If you’re searching for a fresh twist on a classic, my Crispy Egg Salad will quickly become your go-to lunch or picnic favorite! This recipe takes everything you love about traditional egg salad—creamy, tangy, and full of protein—and elevates it with the delightful crunch of fried onions. Every bite is a perfect harmony of rich eggs, zesty dressing, crisp vegetables, and a surprise layer of texture. Whether you’re making it for a speedy weekday meal or showing off for friends, Crispy Egg Salad is that rare dish that feels both nostalgic and completely new.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crispy Egg Salad relies on simple, everyday ingredients that each play a special role—bringing creaminess, tang, crunch, and pops of color. Quality eggs and a few key mix-ins are all you need to make this salad taste extraordinary.

6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled: The hearty and protein-rich base, they provide structure and perfect creaminess.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Classic richness ties everything together and gives the salad its signature smoothness.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Lends mild heat and a deep tangy kick—don’t skip it for flavor!
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds a subtle tang, lightens the texture, and keeps every bite fresh.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors, balancing the richness of the egg and mayo.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the key flavors and makes the eggs sing.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and rounds out the creamy base.
1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Gives unbeatable crunch and a refreshing bite that lifts the whole salad.
1/4 cup chopped scallions or red onion: Pops of color and a little sharpness; choose your favorite for subtle or bold flavor.
1/2 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade): The star ingredient that brings a joyful crunch and irresistible savoriness.
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or dill: A sprinkle on top adds lovely freshness and a burst of verdant color.

How to Make Crispy Egg Salad

Step 1: Chop the Hard-Boiled Eggs

Start by roughly chopping your hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces. This step is all about preference—some people love a chunkier texture, while others want their eggs extra fine. The trick is to keep things consistent so every mouthful of Crispy Egg Salad is perfectly balanced. Place the chopped eggs in a large mixing bowl so you have plenty of room to combine the rest of your ingredients later.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture is what will give your egg salad its signature flavor—tart, rich, and bright, with just enough zing. Whisk until smooth and fully combined for the silkiest results.

Step 3: Combine Eggs and Dressing

Pour the dressing over your chopped eggs and gently fold everything together. Go easy here—overmixing can make the eggs mushy, but a gentle hand keeps everything intact and delicious. The dressing should coat the eggs evenly without drowning them.

Step 4: Fold in Fresh Vegetables

Now it’s time to add in the crunch! Fold in the finely chopped celery and scallions (or red onion) until they’re evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture. These veggies add a welcome freshness and play perfectly off the smoothness of the eggs and dressing.

Step 5: Stir in the Crispy Fried Onions

Just before you’re ready to serve your Crispy Egg Salad, gently fold in the crispy fried onions. This timing is key—the onions stay crunchy and provide that craveable bite that sets this salad apart from every egg salad you’ve ever had. Serve it up while the onions are at their crispest for maximum delight.

How to Serve Crispy Egg Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Crispy Egg Salad with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill just before serving. Not only do herbs add a pop of color, but their bright, clean flavors also cut through the richness for a beautifully balanced finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Egg Salad with a handful of potato chips, a simple green salad, or some crunchy vegetable sticks for a meal that covers every craving—from crisp to refreshing. It’s right at home on toasted bread, in tender lettuce cups, or scooped up with crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out a platter with sandwich fixings and let everyone build their own, or serve the salad as tea sandwiches for brunch. You can stuff it into pita pockets, make bite-sized cucumber boats, or layer it inside mini croissants for a party-worthy twist. This salad shines wherever you use it, and it’s always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Crispy Egg Salad (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep things crisp, hold back a portion of the fried onions and stir them in just before enjoying your next serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as eggs and the creamy dressing don’t thaw well and can become watery or grainy. For best results, make only what you can eat within a couple of days and enjoy it fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Crispy Egg Salad—it’s designed to be cool and refreshing straight from the fridge. If you want to refresh its texture or flavor after storage, simply stir in a handful of new crispy onions and a splash of lemon juice before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While crispy fried onions deliver unbeatable crunch, you can experiment with shallots or even fried leeks for a unique spin. Just make sure whatever you add provides textural contrast.

What’s the best way to hard-boil eggs for this salad?

Start with cold water, bring your eggs to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes. Cool them quickly in an ice bath to make peeling a breeze and to keep the yolks vibrantly yellow and creamy.

Can I make the egg salad in advance?

Definitely! Assemble the eggs, dressing, and vegetables up to a day ahead, but wait until just before serving to stir in the crispy onions. This keeps every bite satisfyingly crunchy.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the Greek yogurt?

Yes! Swap in your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or use all mayonnaise for a dairy-free version. Either way, your Crispy Egg Salad will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful.

How can I add more protein or fiber to this salad?

Try mixing in some chopped cooked chickpeas or lentils for a heartier salad. You can also add diced avocado or extra veggies like bell peppers for a boost of color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to give Crispy Egg Salad a try—it’s truly a joyful upgrade to a beloved classic. Every bite brings comfort, crunch, and fun to the table. Let me know how you serve it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant favorite at your house, too!

Crispy Egg Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Kimberly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and satisfying Crispy Egg Salad recipe that combines the creaminess of hard-boiled eggs with a crispy texture from fried onions. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner option.

Ingredients

Hard-Boiled Eggs:

6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled;

Mayonnaise Mixture:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper;

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup finely chopped celery; 1/4 cup chopped scallions or red onion; 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade);

Optional Garnish:

chopped fresh parsley or dill

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Instructions

Chop Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chop the hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the eggs and mix gently. Fold in celery and scallions.
Add Crispy Onions: Just before serving, stir in the crispy fried onions for crunch.
Serve: Enjoy the salad on toast, lettuce cups, or as a sandwich filling.

Notes

For added texture, stir in chopped pickles or water chestnuts.
To keep the onions crispy, mix them in just before serving.