For those embracing the paleo lifestyle, finding quick, healthy, and delicious recipes can sometimes feel like a challenge. This paleo egg salad recipe is a game-changer. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with healthy fats and protein. If you tolerate eggs, this recipe is a must-try.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This isn't your average egg salad. It distinguishes itself by avoiding traditional mayonnaise, which often contains unhealthy additives. Instead, it uses paleo-friendly mayo and other wholesome ingredients. This ensures that you're not only enjoying a tasty meal but also nourishing your body with real, unprocessed foods.
The recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare, especially if you have pre-boiled eggs ready. This makes it perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or light dinner.
The Importance of Quality Eggs
When incorporating eggs into your diet, it is very important to opt for pasture-raised eggs. There is a lot of misleading labeling when it comes to eggs. You could have the best intentions buying organic or free-range eggs, thinking your eggs come from happy chickens roaming around free on beautiful green grassland. But that could be far from the truth. The term pasture-raised is what you want to look for. If you really want to be sure where your products come from, the best thing you can do is buy from your local farmer. You could even make a fun day trip and visit your local farm.
Paleo Egg Salad Recipe
This recipe makes 2-3 servings, depending on how full you make the lettuce wraps.
Read also: Paleo Granola Recipes
Ingredients:
- 5 eggs (hard boiled)
- 2-3 Tbsp paleo mayo
- 1/2-1 green chili peppers (finely diced)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium dill pickle (finely chopped)
- 4-6 leaves iceberg lettuce
- Paleo sweetener to taste (Use just a tiny amount. I used 1/8 tsp coconut nectar. We just want a hint of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggs: If you don't have pre-boiled eggs, start by hard boiling them. In a pot large enough to hold your eggs, cover them with an inch of cold water. Add about a teaspoon of salt and a splash of white vinegar (this helps them peel easier). Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and let simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, remove the lid, and run cold water into the pot for a few minutes to stop the eggs from cooking and to quickly cool them (so they're easier to handle). Alternately, you can pop them in the fridge until you're ready to peel/use them.
- Chop the Ingredients: Peel the eggs and rinse them. Using either an egg slicer or your awesome knife skills, slice and dice the eggs into little pieces. Add to a mixing bowl. Using a chopper or more knife skills, chop up the pickles into a relish. Add to the eggs.
- Combine and Mash: In a mixing bowl, use a fork to coarsely mash up eggs. Add in paleo mayo, chili, lime, garlic, pickle, sweetener, salt and pepper. Mix in the mayo, mustard, salt, and black pepper (if using). Take a fork and mash it all together, making sure to break up any large pieces of egg. Mash ingredients together well, then add a generous amount of sea salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Stack two leaves of lettuce, and fill with 1/3-1/2 of egg mixture. Fold edges of inner leaf in on itself forming an envelope, and then the same with the outer leaf. Repeat with remaining leaves.
- Serve: Serve right away on lettuce or however you like!Refrigerate until ready to eat (up to 1 week) or eat right away.
Tips for the Perfect Paleo Egg Salad
- Egg Preparation: To hard boil my eggs, I put my eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least 1". On the stovetop, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover with a fitted lid and allow the eggs to steam this way for 15 minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Depending on the color of the egg yolk and the avocado that you are using this egg salad might look slightly different. I had all shades from bright yellow to soft green using the same ingredients, but it always tasted the same.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this quick and delicious avocado egg salad right away on lettuce or however you like!
- Optional Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika (not required but always a good flavor booster).
Why This Recipe Works
This paleo egg salad is not only delicious but also aligns perfectly with the principles of the paleo diet. It avoids processed ingredients, relying instead on whole, natural foods. The inclusion of healthy fats from the paleo mayo and eggs makes it a satisfying and energy-boosting meal.
Elevating Your Egg Salad
Egg salad might seem simple, but achieving the perfect balance of flavors requires attention to detail. The fundamental ingredients of egg salad include eggs, mayonnaise, and the right seasonings. To elevate your salad, consider adding finely chopped dill pickles. This ingredient introduces a crunchy texture and tangy flavor, making the salad more sophisticated and interesting. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can transform your salad. This technique, inspired by the traditional garnish on deviled eggs, adds a subtle smokiness and a vibrant pop of color. Following these guidelines will help you create a salad that is both flavorful and satisfying, proving that even the simplest dishes can be crafted with excellence.
The Creaminess Factor
You will love how creamy this egg salad is. I made sure to use enough mayo to generously cover all the eggs without being overwhelming. The mustard gives it a slight tang and the green onion adds some flavor to keep it from being boring.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This would be the perfect lunch or dinner in the summer when you don't want to cook. I almost always have hard boiled eggs in the fridge and I've made this more times than I can count for a quick meal. You will love this classic, creamy, flavorful classic egg salad recipe!
Final Thoughts
This paleo egg salad recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Whether you're a seasoned paleo enthusiast or just looking for a nutritious and tasty option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Read also: Paleo Diet Delivered: What You Need to Know
Read also: Paleo Mayonnaise Recipe