Let’s go on a delectable journey into how to make the very Best Egg Salad Sandwich. It’s a classic American favorite, but this one is with a vibrant twist. Not to mention, how to perfectly boil eggs!
This recipe combines the creamy, comforting goodness of egg salad with the crunchy freshness of assorted veggies, all nestled between slices of hearty rye bread. It’s perfect for a wholesome lunch, or a casual dinner.
Let’s bring this traditional dish to your kitchen with a flavorful and health-conscious update!
How to Make the Best Egg Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons of chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill or parsley
- 4 slices of rye bread
- Lettuce leaves
- Slices of tomato
- Slices of cucumber
- Optional: avocado slices or sprouts
Instructions
- Boiling Eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 9-12 minutes. Remove eggs and place them in ice water. (12 minutes works best for me.)
- Prepping Eggs: Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them.
- Making Egg Salad: In a bowl, mix chopped eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir in celery, red onion, and dill or parsley.
- Assembling Sandwich: Toast rye bread slices lightly. On two slices, layer lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and optional avocado or sprouts. Divide the egg salad mixture onto these slices. Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Serving: Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Perfecting Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Start with room temperature eggs to reduce the chance of cracking.
- Use a timer to avoid overcooking.
- Plunge boiled eggs into ice water immediately to stop cooking and ease peeling.
What causes the dark greenish ring that sometimes forms around the yolk of a hard-boiled egg?
It is a result of a chemical reaction involving sulfur and iron. This happens when eggs are cooked for too long or at too high a temperature, or if they are not cooled down quickly after cooking.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Sulfur and Iron: Egg whites contain sulfur, and egg yolks contain iron. When eggs are overcooked, the sulfur and iron react at the surface of the yolk.
- Chemical Reaction: This reaction forms ferrous sulfide, which gives that greenish tinge.
- Aesthetic, Not Harmful: While it might be a bit off-putting in appearance, this green ring is harmless and does not significantly affect the taste or nutritional value of the egg.
To avoid this reaction and the resulting green ring:
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook your eggs just until the yolk is set. For hard-boiled eggs, this usually means 9-12 minutes in boiling water. (Mine come out perfect at 12 minutes. It depends on the boil.)
- Cook at Lower Temperatures: Cooking eggs at a gentle boil, rather than a rolling boil, can also help prevent the ring from forming.
- Cool Quickly: After boiling, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the green ring from forming.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfect hard-boiled eggs without the unsightly green ring.
Nutrient Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Fiber: 3-5g
Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
If you’re not sure if eggs are good for you, I invite you to read this…
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 1-2 days for best quality.
- Do not freeze the egg salad as it may affect texture and taste.
Origin and Interesting Facts
The egg salad sandwich is a staple in American cuisine, believed to have gained popularity in the early 20th century with the advent of pre-sliced bread.
It symbolizes simplicity and versatility, often reflecting regional flavors and preferences.
This version, with its addition of diverse veggies and the distinctive flavor of rye bread, offers a delightful twist on the classic, making it a testament to our ever-evolving palate.
Enjoy the Best Egg Salad Sandwich with your favorite veggies on rye bread!
If you’re an egg lover like I am, you might want to check out these other egg dishes…