Egg Salad With Bacon
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Egg Salad with Bacon is a delicious and creamy dish that takes a classic favorite to the next level. Perfectly hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and a touch of onion are all tossed in creamy mayo for a side dish that’s irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or preparing it for a quick and satisfying meal, this egg salad is sure to impress your guests and family alike.
If you are looking for a classic side salad to serve at your next BBQ or have on hand as a quick meal throughout the week, take a look at this egg salad with bacon bits!
Why You’ll Love Egg Salad With Bacon
- Incredible Flavor Combination: The savory taste of crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the creaminess of eggs and mayo. Each bite is packed with rich, indulgent flavors that everyone loves.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy days. You can whip it up without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Dish: Egg Salad with Bacon can be served as a side dish, sandwich filling, or even a snack with crackers. It’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge, making it a convenient option for preparing meals ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or family dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture and bold flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients For Egg Salad With Bacon
- Hardboiled Eggs – The main ingredient that gives this salad its creamy and protein-packed base.
- Bacon – Adds a crispy, savory kick to the salad.
- Onion – Offers a mild crunch and depth of flavor.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy binder that brings all the ingredients together.
- Salt and Pepper – Enhances the overall taste and allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Egg Salad With Bacon
- Pot – For boiling the eggs to perfection.
- Knife – To chop the eggs, bacon, and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for chopping the ingredients.
- Large Bowl – To mix all the ingredients together.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accurate measurements for perfect flavor.
Egg Salad With Bacon
While it may not be for everybody, I for one LOVE egg salad. And, who doesn’t love bacon bits in their food?
This quick and easy salad recipe is perfect to dish up alongside some burgers and corn on the cob at your next family BBQ.
Everyone raves about how delicious and creamy this egg salad is. Trust me- you’ll want to serve this!
How To Hard Boil Eggs For Egg Salad
To make this recipe, you need to hard boil 8 eggs. That may seem like a lot, but if you follow these instructions, you should have perfect hard-boiled eggs! Here is the general idea:
- Add 2-3 inches of cold water to a pot.
- Carefully place the eggs into the pot.
- Make sure the eggs are completely covered by the water and add more if necessary.
- Place the pot on the stovetop and over high heat.
- Let the water come to boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the eggs for about 10 minutes, depending on their size.
- Drain all of the water and pour some cold water over the hard-boiled eggs.
If you own an Instant Pot, take a look at this post on how to make hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot – you’ll love it!
How To Make Egg Salad With Bacon
This recipe is incredibly simple to put together!
Place 4 bacon strips in a pan and cook until crispy (or bake bacon in the oven or cook bacon in the Instant Pot).
While the bacon is cooking, take this time to peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop up all of the onion.
After the bacon is done cooking and has cooled down, chop them up into bite-sized pieces.
Place all of these ingredients into a salad bowl with a couple of scoops of mayo and combine.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add-Ons:
If you want to jazz up this egg salad recipe, you should consider adding in some tuna and avocado to your egg salad. Not only would it taste yummy, but it helps you add some extra protein and healthy fats to your menu plan!
You can also add in some:
- Celery
- Green onions
- Olives
How to Serve Egg Salad With Bacon
I best like to serve this egg salad as a side dish with some air-fried chicken legs and some roasted potatoes with skins.
If you want to do something a little more old school, you can make serve a scoop of this egg salad in between two slices of bread with some lettuce and tomatoes for a classic egg salad sandwich.
YUM!
Make-Ahead This Egg Salad Recipe
I would totally recommend making this egg salad recipe ahead of time if possible. It really allows all of the ingredients to come together and the taste is even better.
To do this, simply follow the instructions above. After you have prepped the salad, place everything in a container with a lid, and stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Click here to read my review about my favorite containers for meal prep and leftovers.
Tips For Success
- Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs: To ensure your eggs peel easily, place them in cold water after boiling. This helps loosen the shell and makes peeling a breeze. For consistent results, try making your hard-boiled eggs in an Instant Pot.
- Cook Bacon to Your Liking: The crispier the bacon, the better it will complement the creamy texture of the egg salad. Use your preferred method to cook the bacon, whether it’s frying, baking, or air frying.
- Chop Ingredients Uniformly: For the best texture and even distribution of flavors, chop the eggs, bacon, and onion into uniform pieces.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper a little at a time and taste as you go. The flavors of the bacon and mayo are already rich, so you may not need much additional seasoning.
- Chill Before Serving: If time allows, refrigerate the egg salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish.
- Add Variations: Don’t hesitate to customize! Throw in some celery for crunch, green onions for added flavor, or even avocado for a creamy twist.
- Use High-Quality Mayo: The mayo you choose will impact the flavor, so pick one you love or consider making homemade mayo for an extra touch of richness.
- Keep It Fresh: Store the egg salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but consume it within three days for the best taste and safety.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped celery, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots. These vegetables add a crunchy contrast to the creamy salad.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Mix in some fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a burst of herby freshness. These additions can elevate the flavor and make the dish more aromatic.
- Try Different Proteins: Swap out bacon for turkey bacon or crumbled sausage for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, replace the bacon with smoked paprika or sun-dried tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier version of the salad. You can also use half mayo and half yogurt for a balanced approach.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy ingredients.
- Avocado Upgrade: Mash in some avocado for a creamier texture and a boost of healthy fats. This variation pairs beautifully with the bacon.
- Low-Carb/Keto Option: Serve the salad in lettuce wraps or use it as a topping for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
- Experiment with Bread Options: For sandwiches, use croissants, sourdough bread, or wraps for a different texture and flavor. Gluten-free bread is an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Flavor Boosters: Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard, pickle relish, or capers for added tang and depth.
- Egg-Free Alternative: For those avoiding eggs, try using cubed tofu as a substitute. Combine with vegan mayo and bacon bits for a similar flavor profile.
Storage And Reheating
- Storage: Store your egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness and food safety.
- Reheating: Egg salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you’ve added bacon and prefer it warm, you can briefly microwave the bacon separately and mix it back in before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re preparing the egg salad ahead of time for a gathering or meal prep, consider storing the chopped ingredients separately and combining them with the mayo just before serving. This helps retain the crispness of the bacon and onions.
- Freezing: Freezing egg salad is not recommended as the mayonnaise may separate, and the texture of the eggs can become rubbery when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought hard-boiled eggs for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought hard-boiled eggs can save time and work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure they are fresh and peeled properly to maintain the quality of the salad.
What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
Regular pork bacon is a classic choice because of its rich flavor and crispy texture. However, turkey bacon or even plant-based bacon alternatives can be used if you prefer a different option.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. Adding more vegetables like celery or cucumbers can also increase the nutrient content while reducing the calorie density.
Is it safe to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, egg salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors improve after sitting for a few hours.
Can I omit the onion?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out or replace them with green onions, chives, or even finely chopped pickles for added flavor.
What’s the best way to serve egg salad with bacon?
Egg salad with bacon is versatile and can be served as a side dish, sandwich filling, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. It also pairs wonderfully with crackers or crusty bread for a quick snack or appetizer.
Why shouldn’t I freeze egg salad?
Egg salad contains mayonnaise, which doesn’t freeze well. Freezing can cause the mayo to separate and change the texture of the salad, resulting in an undesirable consistency.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can be a great addition if you’d like to add a cheesy flavor to your salad.
What should I do if my egg salad turns out too salty?
If the salad is too salty, you can add more chopped eggs or a bit of extra mayonnaise to dilute the saltiness. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can also help balance the flavor.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with cubed tofu or chickpeas, use vegan mayonnaise, and swap bacon for a plant-based alternative.
Other Quick and Easy Salad Recipes
If you loved this recipe for egg salad with bacon, check out some of my other salad recipes!
Here are a couple of other salads you can make:
- Best Ever Potato Salad
- Easy Macaroni Salad
- Carrot Apple Raisin Salad
- Keto Salmon Salad
- Avocado Chicken Salad
Egg Salad With Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 hardboiled eggs chopped
- 8 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 onion chopped
- 1/2 cup mayo
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Pot
Instructions
- Combined all ingredients in a salad bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
See also:
I followed your tips and ended up with perfect hard-boiled eggs for the egg salad. It’s great to have such a reliable method for a recipe that calls for 8 eggs.