Egg Salad
Adam
Discover a creamy, herb-packed French-style egg salad recipe that’s quick, delicious, and unforgettable—perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine French
Servings 4 people
Calories 210 kcal
The Basics:
- 6 large eggs preferably organic, hard-boiled and peeled
- 2 tablespoons crème fraîche or high-quality mayonnaise for a creamier texture
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – smooth tangy, and distinctly French
- 1 small shallot finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cornichons or dill pickles for a twist
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon or flat-leaf parsley chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- A drizzle of olive oil from Provence for richness
- A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Paprika or piment d’Espelette if you want a subtle kick
A Few Ingredient Tips:
- Eggs: Older eggs are easier to peel after boiling. Just make sure they’re not too old—around a week is perfect.
- Crème fraîche vs. mayo: Crème fraîche brings a tangier lighter taste, while mayo adds extra richness. Feel free to use a mix!
- Cornichons: These tiny tart French pickles are key to adding crunch and contrast. If you can’t find them, finely chopped pickles or capers will work.
- Herbs: Use whatever’s freshest. Chives and tarragon are classic but parsley or even a touch of dill works beautifully too.
Boil the Eggs Perfectly
Place your eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 9–10 minutes.
Once done, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and make peeling easier.
Peel and Chop the Eggs
Once cooled, peel the eggs gently.
Chop them into bite-sized pieces—not too fine, not too chunky. You want some texture for that satisfying bite.
Make the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche (or mayo), Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add the Flavorful Extras
Stir in the minced shallots, chopped cornichons, and fresh herbs.
These ingredients give your salad that signature French bistro flair—bright, herby, and a little tangy.
Pro Tips for Perfection:
Chill before serving for at least 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and gives you that delicious creamy texture.
For extra richness, drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top before serving.
Want a lighter version? Swap half the crème fraîche for plain Greek yogurt—it’s tangy and protein-packed!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
-
Calories: 210 kcal
-
Total Fat: 16g
-
Saturated Fat: 4g
-
Protein: 10g
-
Carbohydrates: 4g
-
Fiber: 1g
-
Sugars: 1g
-
Cholesterol: 190mg
-
Sodium : 290mg
Keyword easy French recipes, Egg salad, French egg salad, picnic lunch