There are moments in the kitchen that aren’t just about cooking; they’re about concocting memories, one dish at a time. Today, I’m thrilled to share a slice of my world with you through a recipe that’s close to my heart – my ultimate egg salad toast. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill recipe; it’s a tale of flavors, a narrative wrapped in the comfort of wholesome ingredients and simplicity.
Table of Contents
What Is Egg Salad Toast?
Egg salad toast is a simple and delicious dish that combines creamy egg salad with toasted bread.
- Ingredients:
- Eggs: 4 large eggs
- Mayonnaise: 3 tablespoons (You can substitute with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier version)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (adjust according to taste)
- Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped
- Red Onion: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or parsley if preferred)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Bread: 4 slices of your choice (whole grain, rye, sourdough, etc.)
- Butter or Olive Oil: For toasting the bread
- Optional Garnishes: Paprika, green onions, radish slices, or avocado slices
Instructions
Cook The Eggs:
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for 12 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water or run them under cold tap water for a few minutes. Once cooled, peel them.
Prepare The Egg Salad:
- In a medium mixing bowl, chop the boiled eggs into chunks or mash them with a fork, depending on your preference for texture.
- Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasonings as preferred.
Toast The Bread:
- While making the egg salad, heat a pan over medium heat. Butter each side of your bread slices or lightly brush them with olive oil.
- Toast the bread in the hot pan until each side is golden brown and crispy. You can also use a toaster for convenience.
- Assemble the Toast: Spoon a generous amount of egg salad onto each slice of toasted bread. Spread evenly.
Add Garnishes And Serve:
- Sprinkle some paprika for a hint of mild spice, or top with green onions, radish slices, or avocado slices for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips For Perfect Egg Salad Toast
- Freshness Counts: For the best flavor, use the freshest ingredients possible, especially eggs and herbs.
- Egg Cooking Tips: To avoid overcooking, make sure you stop the cooking process of the eggs by placing them in cold water immediately after they’re done.
- Flavor Enhancers: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and mustard according to your taste preferences. Adding a little zest can also beautifully enhance the flavors.
- Serving Suggestion: For a lighter version, serve the egg salad over a bed of mixed greens instead of bread.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the egg salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving as the ingredients might settle.
What To Serve With
Fresh Fruits And Vegetables:
- Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad made from mixed greens such as arugula, spinach, or romaine, tossed with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the egg salad.
- Stuffed Tomato: Hollow out ripe tomatoes and stuff them with a portion of the egg salad for an elegant presentation.
- Cucumber Slices: Fresh cucumber slices or spears, with their crisp, clean flavor, make a refreshing side dish.
- Avocado Slices: Rich and creamy avocado slices drizzled with lemon juice and sprinkled with a pinch of salt can round out the meal.
Soups:
- Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, the tanginess of tomato soup complements the egg salad toast.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: A light, clear soup can provide a comforting balance to the meal, especially on a chilly day.
Pickled Items and Olives:
- Dill Pickles or Cornichons: Their tartness and crunchiness make them a great palate cleanser.
- Pickled Onions: These offer a burst of tangy flavor that pairs well with the creamy egg salad.
- Assorted Olives: A mix of green and black olives can provide a salty contrast that’s particularly delightful with egg salad.
Chips And Snacks:
- Potato Chips or Crisps: For those who love a bit of extra crunch, plain or kettle-cooked chips make a simple but satisfying side.
- Vegetable Chips: Made from sweet potatoes, beets, or carrots, vegetable chips are a healthier alternative that adds color and variety.
Beverages:
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, with a slice of lemon can cleanse the palate between bites.
- White Wine: Choose a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the egg salad.
- Sparkling Water: With a slice of lemon or lime, sparkling water is a great non-alcoholic option that refreshes and pairs well with any meal.
Desserts:
- Fresh Fruit Tart: A dessert with a light pastry and fresh fruit can be a sweet and tart conclusion to your meal.
- Lemon Sorbet: Its refreshing qualities and citrusy zest make it an excellent palate cleanser and a sweet ending to your lunch or brunch.
Health Benefits
High-Quality Protein:
- Egg Salad: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting bone health. One large egg provides about 6 grams of protein, which includes all nine essential amino acids needed by the body.
- Toast: Whole-grain bread can add additional protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to toast.
Heart-Healthy Fats:
- Eggs: Despite past concerns over cholesterol, recent studies have shown that moderate egg consumption (up to one egg per day) does not significantly impact the risk of heart disease in healthy individuals. Eggs contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats and are also one of the few food sources of vitamin D.
- Mayo/Substitutes: If mayonnaise is used in making the egg salad, it adds fats that can be beneficial if consumed in moderation. Alternatively, using avocado or Greek yogurt as a substitute can provide a healthier profile of monounsaturated fats or increase the protein content, respectively.
Fiber:
- Toast: Choosing whole-grain or whole-wheat bread for the toast provides a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion, lowering cholesterol levels, and controlling blood sugar levels.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Adding components like celery, onions, or lettuce can boost the fiber content of the egg salad, contributing to digestive health and providing a fuller feeling for longer, which can help with weight management.
Vitamins And Minerals:
- Eggs: Eggs are packed with various nutrients, such as vitamins A, B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B12, D, E, and K, and minerals like selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. These contribute to strong bones, healthy skin, and disease prevention.
- Add-Ins and Toppings: Incorporating vegetables or even fruits into the egg salad or as a side can increase your intake of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.
Final Thoughts
what truly sets egg salad toast apart is its perfect balance of simplicity and nutrition. In a world where fast food and convenience often take precedence over health, this dish stands as a testament to the fact that wholesome and nourishing meals can also be quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast to start your day, preparing a light lunch, or in need of a satisfying snack, egg salad toast is a choice that you can feel good about.
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Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- Eggs: 4 large eggs
- Mayonnaise: 3 tablespoons (You can substitute with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier version)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (adjust according to taste)
- Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped
- Red Onion: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or parsley if preferred)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Bread: 4 slices of your choice (whole grain, rye, sourdough, etc.)
- Butter or Olive Oil: For toasting the bread
- Optional Garnishes: Paprika, green onions, radish slices, or avocado slices
Instructions
Cook The Eggs:
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for 12 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water or run them under cold tap water for a few minutes. Once cooled, peel them.
Prepare The Egg Salad:
- In a medium mixing bowl, chop the boiled eggs into chunks or mash them with a fork, depending on your preference for texture.
- Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasonings as preferred.
Toast The Bread:
- While making the egg salad, heat a pan over medium heat. Butter each side of your bread slices or lightly brush them with olive oil.
- Toast the bread in the hot pan until each side is golden brown and crispy. You can also use a toaster for convenience.
Assemble the Toast: Spoon a generous amount of egg salad onto each slice of toasted bread. Spread evenly.
Add Garnishes And Serve:
- Sprinkle some paprika for a hint of mild spice, or top with green onions, radish slices, or avocado slices for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.