Egg salad is a timeless favorite: creamy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you like the classic version, want something healthier, or crave bold international flavors, there's an egg salad recipe out there for you. Here are 10 of the best egg salad recipe ideas that are highly viewed and loved—collected from top recipe sites—so you get both flavor and variety.

1. Classic Egg Salad

This version is what many first think of when they hear “egg salad recipe.” Hard-boiled eggs chopped, mixed with mayonnaise, a bit of yellow or Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, maybe some chopped celery or green onion. A little fresh dill or parsley gives freshness. Spend With Pennies has a “best egg salad recipe” that nails this classic: creamy mayo, mustard, crunchy celery, fresh dill, green onions. 

2. No-Mayo / Light Egg Salad

For those looking to reduce fat or avoid mayonnaise, there are great alternatives. Allrecipes features a No-Mayo Egg Salad in its list of “16 Excellent Ways to Make Egg Salad.” In that version, plain yogurt or tahini may substitute mayo, plus herbs and perhaps some lemon juice for tang. 

3. Avocado or Green Egg Salad

Want creamy without using too much mayo? Avocado brings richness, healthy fats, and a lovely green color. Allrecipes includes a “Green Egg Salad” that uses avocado. 

4. Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich (“Tamago Sando”)

A cult favorite. Soft, buttery Japanese milk bread with a delicate egg salad made using Japanese-style mayonnaise (often Kewpie) that is slightly sweeter, lighter, and smoother. This approach emphasizes texture and subtle flavors. Allrecipes features this in their popular gallery too. 

5. Deviled Egg Salad

This combines the flavor profile of deviled eggs (mustard, maybe a little vinegar or hot sauce, paprika) with the ease of traditional egg salad. Perfect if you like a little spice or extra flavor in your egg salad recipe. 

6. Loaded Egg Salad

Go big: crispy bacon, onions (red or yellow), maybe a dash of Sriracha or hot sauce, pickles, and lots of seasoning. Allrecipes features a “Loaded Egg Salad” that is “bursting with flavor” thanks to ingredients like bacon and onion. 

7. Harissa / Spiced Egg Salad

For those who prefer bold flavors. Add heat and depth with harissa (north African chili paste), smoked paprika, perhaps cumin or turmeric. Allrecipes shows a “Harissa Egg Salad” among its top picks.

8. Indian-Inspired Egg Salad

Flavored with turmeric, fresh cilantro (coriander), maybe a bit of ginger, or even some curry powder to give warmth and color. Serve with naan or flatbread, or over lettuce. Allrecipes includes “Indian-Inspired Egg Salad.”

9. Polish / European Creamier Egg Salad

In Poland or parts of Eastern Europe, egg salad recipes often include cream cheese or sour cream for a richer, tangier texture. Allrecipes has a “Polish Egg Salad” variation. 

10. Tomato Basil Egg Salad Sandwich

Combining fresh tomato slices or chopped tomato, basil leaves (fresh), maybe a little basil pesto, with the egg salad base. It can be lighter, brighter, perfect for summer or when you want something fresh. Allrecipes includes a “Tomato Basil Egg Salad Sandwich” among its gallery. Allrecipes

Tips for Making the Very Best Egg Salad Recipe

To elevate any of these variations, here are some extra tips:

• Eggs & boiling: Use slightly older eggs (they peel easier). Boil until yolks are fully cooked if you like firmness; slightly less if you prefer soft-yolk center (but it changes texture). Chill quickly, peel carefully.

• Texture: Mash the yolks with the binder (mayo, yogurt, etc.) until smooth, then gently fold in the whites to get contrast between creamy and slightly firm.

• Binder options: Mayonnaise is the standard. But Greek yogurt, sour cream, tahini, or a blend (half mayo + half yogurt) can make it lighter or add different flavor profiles.

• Fresh flavor: Herbs make a big difference—dill, chives, cilantro, basil. Also bits of onion (green/or red), celery, pickles.

• Seasoning: Don’t skip salt & pepper. Maybe a splash of acid (lemon, vinegar) to brighten it. For spicy versions, add paprika, hot sauce, or harissa.

• Serving: On bread or toast, inside wraps, over salad greens, with crackers, in lettuce cups. Use fresh bread or bread with texture to complement the creamy egg.

Why These Egg Salad Recipe Variations Are Popular

• Versatility: Egg salad adapts well to what you have in fridge: herbs, condiments, extras.

• Speed & simplicity: Most of these recipes are quick—hard boil eggs, chop, mix. No baking or long cooking.

• Comfort food: Creamy, satisfying, nostalgic.

• Customizable: Want healthier? Skip mayo or reduce it. Want bold flavors? Use spices. Want international flair? Try Japanese, Indian, or Middle Eastern elements.

An excellent egg salad recipe doesn’t have to be rigid. The beauty lies in variety. Whether you love the classic creamy version or something with spice, crunch, or herbaceous aroma, the 10 recipes above offer you inspiration. Start with the version that appeals most, tweak it to your taste, and soon you’ll have your signature egg salad recipe—one that gets attention, compliments, and makes everyone ask, “What’s in that?”

Enjoy turning ordinary boiled eggs into extraordinary meals!