Egg Salad Sandwich

Level up your lunchbox with an “egg-ceptional” Egg Salad Sandwich.

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I like eggs. (For all the millennials who got that blast of nostalgia, you’re welcome!) But seriously, I love cooking with eggs because they’re such a versatile ingredient. From Cloud Eggs to Fried Eggs and Over-Easy Eggs to Soft Scrambled Eggs, there are just so many ways to add some “egg-citement” (sorry!) to your recipe routine.

Although there are many wild ways to whip up eggs nowadays, sometimes there’s no beating the classics. Case in point: The egg salad sandwich! Nobody’s sure when this creamy sandwich first hit the foodie scene, but it has likely been around for centuries, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

Since the egg salad sandwich is a perfect portable lunch, it’s a perennial favorite to make ahead for munching on workdays. But you don’t have to be on the clock to enjoy this delightful sandwich. An egg salad sandwich can be a star addition whenever you’re looking for an awesome appetizer or a brilliant brunch.

So, if you’re looking for a foolproof sandwich that continues to delight foodies worldwide, let’s get “cracking” on this egg salad sandwich recipe!

Is Egg Salad Sandwich Healthy?

Despite some controversy over their cholesterol levels, it’s safe to say that eggs have way more pros than potential cons. Not only are eggs a protein powerhouse, but they also contain plenty of amazing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can help keep your body super healthy. Plus, since we’re topping these hard-boiled eggs with slices of whole-grain bread, you’ll put some extra fiber into your lunch pail.

However, I know that mayonnaise isn’t exactly a “health food” option. Although mayo is a significant ingredient in egg salad sandwiches, it has high calories and fat content. So, if you’re concerned about adding too much mayo, consider looking for light options or mixing half mayo with plain Greek yogurt. You could also ditch mayo and experiment with alternative ingredients like smashed avocados, hummus, or extra virgin olive oil for unique flavors and a healthful boost.

How do I prevent my egg salad from getting watery?

If your egg salad sandwich is more watery than you’d like, you may just need a few simple changes to your technique to get that optimal texture. For starters, watch out for overcooking your eggs, as this could release more moisture than you bargained for. Also, be sure to dry those eggs thoroughly with paper towels before assembling your sandwich to remove any chance of water creeping in.

Aside from the eggs, it’s essential to consider how mayo affects your recipe. Although full-fat mayo isn’t the most nutritious option, it has the thickest consistency, which helps it bind better to other ingredients versus light or fat-free options. But even if you’re using full-fat mayo, it’s best to start with slightly less than the recipe recommends and see if the texture works for you. You can always add more mayo later on, but it’s impossible to get it out once it has made your egg salad too watery.

Final tip: Although I avoided water-filled toppings like onions and cucumbers, you need to be extra careful if you add ingredients that naturally have a lot of H2O. If you don’t mind extra saltiness in your egg salad, sprinkle salt on these ingredients to help dry them out before adding them to your mix.

INGREDIENTS

8 large eggs
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slices whole grain bread
Lettuce leaves (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Boil

Cook eggs until hard-boiled.

Chop

Peel and chop eggs; mix with dressing ingredients.

Assemble

Spread egg salad on bread, add lettuce, and serve.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Egg salad sandwiches are a classic workday lunch option because they’re so simple to prep ahead of time. To avoid a mushy texture, it’s a good idea to store your egg salad separately from your bread and assemble before eating. I’d also recommend storing lettuce separately and only putting it on your sandwich before DEVOURING it. That way, you’ll have better odds of enjoying a delicious crunch rather than a wimpy wilt.

Once your egg salad is prepped, put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. While you could freeze an egg salad, these have an icky, watery texture when thawed, so it’s best to reserve this sandwich filling for the fridge.

Can you make an egg salad sandwich without mustard?

If you’re not a fan of mustard, there are ways to add a similar flavor without buying a bottle of Dijon. Sharp and sour ingredients like a splash of lemon juice, white vinegar, or pickle brine can easily add an acidic bite comparable to mustard.

Is it possible to make a vegan-friendly “egg” salad sandwich?

It may seem impossible to make a vegan-approved version of a mayo-drenched egg salad sandwich, but there are creative substitutions you could use. For instance, you could sub eggs with tofu or chickpeas and use vegan mayonnaise, avocados, or hummus to bind everything together.

Serving Suggestions

Is there any better contrast to a creamy egg salad sandwich than the crunch of a crisp chip? Probably not. Consider making a DIY chip recipe like these Homemade Potato Chips or Air Fryer Tortilla Chips to serve alongside your egg salad sandwich for a classic pairing. And, of course, where there are chips, you need dip! If you have the time, make a batch of this Easy Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip or Healthy Spinach Dip for scrumptious snacking.

For those not into chips, no worries! There are plenty of other great sides to serve with an egg salad sandwich. For instance, this recipe goes great with fresh fruit, a salad, or a bowl of soup like this warming Carrot Soup. If you’re serving this at home, you could get more elaborate and bake some Oven-Roasted Vegetables for an ultra-nutritious side.