Egg salad brings me right back to my childhood summers because I used to help my grandmother peel hard-boiled eggs at the kitchen table and she would always let me sprinkle the paprika on top and it felt like I was part of creating something special and those little afternoon lunches on the porch with egg salad sandwiches always felt extra comforting and full of simple joy.

Now I love making egg salad as a quick, protein-packed meal that’s both nostalgic and endlessly customizable and when I scoop it onto toast or pile it into a soft roll, it always feels like a small celebration of those sunny days and the warmth of family moments shared around the table.
Ingredients
- Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
- Hard-boiled eggs – The creamy, protein-rich base that makes this salad so satisfying.
- Mayonnaise – Adds richness and brings everything together into a smooth mixture.
- Dijon mustard – Brings a tangy kick and depth of flavor.
- Celery – Adds crunch and a fresh, light bite.
- Green onions – Give a mild, oniony taste and some color.
- Fresh chives – Add a subtle, herby finish.
- Lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Salt – Enhances all the ingredients and ties them together.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild spicy note and warmth.
- Paprika – A classic finishing touch for color and flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – To cook the eggs evenly and gently.
- Mixing bowl – For combining all the ingredients easily.
- Knife – To chop eggs and veggies precisely.
- Cutting board – Keeps your prep neat and organized.
- Fork or potato masher – To break up the eggs to your preferred texture.
- Spoon or spatula – For mixing everything together smoothly.
- Small whisk – To blend the dressing before adding it to the eggs.

Instructions
Step 1: Cook and peel the eggs
I start by boiling the eggs, usually about 10–12 minutes, then I transfer them to an ice bath to cool quickly before peeling them carefully.
Step 2: Chop the eggs
Once the eggs are cool, I chop them into small pieces. I like a mix of small and slightly larger chunks for extra texture.
Step 3: Prepare the dressing
In a bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add veggies
I fold in the chopped celery, green onions, and chives to the dressing mixture. This gives the salad a crisp, fresh flavor.
Step 5: Combine eggs and dressing
I gently stir in the chopped eggs, making sure everything gets coated evenly but without smashing the pieces too much.
Step 6: Garnish
I finish with a sprinkle of paprika and a few extra chives on top for color and a bit of flair.
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If I want a lighter version, I sometimes replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for extra protein and a tangier taste. I also like to add a little dash of hot sauce or pickle relish for a fun twist. And if you love extra crunch, tossing in some diced pickles or radishes is a great idea.
Ways to Serve
I love serving egg salad on toasted bread, croissants, or soft rolls as a sandwich. It’s also great scooped onto a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter meal or served with crackers or cucumber slices as a snack. Sometimes I even stuff it into tomatoes or avocados for a fun and fresh presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Egg Salad last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make Egg Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting it sit for a few hours helps the flavors meld together even better.
Can I freeze Egg Salad?
I don’t recommend it, as the eggs and mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed.
See You in the Kitchen
I hope you give this egg salad a try and enjoy the creamy, nostalgic flavors as much as I do. Let me know how you customize yours there are so many ways to make it your own! Save this recipe for easy lunches, picnics, or anytime you want a quick and comforting meal.
Happy Cooking!
Print
Egg Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Looking for the best egg salad recipe? This easy, quick, and simple dish is healthy, creamy, and the best idea for sandwiches or wraps! Perfect for lunches, picnics, or meal prep, it’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy hard-boiled eggs. Make this easy egg salad recipe today and enjoy a fresh, satisfying bite!
Ingredients
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Boil eggs for 10–12 minutes, then cool in an ice bath and peel.
- Chop eggs into small pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add celery, green onions, and chives to the dressing and mix.
- Gently fold in chopped eggs until evenly coated.
- Garnish with paprika and extra chives before serving.
Notes
- Swap some mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add hot sauce or relish for a flavor kick.
- Serve on lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American