Ultimate Egg Salad Recipe - Foolproof Method That Never Fails
After wasting $200 and three years of epic failures, I finally cracked the code to perfect egg salad. This foolproof method creates creamy, chunky perfection every single time - no more watery disasters or bland disappointments. The secret? Temperature control and proper technique that transforms simple ingredients into deli-quality magic that'll have people asking for your recipe.
Print Pin Servings: 4 cup
Calories: 285kcal
Cost: $3.75
Equipment
- 1 Large pot For boiling eggs in single layer
- 1 Large mixing bowl For ice bath and mixing egg salad
- 1 Fork Essential for proper mashing texture - no potato masher
- 1 Timer Critical for exactly 11-minute timing
- 1 Ice For immediate cooling to prevent gray yolks
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 stalks celery finely diced
- 2 tablespoons sweet onion minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Place eggs in single layer in large pot. Cover with cold water by exactly one inch. Bring to rolling boil, then immediately remove from heat and cover. Set timer for exactly 11 minutes.
- Transfer eggs immediately to ice bath and let cool completely for at least 10 minutes. This prevents gray yolks and rubbery texture.
- Peel cooled eggs and place in large mixing bowl. Mash with fork in one direction to create uniform pea-sized chunks. Don't use potato masher.
- Add mayonnaise first, then mustard to coat everything properly. Season with salt and pepper before adding vegetables.
- Fold in diced celery, minced onion, and fresh chives gently but thoroughly. Add garlic powder and vinegar last for brightness.
- Let egg salad sit in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning. Should be creamy but not soupy.
Notes
The game-changer that saved my reputation: temperature control is everything. Never assemble warm egg salad - those proteins will break your mayo emulsion faster than you can say 'office potluck disaster.' This recipe comes from someone who's made every possible mistake, wasted $200 learning what NOT to do, and finally cracked the code through expensive trial and error. My sister-in-law who once said my cooking 'needed work' now specifically requests this for family gatherings.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 372mg | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1.8mg