Why You’ll Love Creamy Egg Salad Recipe
This recipe is beloved for its simplicity and creamy texture without unnecessary fuss. With only three main ingredients, it’s both approachable for beginners and satisfying for seasoned cooks. It’s also customizable — add herbs, spices, or extra mix‑ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Place the eggs in a pot and cook them to your preferred doneness — about 7 minutes for a jammy yolk or closer to 9–10 minutes for fully hard‑boiled.
Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel.
Mash the peeled eggs in a bowl with a fork.
Add the cottage cheese and hot sauce to the bowl and mix until well combined.
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately on crackers, bread, toast, or enjoy on its own.
Servings and timing
Serves: about 1 lunch or 2 snacks
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes
Variations
• Add finely chopped scallions or chives for fresh flavor.
• Stir in diced cucumber or radish for extra crunch.
• Swap hot sauce for Dijon mustard, paprika, or your favorite seasoning blend.
• Serve the salad on toast with sliced tomato for a heartier meal.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Because this is a cold salad, no reheating is necessary — simply spoon from the fridge when ready to eat.
FAQs
What’s the best way to boil eggs for egg salad?
Bring eggs to a gentle boil, then let them sit covered off the heat for about 10–12 minutes before shocking in ice water — this helps make peeling easier and prevents overcooking.
Can I make this egg salad without hot sauce?
Yes — if you prefer a milder flavor, substitute hot sauce with Dijon mustard or leave it out entirely.
Is cottage cheese necessary in this recipe?
In this version, cottage cheese adds extra creaminess, but you can replace it with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if desired.
Can I add herbs to egg salad?
Absolutely. Fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley brighten the flavor and add freshness.
How long does egg salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, egg salad will keep for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze egg salad?
Freezing egg salad is not recommended because the texture of the eggs and dressing can change when thawed.
What can I serve with egg salad?
Serve with crackers, toast, bagels, lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.
How can I make the egg salad creamier?
Use full‑fat cottage cheese or add a bit of mayonnaise; also, mashing the yolks thoroughly with the dressing helps increase creaminess.
Can I add veggies for crunch?
Yes — celery, cucumber, radish, or bell peppers make great crunchy additions.
Is this egg salad recipe healthy?
This recipe is relatively high in protein and customizable. Using cottage cheese can add a lighter, higher‑protein base compared to just mayonnaise.
Conclusion
This creamy egg salad checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and endlessly flexible. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack any day of the week. Customize it with your favorite mix‑ins and enjoy it your way.
