Egg salad is having a moment. Move over, avocado toast!
But to truly shine in this new era, egg salad needs to be more than just mayo and eggs. Get ready to spice things up with these must-try seasonings.
1. Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky depth that transforms ordinary egg salad into something special. The deep red powder brings a subtle heat and campfire essence.
Try using Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) for the most authentic flavor. Just a quarter teaspoon will elevate your entire batch.
2. Fresh Dill
Fresh dill’s feathery fronds pack a punch of bright, grassy flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs. The herb’s slight anise undertone cuts through the richness of mayonnaise.
Chop it finely and add it last to preserve its vibrant green color. For convenience, frozen dill works almost as well as fresh.
3. Curry Powder
Curry powder transforms egg salad with its complex blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices. The golden hue it imparts makes your salad visually striking.
Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to taste. For extra dimension, bloom your curry powder in a teaspoon of hot butter before adding it to your egg mixture.
4. Capers
They bring briny, tangy bursts of flavor that wake up your taste buds. These pickled flower buds add unexpected pops of saltiness throughout each bite of egg salad.
Rinse them briefly to control their intensity. Roughly chop larger capers or leave the small ones whole for textural contrast against the creamy eggs.
5. Dijon Mustard
It cuts through egg salad’s richness with tangy, sophisticated flavor. Unlike yellow mustard, Dijon offers complex wine notes and a smoother texture.
One tablespoon per four eggs creates perfect balance. For extra creaminess, whisk the Dijon with your mayonnaise before folding into your chopped eggs for even distribution.
6. Everything Bagel Seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning delivers a crunchy texture bomb with its mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. The blend brings multiple flavor notes in one convenient shake.
Sprinkle it on top just before serving for maximum crunch. This seasoning works especially well when serving egg salad open-faced on toast.
7. Sriracha
A sweet-hot kick that energizes bland egg salad. The garlic notes in this popular hot sauce complement eggs beautifully. Start with just a few drops and increase to taste.
For a fun presentation, drizzle extra sriracha in a zigzag pattern across the top of your finished egg salad for both flavor and visual appeal.
8. Fresh Chives
Fresh chives offer delicate onion flavor without overwhelming your palate. Their bright green color creates beautiful contrast against the yellow eggs.
Snip them with scissors rather than chopping to prevent bruising. Save some chives for garnishing the top of your egg salad just before serving for a professional presentation.
9. Bacon Bits
Real bacon pieces work best, but quality bacon bits from a jar are convenient alternatives. Mix them in just before serving to maintain their texture.
The salt from the bacon might mean you can reduce other salt in your recipe.
10. Harissa Paste
Harissa paste infuses North African flair with its blend of roasted red peppers, chilies, and spices. The complex heat builds slowly rather than overwhelming your first bite.
A small dollop (about half a teaspoon) goes a long way. For a cooling contrast, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to balance harissa’s intensity.
11. Lemon Zest
Lemon zest brightens egg salad with citrusy aromatics without adding wetness. The oils in the zest provide more concentrated flavor than juice alone.
Use a microplane for the finest zest that distributes evenly. Combine with black pepper for a lemon-pepper variation that wakes up your taste buds with each bite.
12. Old Bay Seasoning
You’ll get coastal charm with its blend of herbs and spices originally designed for seafood. The paprika, celery salt, and pepper create surprising harmony with eggs.
A half teaspoon gives noticeable flavor. For a Maryland-inspired twist, serve your Old Bay egg salad on buttery croissants with a lettuce leaf for crunch.
13. Fresh Basil
Fresh basil leaves add Mediterranean flair with their sweet, peppery, slightly minty profile. The aromatic herb creates unexpected sophistication in humble egg salad.
Tear larger leaves rather than cutting them to prevent browning. For extra flavor dimension, try using purple basil which offers a slightly spicier note than its green counterpart.
14. Pickled Jalapeños
Tangy heat with built-in portion control. Unlike fresh peppers, their vinegar brine adds complexity while tempering their natural fire. Dice them finely for even distribution.
The pickling liquid can replace some of your vinegar or lemon juice in the dressing for a cohesive flavor profile.
15. Furikake
Japanese seasoning typically sprinkled on rice, contains seaweed, sesame seeds, and umami-rich ingredients. This flavor powerhouse adds unexpected depth and subtle oceanic notes.
Sprinkle it on just before serving for maximum visual impact. Different furikake blends offer varying flavors.
16. Za’atar
Za’atar brings Middle Eastern flair with its blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. The sumac provides lemony tang while the herbs add earthy complexity.
Mix it directly into your egg salad or sprinkle on top for visual appeal. Za’atar pairs beautifully with a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.