Deviled Egg Salad: A Creamy, Tangy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Spring calls for fresh, flavorful dishes, and this Deviled Egg Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the season. It combines the smoky, tangy essence of deviled eggs with the creamy, pillowy texture of egg salad, so you get the best of both worlds. With crisp vegetables and a well-seasoned dressing, this salad is a fantastic addition to picnics, potlucks, or a simple lunch at home.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick

This recipe is simple to make and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. With minimal prep and common pantry ingredients, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a protein-packed dish.

Creamy, Tangy, and Smoky

The combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, and smoky paprika makes this egg salad rich in flavor. The addition of lemon juice brightens up the taste, creating a balanced dish that is anything but bland.

Fresh and Crunchy

Adding diced celery, red bell pepper, and chives brings freshness and a bit of crunch, making every bite more satisfying.

Protein-Packed and Vegetarian

Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, making this salad a filling and nutritious choice for vegetarians. Whether served on toast, in a sandwich, or on its own, it’s a great way to fuel your day.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 12 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons chives or green onions, finely chopped
• ¼ cup celery, diced
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Notes on Quality

Fresh eggs work best for this recipe, but if you only have older eggs, they will peel more easily after boiling. Use high-quality mayonnaise for a richer texture and flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a brighter taste compared to bottled versions.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version with extra protein.
• Replace Dijon mustard with yellow mustard for a milder taste.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• If you don’t have chives, try fresh parsley or dill for a different herbaceous note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with water by an inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let sit for 12 minutes. Alternatively, steam the eggs in a steamer basket for 15 minutes.
• Drain the hot water and fill the saucepan with cold water to cool the eggs quickly.
• Once cooled, peel the eggs and finely chop them or use a grater to create a softer texture.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs, chives, celery, and red bell pepper.

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
• Add the dressing to the egg mixture and stir until everything is well coated. If the salad seems too dry, add a little more mayonnaise to reach the desired consistency.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to five days.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Let the eggs cool completely before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
• If you prefer a finer texture, mash the eggs slightly with a fork before mixing in the dressing.
• Taste the salad before adding extra salt, as some mustard and mayonnaise brands already contain salt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking eggs can result in a gray-green ring around the yolk. To avoid this, follow the recommended cooking time and cool them immediately in cold water.
• Using too much mayonnaise can make the salad overly heavy. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use a food processor to quickly chop the eggs if making a large batch.
• Hard-boil the eggs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week before making the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This salad pairs wonderfully with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Try serving it alongside Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for a comforting meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with extra chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or thin slices of radish for added color. Serve in a hollowed-out avocado for a creative and nutritious presentation.

Beverage Pairings

Pair this dish with a light white wine, fresh lemonade, or a classic iced tea for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftover deviled egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can You Freeze Deviled Egg Salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise will separate, and the texture will become watery. However, if you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to four weeks and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the egg salad up to two days in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or a bit of horseradish for some heat.

Can I use different herbs?

Absolutely! Try dill, parsley, or even tarragon for a fresh flavor twist.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make it dairy-free by ensuring your mayonnaise is dairy-free.
• For a keto-friendly version, use a high-fat, low-carb mayonnaise.

Flavor Twists

• Stir in a teaspoon of relish or chopped pickles for extra tang.
• Add crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty kick.

Seasonal & Holiday Versions

• Use pastel-colored Easter eggs for a festive springtime touch.
• In the fall, mix in a dash of pumpkin spice for a unique autumn-inspired version.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love this deviled egg salad, you’ll enjoy these other breakfast and brunch favorites:

• Classic French Toast for a sweet morning treat
• French Omelette with Fines Herbes for an elegant brunch option

Follow along for more recipes and cooking inspiration on Pinterest and save your favorite dishes for later.

Try this deviled egg salad and let me know in the comments how you served it. I’d love to see your creations!

Print