Discover the Creamy, Healthy Twist on Egg Salad
As the sun shines brightly and the days grow longer, there's nothing quite like a refreshing, satisfying meal to keep you energized. If you've always thought egg salad had to include mayonnaise, think again! This delicious recipe reimagines traditional egg salad using avocado instead of mayo. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs, making it a perfect, nutritious meal for lunch or a quick snack.Why Skip the Mayo?
Micah Siva, a trained chef and registered dietitian, admits she’s never been a fan of mayonnaise. Growing up in a Miracle Whip household, she preferred the tangy alternative to mayo in dishes like egg salad. While she's since moved on from Miracle Whip, her love for egg salad remains strong—she even craved it during pregnancy! To achieve a rich, creamy texture without mayo, Siva swaps in avocado, which adds a fresh, slightly fruity flavor along with healthy fats.What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
Avocado: The Perfect Mayo Substitute
Instead of mayonnaise, mashed avocado serves as the binder for this egg salad. A small drizzle of olive oil enhances the consistency, lending a silky texture and a subtle, grassy flavor that pairs beautifully with eggs. Additionally, fresh lemon juice prevents the avocado from browning and adds a touch of brightness.Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor
Unlike traditional egg salads that rely solely on salt and pepper, this recipe embraces chopped fresh herbs like dill and chives (or finely chopped green onions as an alternative). These herbs bring a refreshing burst of flavor, making every bite more vibrant.Quick & Easy Hard-Boiled Eggs
Micah uses a simple and foolproof technique to hard-boil eggs: 1. Place eggs in a medium pot and cover them with at least an inch of cold water. 2. Bring to a boil over high heat. 3. Once boiling, set a timer for 7 minutes and reduce the heat to medium. 4. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to stop cooking. 5. Peel and set aside.Unique Preparation Tip
Rather than chopping eggs—which can sometimes lead to uneven textures—Siva grates the eggs using the largest holes of a box grater. This method creates a perfectly fluffy texture, ensuring an even distribution of egg in every bite.How to Make Mayo-Free Egg Salad
This recipe yields about four servings (roughly 2 cups) of delicious mayo-free egg salad.Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (or finely chopped green onions)
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Hard-boil the eggs using the method outlined above. Once cooled and peeled, grate them using a box grater into a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a small bowl. Mash well.
- To the mashed avocado, add lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well combined.
- Add the avocado mixture to the grated eggs and mix gently.
- Sprinkle in the chopped dill and chives, stirring until evenly incorporated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Pro Tip: To prevent oxidation (browning of the avocado), press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the egg salad before closing the container.
How to Serve Your Mayo-Free Egg Salad
This egg salad is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:- As a sandwich filling – Stack it between toasted whole-grain bread or a bagel.
- With crackers or cucumber slices – A great low-carb option!
- Over fresh greens – Turn it into an egg salad bowl with extra veggies.
- In a wrap or pita – Add some lettuce, sprouts, or tomatoes for extra crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✨ Mayo-free & creamy – Avocado brings all the richness without the heaviness of mayo.
- 💚 Healthier alternative – Loaded with healthy fats and fiber from avocado.
- 🌿 Packed with fresh flavors – Herbs like dill and chives add more depth.
- ⏱ Quick & easy – Takes just 10 minutes to prepare once eggs are boiled.
- 🥑 Customizable – Can be tweaked with different herbs or add-ins like red chili flakes or garlic powder.
Although avocado-based egg salad won’t last as long as mayo-based versions, it’s best enjoyed fresh (within 24 hours) for optimal flavor and color.
