Old Fashioned Egg Salad Recipe

There's something incredibly comforting about the creamy, savory goodness of an Old Fashioned Egg Salad. With tender, perfectly cooked eggs, a hint of tangy mustard, and just the right amount of crunch from celery, this classic dish brings back all the best memories of family picnics and lazy Sunday brunches.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this recipe when my grandmother made it for me as a child. Her kitchen always smelled of fresh herbs and warm bread, and her egg salad was legendary among family and friends. Now, it's a staple in my own kitchen for quick lunches, potlucks, and simple, satisfying meals.

Whether you're looking for a nostalgic bite of your childhood or an easy, budget-friendly dish to whip up, this Old Fashioned Egg Salad is sure to hit the spot. Let's dive into why you'll adore this timeless recipe.

Why You'll Love This Old Fashioned Egg Salad

Get ready to discover your new go-to lunch favorite. This Old Fashioned Egg Salad is not only delicious but packed with reasons you'll want to make it again and again.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings.

Secondly, it's wonderfully budget-friendly. Eggs, mayonnaise, and a few pantry staples are all you need, meaning you can create a hearty, protein-packed meal without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love it? It's highly versatile. Serve it on soft sandwich bread, tuck it into pita pockets, spoon it over a bed of greens, or enjoy it straight from the bowl — there's no wrong way to savor it.

Finally, it's a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're making it for family lunchboxes, bridal showers, or casual weekend brunches, it’s a dish everyone knows and loves.

Now that you know why it's amazing, let's take a closer look at the ingredients that make this egg salad shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Old Fashioned Egg Salad lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is familiar yet plays an essential role in creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

Eggs are, of course, the star of the show. For the best results, use large eggs and cook them until the yolks are just set but not overcooked. This ensures a creamy, tender texture that's perfect for mashing.

Mayonnaise brings the creamy richness that binds everything together. I recommend using a good quality full-fat mayonnaise for the most luxurious texture and flavor, but feel free to substitute with a lighter version if preferred.

Mustard adds a subtle tang and a slight sharpness that balances the richness of the eggs and mayo. Classic yellow mustard keeps it traditional, but Dijon mustard works beautifully if you want a bit more depth.

Celery provides a refreshing crunch that keeps the salad from feeling too heavy. Make sure to finely dice it so that it integrates nicely without overwhelming each bite.

You'll also need a few pantry basics like salt, pepper, and optionally a sprinkle of paprika for a little extra color and flavor. As for equipment, all you need is a medium mixing bowl, a fork or potato masher, and a good sharp knife for chopping.

How To Make This Old Fashioned Egg Salad

Creating this Old Fashioned Egg Salad is delightfully simple, even if you're new to the kitchen.

Start by hard-boiling your eggs. Place them in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs sit for about 10-12 minutes. Then, transfer them to an ice bath to cool completely — this makes peeling a breeze.

Once your eggs are cooled and peeled, give them a rough chop. You want a mix of chunky and fine pieces for the perfect texture in every bite.

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, finely diced celery, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together until well combined, being careful not to mash the eggs too much.

Taste your egg salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up beautifully.

At this point, your egg salad is ready to enjoy! It’s best after chilling for about 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld, but it's delicious straight away if you're short on time.

Storage Options

This Old Fashioned Egg Salad stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.

Transfer the egg salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving if it’s been sitting for a while.

Avoid freezing egg salad, as the mayonnaise tends to separate and create an unpleasant texture when thawed.

For best results, store the egg salad in glass containers, which help maintain its freshness better than plastic.

When reheating isn't necessary (since this dish is served cold), simply portion out what you need and enjoy straight from the fridge!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Old Fashioned Egg Salad is how customizable it is.

For a healthier twist, substitute Greek yogurt for half or all of the mayonnaise. It adds a pleasant tang and cuts down on fat without sacrificing creaminess.

If you like a bit more zing, add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors even more.

Chopped green onions or fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives make excellent additions, providing fresh flavor and a pop of color.

Feeling adventurous? Add a little curry powder for a Curried Egg Salad variation that’s aromatic and irresistibly flavorful.

No matter how you personalize it, this Old Fashioned Egg Salad is a dependable, delicious staple that you'll return to again and again. Don't be afraid to experiment — sometimes, the best recipes are the ones you make your own!

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