even bacon bits for extra crunch and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best taste, let the egg salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
With this chef’s secret, you can take your egg salad from ordinary to extraordinary. The addition of Dijon mustard enhances the flavor profile, making it a standout dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing a picnic lunch, a light dinner, or a simple snack, this egg salad recipe is sure to impress. Try it out today and discover the magic of the best egg salad!
