Perfectly boiled eggs, a touch of mayo, a hint of mustard, and a sprinkle of seasonings create a dish that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a classic egg salad. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all those colored Easter Eggs!
With the cost of eggs these days, no one wants to see them go to waste once the egg hunts are over! (I swear it’s like they are being laid by “Golden Chickens”! Am I right?)
I love to use hard-boiled eggs to make my “Classic Traditional Deviled Eggs”, but I also love to make a great Egg Salad Sandwich! Who doesn’t? It’s been a favorite at this nest for years. I like to flavor my egg salad with a little green onion, minced celery and a few simple seasonings. It’s an easy recipe to customize to your personal tastes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or an easy filling for sandwiches, this Simple Egg Salad is a go-to option that never disappoints. Don’t miss my special tips at the end of this post.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients to Gather
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup mayonnaise – the good stuff…put down the Miracle Whip!!!
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup minced celery (optional)
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Great Egg Salad
The first step, as with any recipe, is to gather your ingredients. It really does make it easier to prepare whatever dish you are making.

Making Hard-Boiled Eggs
There are two ways you can make the hard-boiled eggs for this recipe. The first is the traditional method of boiling them in a sauce pan on the stove top in a sauce pan.
Place the eggs in a sauce pan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and immediately remove from the heat. Cover and let the eggs stand in hot water for 10–12 minutes. Place in a bowl of iced water for 5 minutes. Peel and chop.
The second method is to use an instant pot. This is my personal preference. My eggs turn out perfect every single time I prepare them using my Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs recipe. You can follow my recipe or the manufacturer’s instructions.
Salad Instructions
Place the chopped eggs in a bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, green onions, celery, and mustard. Add the seasonings. Paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
TIP: Please note that the celery and onion are totally optional. I like a little “crunch” in my egg salad and the additional flavor and color both add to this salad, but again, it’s all about personal tastes.

Stir to combine. Make sure the ingredients are well combined. A little extra stir making sure the ingredients on the bottom have been scraped and added to everything else is always a good thing!
Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. I like to let my egg salad chill for about 1 hour before serving. It enhances the flavors and the mixture will thicken slightly. I prefer cold egg salad over warm egg salad. Again though… this is about personal preference.

You can serve this on your favorite bread for a delicious sandwich! I recommend sour dough, a soft buttery croissant, or a great marble rye. It is also wonderful on crackers or fresh salad greens!

Egg Salad “Must Know” Tips
- ALWAYS follow the 2-hour rule when it comes to a dish made with mayonnaise and eggs. Throw out any leftovers that have sat out for 2 hours, or 1 hour if temps are 90° or higher.
- You can freeze egg salad, but I don’t recommend it. It can become soggy and change its texture and taste. It’s best served fresh or from the refrigerator within the first 3–5 days.
- Store the egg salad in a food-safe, airtight container, in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Make sure your refrigerator is set at 40°(F) or cooler to maintain food safety.
- If making egg salad sandwiches, don’t make them too far in advance as they can become soggy.

Whether you enjoy it on toasted bread, tucked into a wrap, or served on a bed of fresh greens, this Simple Egg Salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins like fresh herbs or crunchy veggies. I always say to get creative with my recipes and add your own touches. Fresh dill or thyme would be delicious in this egg salad recipe, but it’s perfect as is too!
Favorite Family Egg Recipes
- Easy Eggs Benedict
- Chile Relleno Muffin Bites
- Country Skillet Breakfast Scramble
- Easy Asparagus, Bacon, Mushroom Quiche
- Make Ahead Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos
- The BEST Scrambled Eggs from Julia’s Simply Southern
Give this timeless recipe a try, and you’ll have a go-to dish that’s both quick to make and impossible to resist!
Happy Nesting!

Printable Recipe Card
Simple Egg Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs hard boiled
- ½ Cup mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ Cup celery, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp prepared yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ⅛ tsp onion powder (optional)
- To Taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and immediately remove from the heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and place in icy water for 5 minutes. *Note: eggs can be made in the instant pot following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove eggs from ice water, peel and chop. Place in a medium size bowl.
- Stir in mayonnaise, green onions, celery, mustard, and seasonings. Mix until well combined.
- Serve on your favorite bread, crackers, or fresh greens. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days at 40° or cooler.
Nutrition
About the Author
Meet The Author
Hi! I'm Norine, the cook, baker, and recipe creator behind Norine's Nest. I love sharing and creating recipes that invite family, friends, and neighbors to gather around the dinner table. Sharing good food and creating memories with those we love brings me happiness. Thanks for stopping by my Nest!