Egg salad sandwiches are a beloved classic, perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner. Their creamy, comforting flavor is undeniably satisfying. But if you’re wondering What To Serve With Egg Salad to create a complete and balanced meal, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will explore a variety of fantastic side dishes and pairings that elevate your egg salad experience from simple to spectacular.
Understanding Egg Salad Sandwiches
Before diving into pairings, let’s quickly recap what makes egg salad sandwiches so popular and versatile.
The Anatomy of Egg Salad
At its core, egg salad is a simple yet flavorful mixture. The star ingredient, of course, is hard-boiled eggs. Whether you prefer medium, large, brown, white, or even duck eggs, the key is to hard-boil them to perfection. These are then grated or chopped to create the base of the salad.
For a detailed guide on achieving the best egg salad, including the ideal method for hard-boiling eggs, be sure to check out our comprehensive egg salad recipe.
Mayonnaise serves as the traditional binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together with its creamy richness. For a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt offers a similar texture with a milder taste and less fat.
A touch of yellow mustard is often added to enhance the flavor profile, providing a subtle tang that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and eggs.
Seasoning is crucial. Salt and pepper are essential, and you can adjust the amount to your preference. Tasting as you go is always recommended to achieve the perfect balance.
Finally, the bread provides structure and texture. Sourdough, toasted sandwich bread, or a crusty French baguette all work well. The goal is to have a slight crunch from the bread to contrast with the smooth, creamy egg salad filling.
What Exactly IS Egg Salad?
In essence, egg salad is a dish that combines hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, often served between slices of bread. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich filling, or alongside various sides like fries, chicken tenders, or coleslaw. Egg salad is a great option for breakfast, lunch, or a light meal any time of day.
Crafting the Perfect Egg Salad Sandwich
Making an egg salad sandwich is surprisingly easy. The most crucial step is properly boiling the eggs. Once boiled and cooled, mash them with a fork or potato masher. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in mayonnaise and mustard to your liking. Butter your bread of choice, and generously spread the egg salad filling from edge to edge. That’s all it takes to create a classic egg salad sandwich!
Elevating Your Egg Salad
While the classic recipe is delicious, there are countless ways to enhance your egg salad. Popular additions include celery for crunch, finely chopped onion for a bit of bite, fresh lettuce or tomato slices for freshness, creamy avocado, and herbs like parsley or dill for flavor. For a savory twist, consider adding chopped bacon – a favorite of many! For a unique variation, try our tuna egg salad recipe for a protein-packed and flavorful twist.
If you’re looking for an even simpler preparation, consider deviled eggs. Deviled eggs share many of the same core ingredients as egg salad, making them a delicious and easy alternative.
Is Egg Salad a Healthy Choice?
Traditional egg salad, while protein-rich, can be high in fat due to the mayonnaise. However, you can easily make a healthier version by using olive oil-based mayonnaise. Olive oil provides healthy fats, transforming egg salad into a more balanced dish that combines protein and beneficial fats.
Drink Pairings for Egg Salad Sandwiches
Choosing the right beverage can complement your egg salad sandwich perfectly. Consider these refreshing options:
- Iced Coffee: The coolness and slight bitterness of iced coffee can cut through the richness of the egg salad.
- Juice: A glass of fresh juice, like orange or apple, adds a touch of sweetness and vibrancy.
- Milk: Milk offers a classic and comforting pairing.
- Sparkling Lemonade: The fizz and citrusy flavor of sparkling lemonade provide a refreshing contrast.
- Soda: A classic soda like cola or lemon-lime can be a satisfying choice.
- Tea: Iced or hot tea, especially black tea or iced green tea, can be a great accompaniment.
- Water: Simple and always refreshing, water is a perfect palate cleanser.
The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Egg Salad Sandwiches
Now, let’s get to the main question: what to serve alongside egg salad sandwiches? The following recipes offer a diverse range of textures and flavors that harmonize beautifully with the creamy delight of egg salad.
Refreshing Salads
Salads are often the go-to side for sandwiches, and for good reason! They provide a light, fresh contrast to the richness of egg salad.
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Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar: This classic cucumber salad, sometimes called “Grandma’s Best Cucumber Salad,” offers a tangy and crisp counterpoint to egg salad. The simple dill vinegar dressing perfectly complements the creamy filling. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Close-up of tangy cucumber and onion salad in a clear bowl, showcasing fresh dill and a light vinegar dressing.
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Best Greek Pasta Salad: This vibrant Greek pasta salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors and textures. It’s a delightful combination of pasta, vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it a satisfying and flavorful side. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Vibrant Greek pasta salad with orzo, olives, feta, and colorful vegetables in a white bowl, a wooden spoon lifting a portion.
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Classic Pasta Salad: A timeless choice, classic pasta salad with its perfectly seasoned pasta and fresh vegetables is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a versatile side dish that complements almost anything, including egg salad sandwiches. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Colorful classic pasta salad with rotini pasta, bell peppers, olives, and Italian dressing in a white serving dish.
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Mixed Green Salad with Fruit and Nuts: For a lighter and healthier option, a mixed green salad with fruit and nuts is an excellent choice. The sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the nuts add delightful contrast, especially when paired with a pomegranate vinaigrette. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Fresh mixed green salad with berries, nuts, and pomegranate seeds, dressed with a vibrant pomegranate vinaigrette, served in a white bowl.
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Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese: This strawberry spinach salad is a summer delight, featuring fresh berries, candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese. The chardonnay vinaigrette ties it all together, creating a refreshing and flavorful side. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Refreshing strawberry spinach salad with crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, and a light vinaigrette, served in a clear bowl.
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Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad (Costco Copycat): This vibrant and flavorful tortellini salad is inspired by the popular Costco version. It’s a delightful combination of cheese tortellini, Caprese salad elements, and a Mediterranean twist, making it a satisfying and easy side. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Colorful Mediterranean tortellini salad with cheese tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil in a clear bowl.
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Easy Cold Asparagus Salad: For asparagus lovers, this cold asparagus salad with mustard dressing is a must-try. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy asparagus, transformed into a refreshing and palate-pleasing side. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Simple cold asparagus salad with bright green asparagus spears and a tangy mustard dressing, served on a white plate.
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Easy Grape Salad: This easy grape salad with cream cheese is a touch sweeter and wonderfully refreshing. It’s a quick and tasty treat that balances the savory egg salad beautifully, especially for warmer days. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Creamy grape salad with green grapes coated in a sweet cream cheese dressing, served in a white bowl.
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Jalapeno Coleslaw: If you like a bit of spice, jalapeno coleslaw is an excellent choice. Crunchy and with a spicy kick, it offers a bold contrast to the creamy egg salad. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Spicy jalapeno coleslaw with shredded cabbage and jalapenos, served as a side to a hamburger on a white plate.
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Grandma’s Coleslaw: For a classic coleslaw experience, Grandma’s Coleslaw is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly creamy. This timeless side dish is ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or simply alongside your egg salad sandwich. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Classic creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots in a white bowl, a perfect side dish for any meal.
Potato Perfection
Potatoes, in their various forms, are always a welcome side dish, offering heartiness and satisfying flavors.
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Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes: These air fryer breakfast potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. They are a fantastic breakfast side dish, but also work wonderfully alongside egg salad for lunch or a light dinner. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Crispy air fryer breakfast potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, golden brown and ready to eat, a fork lifting a portion.
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Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes: Delicious and easy, air fryer garlic potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with almost anything. The crispy garlic flavor complements the creamy egg salad beautifully. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Golden brown air fryer garlic potatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs, served on a white plate.
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Slow Cooker Breakfast Potatoes: For a hands-off approach, slow cooker breakfast potatoes are perfect. They cook up tender and flavorful, making them ideal for a brunch or a relaxed meal with egg salad sandwiches. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Tender slow cooker breakfast potatoes seasoned and cooked to perfection, a fork lifting a portion to show the texture.
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Creole Smoked Potato Salad: For a potato salad with a twist, try Creole smoked potato salad. It has a smoky flavor and Creole spices that add a unique and delicious dimension, offering a more robust side to your egg salad.
Alt text: Flavorful Creole smoked potato salad with a smoky aroma and vibrant Creole seasoning, served on a white plate.
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Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer: For a quick and easy side, air fryer frozen sweet potato fries are a fantastic option. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, offering a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with egg salad. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Crispy air fryer frozen sweet potato fries, golden brown and perfectly cooked, arranged on an air fryer tray.
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Homemade Taco Bell Nacho Fries Air Fryer: Craving something fun and flavorful? Homemade Taco Bell nacho fries made in the air fryer are a surprisingly delicious side for egg salad. The cheesy, spiced fries add a playful and satisfying element to your meal. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Copycat Taco Bell nacho fries, crispy and cheesy, seasoned with spices and served in a white dish.
Crispy and Savory Sides
If you’re looking for a side with a satisfying crunch and savory flavors, these options are perfect.
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Air Fryer Brats: Air fryer brats are quick, easy, and always come out perfectly cooked. The savory bratwurst provides a hearty and flavorful contrast to the lighter egg salad sandwich. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Air fryer bratwurst served in a bun with onions and ketchup, a classic and savory side dish.
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Cheesy Bacon Hot Dog Bites: These cheesy bacon hot dog bites are a fun and flavorful side, perfect for dipping. The combination of hot dogs, cheese, and bacon is undeniably delicious and adds a playful element to your meal.
Alt text: Cheesy bacon hot dog bites, baked and golden brown, arranged on a baking tray, ready for dipping.
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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Twists – In the Oven, Too!: Crispy bacon twists are a fun and unique way to enjoy bacon. Whether made in the air fryer or oven, these twists are incredibly satisfying and add a salty, crispy element to your meal. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Crispy air fryer bacon twists, perfectly cooked and twisted, showcasing a fun and flavorful bacon preparation.
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Air Fryer Candied Bacon: For a sweet and savory treat, air fryer candied bacon is a winner. The combination of bacon and brown sugar creates a delicious sweet and salty flavor profile that is surprisingly addictive and works as a unique side. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Sweet and savory air fryer candied bacon, coated in brown sugar and cooked to crispy perfection.
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs: Elevate your hot dog game with air fryer bacon-wrapped hot dogs. The smoky, crispy bacon adds a delicious twist to the classic hot dog, creating a satisfying and flavorful side. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Air fryer bacon-wrapped hot dogs, crispy and smoky, a delicious upgrade to the classic hot dog.
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Air Fryer Bacon Onion Rings: Air fryer bacon-wrapped onion rings are a decadent and flavorful side. The combination of crispy onion rings and salty bacon is irresistible and makes for a truly indulgent treat. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Decadent air fryer bacon-wrapped onion rings, crispy and golden brown, a flavorful and indulgent side dish.
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Red Lobster Crab Cakes: For a more elegant side, copycat Red Lobster crab cakes are a fantastic choice. Loaded with seafood flavor and a crispy coating, they offer a touch of sophistication and richness that pairs surprisingly well with egg salad. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Crispy Red Lobster crab cakes, golden brown and stacked, topped with a creamy white sauce and a lemon wedge.
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Pancake Battered Fried Fish and More: For a unique and satisfying side, pancake-battered fried fish (or chicken, crab, or shrimp!) is a fun option. The pancake mix creates a crispy and flavorful batter that’s perfect for dipping. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Crispy pancake-battered fried fish, golden brown and served with a dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
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Crispy Fried Parmesan Asparagus: Crispy fried parmesan asparagus offers a delicious and elegant vegetable side. The parmesan crust adds a cheesy, savory flavor and satisfying crunch to the asparagus. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Crispy fried parmesan asparagus spears, golden brown and coated in a flavorful parmesan crust.
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How to Air Fry Asparagus and Asparagus Fries: Simple air-fried asparagus or asparagus fries are a healthy and tasty side. They are quick to make and perfect for dipping, offering a lighter vegetable option. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Air fryer asparagus fries, crispy and tender, arranged on a plate and ready for dipping.
Sweet Treats for Balance
While perhaps less traditional, a slightly sweet side or dessert can surprisingly complement the savory egg salad, especially for a brunch or lighter meal.
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Grandma’s Old Fashioned Fruit Salad with Mayonnaise: Grandma’s old-fashioned fruit salad with mayonnaise is a creamy and nostalgic treat. The combination of fresh fruit, chocolate chips, and a simple mayonnaise dressing creates a surprisingly delicious and slightly sweet side. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Creamy Grandma’s old-fashioned fruit salad with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, and a mayonnaise-based dressing, served in a glass bowl.
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Easy Oreo Fluff Recipe: For a truly decadent and easy dessert-like side, Oreo fluff is a crowd-pleaser. This simple Oreo fluff dip is incredibly easy to make and offers a sweet and creamy counterpoint to the savory egg salad. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Creamy Oreo fluff dip with Oreo cookie chunks and marshmallows on top, served in a white bowl.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff Salad: Strawberry cheesecake fluff salad is a rich, creamy, and fruity dessert salad. It’s particularly delightful during the summer months, offering a refreshing and sweet finish to your meal. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Creamy strawberry cheesecake fluff salad topped with fresh strawberries and mint, served in a white bowl on a wooden board.
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Mixed Berry Jell-O Fluff Pie: This Jello Cool Whip pie is a cool and refreshing summer treat. Packed with berry flavor, it’s a light and delightful dessert that can balance out the richness of egg salad. Get the Recipe
Alt text: Slice of mixed berry Jello Cool Whip pie, light and fluffy, served on a white plate.
From refreshing salads and crispy potatoes to savory bites and even sweet treats, this list of what to serve with egg salad sandwiches offers a wide variety of delicious pairings. Explore these recipes and make your next egg salad meal truly memorable!
