Tangy & Creamy: The Ultimate Pickled Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe
Pickled egg salad sandwiches might sound a bit… unconventional at first. But trust me, once you try this tangy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying sandwich, you’ll be hooked. The subtle tang of the pickled eggs combined with the richness of mayonnaise and the crunch of celery creates a flavor explosion that’s far more complex and delicious than your average egg salad. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a light dinner. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to making the ultimate pickled egg salad sandwich!
## Why Pickled Eggs in Egg Salad?
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why pickled eggs elevate egg salad to a whole new level. Regular hard-boiled eggs are great, but they lack that certain *zing*. Pickled eggs, on the other hand, have a delightful tanginess and a slightly firmer texture. The pickling brine infuses the eggs with flavor that permeates every bite, adding depth and complexity that you just can’t achieve with plain boiled eggs.
Think of it like adding a squeeze of lemon juice to a creamy pasta dish. That little bit of acidity brightens everything up and cuts through the richness, making the dish more balanced and flavorful. Pickled eggs do the same thing for egg salad, preventing it from being bland or monotonous.
## The Perfect Pickled Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe
This recipe builds upon the classic egg salad foundation but incorporates pickled eggs and a few other key ingredients to create a truly exceptional sandwich.
**Yields:** 4 sandwiches
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 0 minutes (assuming eggs are already pickled)
### Ingredients:
* **Pickled Eggs:** 8 large pickled eggs, peeled and chopped
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup (adjust to your preference)
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon
* **Celery:** 1/4 cup, finely chopped
* **Red Onion:** 2 tablespoons, finely minced
* **Fresh Dill:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Bread:** 8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, rye, brioche, or even toasted white bread all work well)
* **Lettuce:** Optional, for adding a layer of freshness
### Equipment:
* Large mixing bowl
* Knife and cutting board
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Fork or potato masher
### Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Pickled Eggs:**
* Gently peel the pickled eggs. Be careful not to tear them, as they can be a bit more delicate than regular hard-boiled eggs. If you are making your own pickled eggs, ensure they have cooled completely before peeling.
* Chop the peeled pickled eggs into small, even pieces. The size is a matter of personal preference, but I recommend aiming for pieces that are about 1/4 inch in size. This will ensure that the egg salad has a good texture and that the flavor is evenly distributed.
**2. Combine the Ingredients:**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pickled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, minced red onion, and chopped fresh dill (if using).
* Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, as the pickled eggs already contain some salt. You can always add more to taste later.
**3. Mix Gently:**
* Using a fork or potato masher, gently mix all of the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the egg salad mushy. You want to mix until everything is just combined and the egg salad is creamy but still has some texture.
**4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:**
* Taste the egg salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, or lemon juice to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Remember that the flavors will meld together over time, so it’s better to err on the side of under-seasoning and then adjust later.
**5. Assemble the Sandwiches:**
* Spread a generous layer of the pickled egg salad on one slice of bread.
* If desired, add a layer of lettuce on top of the egg salad. This will add a refreshing crunch and help to keep the bread from getting soggy.
* Top with another slice of bread and gently press down to compress the sandwich slightly.
* Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the remaining sandwiches.
**6. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Cut the sandwiches in half or into quarters, if desired.
* Serve immediately or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for later. Pickled egg salad sandwiches are best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the bread can become soggy over time.
## Tips for the Best Pickled Egg Salad Sandwich
* **Use High-Quality Pickled Eggs:** The quality of the pickled eggs will directly impact the flavor of the egg salad. If possible, make your own pickled eggs using a recipe you trust. Otherwise, look for high-quality, commercially prepared pickled eggs that are made with natural ingredients and don’t contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. I will share a simple pickled egg recipe down below if you can’t find any at the store.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the egg salad will result in a mushy texture. Mix the ingredients gently until they are just combined. You want to preserve some of the texture of the pickled eggs.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh celery, red onion, and dill will add a vibrant flavor to the egg salad. Use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results.
* **Adjust the Mayonnaise to Your Preference:** Some people prefer a creamier egg salad, while others prefer a drier egg salad. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed, a tablespoon at a time.
* **Toast the Bread:** Toasting the bread will help to prevent it from getting soggy. It also adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy egg salad.
* **Add a Little Heat:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg salad. This will add a subtle kick that complements the tangy flavor of the pickled eggs.
* **Make it Ahead:** Pickled egg salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or for making ahead of time for a picnic or party.
* **Experiment with Bread:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough, rye, brioche, and even toasted white bread all work well. Choose a bread that you enjoy and that complements the flavors of the egg salad. Croissants are also a good option if you want something extra decadent.
## Variations on the Recipe
* **Spicy Pickled Egg Salad:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg salad for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet Pickled Egg Salad:** Add a tablespoon of sweet pickle relish to the egg salad for a touch of sweetness.
* **Smoked Pickled Egg Salad:** Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the egg salad for a smoky flavor.
* **Pickled Egg Salad with Avocado:** Add 1/4 cup of diced avocado to the egg salad for a creamy and healthy twist.
* **Pickled Egg Salad with Bacon:** Add 1/4 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon to the egg salad for a salty and smoky flavor.
* **Pickled Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps:** For a low-carb option, serve the pickled egg salad in lettuce wraps instead of on bread.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Picnics:** Pickled egg salad sandwiches are a perfect addition to any picnic. Pack them in a cooler along with some fruit, vegetables, and chips for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Lunch Boxes:** These sandwiches are also great for lunch boxes. Pack them with a side of fruit or vegetables for a healthy and delicious lunch.
* **Parties:** Serve pickled egg salad sandwiches as an appetizer at your next party. Cut them into small triangles or squares for easy serving.
* **Brunch:** Add pickled egg salad sandwiches to your brunch spread. They pair well with other brunch favorites like quiche, muffins, and fruit salad.
* **Snacks:** These sandwiches also make a great snack. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or juice for a quick and satisfying pick-me-up.
## Simple Pickled Egg Recipe
If you cannot find pickled eggs at your local grocery store, don’t worry. Making your own is easier than you think! This is a simple recipe that you can adapt to your own tastes.
**Yields:** 6 eggs
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes plus chilling time
### Ingredients:
* 6 large eggs
* 1 cup white vinegar
* 1 cup water
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
* 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)
### Equipment:
* Saucepan
* Jar or container with a lid
### Instructions:
**1. Hard-Boil the Eggs:**
* Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
* Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the eggs sit for 12 minutes.
* After 12 minutes, drain the hot water and immediately rinse the eggs under cold water until they are cool enough to handle. This will help prevent them from overcooking and will make them easier to peel.
**2. Prepare the Pickling Brine:**
* In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes (if using), and smashed garlic (if using).
* Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
* Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely.
**3. Peel the Eggs:**
* Gently peel the hard-boiled eggs. Be careful not to tear them.
**4. Pickle the Eggs:**
* Place the peeled eggs in a jar or container with a lid.
* Pour the cooled pickling brine over the eggs, making sure they are completely submerged.
* Seal the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using. The longer the eggs sit in the brine, the more flavorful they will become. They will last in the refrigerator for up to one week.
## Final Thoughts
Pickled egg salad sandwiches are a delicious and unexpected twist on a classic. The tangy flavor of the pickled eggs, combined with the creamy mayonnaise and crunchy celery, creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying lunch, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy!