Simple 4-Ingredient Egg Salad with Mayo

by Laney Schwartz on Feb 18, 2020 (updated Sep 17, 2024) 11 comments

With just four basic ingredients – hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper – this creamy and satisfying Easy Egg Salad recipe comes together effortlessly in a matter of minutes! Whether enjoyed as a sandwich, a side dish, or simply on its own, this easy recipe is sure to become a permanent staple in your recipe collection!

My mother-in-law makes the BEST egg salad. A few times a year, she brings it to family brunch, and it’s a hit every time. It’s not something I would normally order in a restaurant, but I could eat this one every day, so I had to get the recipe!

One of the best things about this 4-ingredient egg salad recipe is just how easy it is to make. Simply start by finely chopping the hard-boiled eggs, which can be done effortlessly once they have been chilled in the refrigerator. Then, add the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to the eggs, and mix until everything is well combined. That’s it! If you love this simple recipes like this you’ll absolutely love my Simple Tuna Salad.

Why you’ll love this recipe

With just four basic ingredients, you can create a dish that is not only incredibly delicious but also quick and hassle-free to make. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal in a pinch.
The creamy and smooth texture of the egg salad, combined with the rich flavors of the finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, creates a delightful mouthfeel that will keep you coming back for this nostalgic classic.
Whether you prefer it as a traditional sandwich filling, a tasty dip for crackers and veggies, or even stuffed into a pita pocket, this recipe allows you to get creative and tailor it to your own preferences.
It can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days, making it an ideal option for meal prepping or packing lunches.

Ingredients you’ll need

Hard Boiled Eggs – The star of the show, hard-boiled eggs provide the base and main flavor for this egg salad recipe.
Mayonnaise – Acts as the binding agent in this recipe, bringing all the ingredients together and lending creaminess along with a touch of tanginess.
Salt – A crucial ingredient that enhances the taste and balances the flavors in this egg salad recipe.
Pepper – Provides a gentle hint of spiciness and complements the other flavors, adding depth and complexity.

How to make homemade egg salad

Boil the eggs: To boil eggs, place them in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 9-12 minutes for medium-sized eggs, or adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness. Let the eggs cool before peeling and chopping.

Assemble the salad: Chop the hard boiled eggs. Add half of them to a bowl, followed by the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then mix in the rest of the chopped eggs for texture.

Taste and adjust: Give the egg salad a taste, then adjust the seasonings to your liking. Store in the fridge in an airtight container. Serve cold, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

To speed up the cooling process and make the eggs easier to handle, transfer them to an ice bath immediately after cooking. Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes, and let the eggs sit in the bath for at least 5 minutes. This will halt the cooking process and help the eggs cool down rapidly.
When chopping the hard-boiled eggs, use a sharp knife to achieve consistent and even-sized pieces. You can start by halving the eggs and then finely chop them into small cubes. Alternatively, you can use an egg slicer to create uniform slices before cutting them into smaller pieces.
When adding the second half of the chopped eggs, fold them in gently with a rubber spatula to create a chunky texture.

Egg Salad sandwich piled high on a plate

Egg Salad Mix-Ins

Diced Celery: Add a refreshing crunch and a hint of natural sweetness by mixing in some finely diced celery.
Chopped Green Onions: For a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, add some chopped green onions.
Dijon Mustard: Enhance the tanginess and flavor profile of the salad by incorporating a spoonful of Dijon mustard.
Chopped Pickles: Add a burst of briny goodness by mixing in finely chopped pickles. Whether you prefer dill or sweet pickles, they bring a delightful tang and texture to the egg salad.
Fresh Herbs: Elevate the taste and aroma of the egg salad by incorporating chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.
Smoked Paprika: For a subtle smoky note and a touch of depth, sprinkle in some smoked paprika.
Crumbled Bacon: Indulge in some added richness and smoky goodness by mixing in crispy, crumbled bacon.
Avocado: For a creamy twist, mash in some ripe avocado.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce: If you crave some heat, drizzle in your favorite hot sauce or Sriracha to give the egg salad a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

What goes well with egg salad? Egg salad is a surprisingly versatile dish that can be served in many different ways!

Classic Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of egg salad between two slices of your favorite bread. Add some crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, and a slice of cheese for a classic and satisfying egg salad sandwich.
Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as wraps. Spoon some egg salad onto each leaf, roll them up, and enjoy the refreshing crunch of lettuce combined with the creamy egg salad filling.
Egg Salad Dip: Place a bowl of egg salad in the middle of a board surrounded by your favorite crackers and crudite for a delicious dip!
Salad Topper: Transform your favorite salad into a complete meal by using egg salad as a flavorful topping. Simply spoon some egg salad over a bed of mixed greens or spinach. You can also add additional veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or shredded carrots, to create a refreshing and satisfying salad. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.

Storing

Storing: To store egg salad, cover it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.

Freezing is not recommended as the eggs will become tough and rubbery after thawing, and the mayonnaise will separate, creating an undesirable texture.