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### A Chef’s Secret for the Best Egg Salad: Creamy, Flavorful, and Perfect Every Time
#### The Ingredients You Need:
– 6 large eggs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for extra creaminess)
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds tang without overpowering the flavor)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for a subtle acidity)
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill or parsley (for a fresh herby kick)
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions or shallots (for a mild, aromatic flavor)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky depth) or a pinch of garlic powder (for extra savoriness)
1. **Perfectly Cooked Eggs**: The foundation of any great egg salad is the egg itself. To achieve the perfect hard-boiled eggs, follow this trick: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for exactly 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This ensures that the yolks are set perfectly without being overcooked, leading to a creamy texture in the salad.
2. **Don’t Over-Mash**: The texture of your egg salad matters! A chef’s trick is to lightly mash the eggs with a fork rather than smashing them into a paste. This preserves some of the larger chunks of egg, adding texture and bite, while still achieving that creamy consistency with the dressing.
4. **Fresh Herbs and Aromatics**: Fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, lend an aromatic freshness that complements the egg and mayonnaise base beautifully. Additionally, finely chopped green onions or shallots add a subtle, savory sweetness and complexity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs you love—whether it’s tarragon, chives, or chervil, they can all bring something special to your egg salad.