Elevate Your Lunch: The Ultimate Smoked Paprika and Chive Egg Salad Recipe
Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to a culinary revelation! This isn’t just any ordinary egg salad; it’s a gourmet upgrade designed to awaken your taste buds. Our Egg Salad with Smoked Paprika and Chives takes a beloved classic and infuses it with layers of irresistible flavor you never knew you needed—until now! The rich, woody notes of smoked paprika deliver a delightful depth, while fresh chives add a mild, zesty onion essence, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting. Serve it atop peppery arugula and a slice of your favorite artisan bread for the ultimate egg salad sandwich experience.

Alright, I can already hear the traditional egg salad enthusiasts bracing themselves, perhaps even ready to protest this delicious departure from the norm. But I promise you, this isn’t a betrayal of the classic; it’s an evolution. With just a few simple, yet impactful, additions, this egg salad transforms into something so uniquely flavorful, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it—seriously, give it a go!
The secret to that captivating smoky flavor? It’s all thanks to smoked paprika, a culinary gem often confused with its milder, unsmoked counterpart. Unlike regular paprika, which primarily adds color, smoked paprika (also known as Pimentón de la Vera) is made from peppers that have been slow-smoked and then ground, imparting a distinct, deep, and earthy smokiness that transforms dishes. It’s a game-changer here, adding a layer of complexity that elevates the humble egg salad to new heights. Complementing this, fresh chives lend a delicate, mild onion flavor and a vibrant green hue, providing a fresh contrast that balances the richness of the eggs and mayonnaise, much like they do in these savory scones.
And while we’re on the subject of reimagining classics, you absolutely must venture beyond this egg salad and try my distinctive take on chicken salad, featuring unexpected roasted grapes! Yes, I believe in making good things even better, and this recipe is no exception. Get ready to experience egg salad like never before—bold, balanced, and utterly delicious.
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Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Egg Salad
Crafting the perfect egg salad begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to create a symphony of flavors. After you’ve whipped up this fantastic smoked paprika and chive egg salad, the next step is to assemble an incredible sandwich. Picture it: peppery arugula layered between slices of thick, crusty bread, all embracing this creamy, smoky creation. Or, enjoy it simply by the spoonful—I won’t judge!

- Eggs: The star of our show! Large eggs are ideal for a good yield. The freshness of your eggs can impact how easily they peel, but the cooking method (detailed below) is even more critical for perfect hard-boiled eggs every time.
- Smoked Paprika: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving that signature smoky depth. Be sure to look for “smoked paprika” and not “sweet paprika” or “hot paprika” unless specifically desired. Smoked paprika comes in varying heat levels, from sweet to hot, so choose according to your preference. It’s widely available in most grocery stores and online.
- Chives: These delicate herbs provide a mild, fresh onion flavor without the sharpness of stronger onions. Fresh chives are always best for their vibrant flavor and beautiful color, but dried chives can be used in a pinch (see substitutions for tips).
- Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that brings everything together. Use your favorite brand, whether it’s classic, light, or a homemade version. The quality of your mayo will definitely shine through.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are highly recommended to enhance all the other flavors. Season to taste, adjusting until it’s just right for you.
- Hearty Bread and Lettuce for Serving: While optional for the egg salad itself, these are crucial for creating the ultimate sandwich. Sturdy bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or a rustic baguette stands up well to the creamy filling. Peppery arugula is a fantastic choice for lettuce, adding a delightful bite, but any crisp green will do.
Refer to the recipe card below for precise quantities and detailed nutritional information.
Crafting Your Smoked Paprika and Chive Egg Salad: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps and use the accompanying visuals to guide you in preparing your incredibly flavorful egg salad with smoked paprika and chives. Perfect hard-boiled eggs are the foundation, so let’s start there.
Step 1: Perfectly Boiling Your Eggs. Begin by carefully placing your eggs in a medium-sized pot. Ensure the pot is large enough to comfortably submerge all the eggs. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by at least one inch. Place the pot on high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once the water reaches a full boil, immediately remove the pot from the heat, cover it tightly with a lid, and let the eggs sit undisturbed for 9-11 minutes. This “steaming” method helps prevent overcooking and makes peeling easier. As soon as the time is up, use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs directly into an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water). This crucial step rapidly stops the cooking process, preventing the dreaded green ring around the yolk and ensuring a creamy texture.

Once cooled, peel the hard-boiled eggs and place them into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Discard the shells.

Using a fork, coarsely chop the eggs. Aim for a texture where the whites and yolks are well mixed but still retain some bite. You can mash them more finely if you prefer a smoother egg salad.

Now, add your creamy mayonnaise, a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika, the fresh chopped chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl with the chopped eggs.

Using a spatula or the back of your fork, gently stir the ingredients together. Mix just until everything is combined and reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the eggs gummy. Taste the egg salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a dash more paprika as needed. Enjoy immediately or chill for later!
For an elevated egg salad sandwich, choose a sturdy bread like whole wheat, rye, or sourdough, as it holds up best to the creamy filling. Toasting your bread can add an extra layer of texture and warmth. Spoon a generous amount of the egg salad onto one slice, then top with a handful of peppery arugula or your favorite crisp lettuce. For an extra special touch, consider adding thin slices of fresh tomato, crispy bacon, avocado, or even a sprinkle of red onion for added crunch and flavor. This transforms a simple lunch into a truly satisfying meal!
Creative Substitutions for Your Egg Salad
While this recipe is perfect as written, sometimes you need to adapt based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are some great substitutions and additions to make this egg salad your own:
- For Smoked Paprika: If you find yourself without smoked paprika, you can try chili powder for a different, yet still warm, flavor profile. For a spicier, more intense smoky kick, a tiny bit of chipotle in adobo sauce (just a quarter teaspoon of the pureed pepper, to start) can be fantastic. Remember, these options add a bit of spice, so adjust to your liking. A very small dash of liquid smoke could also be used with extreme caution.
- For Chives: Fresh chives offer the most delicate flavor, but if they’re unavailable, dried chives are a viable alternative. Before using dried chives, give them a sniff to ensure they still have a potent aroma, as their flavor fades over time. The best fresh substitute for chives is finely minced scallions (green onions), using both the white and green parts for a slightly stronger, yet still complementary, oniony taste. A very small amount of finely minced red onion can also work if you prefer a sharper onion flavor.
- For Mayonnaise: If mayo isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for a lighter option, a thick and creamy Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture) can be an excellent swap. It adds a pleasant tanginess. You can also use a mixture of both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to get the best of both worlds—creaminess from mayo and a fresh tang from yogurt. Sour cream is another creamy alternative.
- Additional Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for an extra layer of tang and depth, or a pinch of fresh dill for a bright, herbaceous note. Finely diced celery or pickles can also be added for crunch and a slightly briny flavor.
Minimal Equipment, Maximum Flavor
One of the beauties of this egg salad recipe is how little equipment you need. You likely already have everything required in your kitchen:
- Medium Pot: Essential for boiling your eggs. Choose one large enough to comfortably submerge all the eggs with about an inch of water above them.
- Medium Bowl: For mixing all your ingredients together.
- Fork: Your primary tool for mashing the eggs to your desired consistency. A potato masher can also be used if you prefer a very smooth texture, but a fork offers more control for coarse chopping.
- Slotted Spoon: Useful for transferring hot eggs to the ice bath.
- Ice Bath (Bowl & Ice): Crucial for stopping the cooking process and ensuring easy-to-peel, perfectly set eggs.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For finely chopping your fresh chives.
- Spatula: For gently stirring and combining the ingredients without overmixing.
That’s it! Simple tools for a simply delicious meal.
Storing Your Smoked Paprika and Chive Egg Salad
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious egg salad for days to come. Prepared egg salad should be stored in an airtight container and placed immediately in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches.
I highly recommend assembling your egg salad sandwiches only when you are ready to eat them. If you need to prep sandwiches the night before, a great trick to prevent your bread from getting soggy is to create a barrier with a layer of crisp lettuce (like arugula or romaine) between the bread and the egg salad. This helps protect the bread from moisture. Avoid adding tomatoes or other high-moisture ingredients to pre-made sandwiches, as they can also contribute to sogginess.

💡Top Tip for Perfect Eggs
Do not skip the ice bath for your boiled eggs! This critical step immediately halts the cooking process, preventing the yolks from becoming dry and chalky, and ensures that unsightly green ring around the yolk doesn’t form. It also makes the eggs significantly easier to peel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Salad
Egg salad can become runny for a few reasons. Firstly, if the eggs were slightly undercooked, they can release more moisture. Secondly, prolonged sitting in the refrigerator can cause some water to separate from the mayonnaise, especially if it’s a lighter variety or if the eggs themselves release more moisture. While egg salad is best enjoyed fresh, it typically holds up well for a few days. To minimize runniness, ensure eggs are perfectly cooked and cooled, and don’t add too much mayonnaise initially; you can always add more later.
This is entirely a matter of personal preference! Some people love a finely blended, creamy egg salad, where the yolks and whites are almost uniformly mixed. Others, like me, prefer a coarser texture with distinct chunks of egg white and yolk, which adds more substance and interest to each bite. A simple fork is all you need to achieve either consistency. Just mash until it looks and feels right to you!
Peeled hard-boiled eggs stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator can last for up to 7 days. This makes them excellent for prepping ahead, especially if you plan to make egg salad in batches. Unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can also last up to 7 days refrigerated.
Absolutely! Using store-bought hard-boiled eggs is a fantastic shortcut if you’re short on time. Just ensure they are fresh and of good quality. This will save you the boiling and peeling steps, making this delicious egg salad even quicker to prepare.
Delicious Pairings for Your Egg Salad
This Smoked Paprika and Chive Egg Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, particularly fresh, vibrant salads that complement its rich flavors. Here are some perfect accompaniments to complete your meal:
- Golden Beet Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette
- Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad
- Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese
- Shaved Asparagus Salad with Prosciutto
Did you make this incredibly flavorful recipe? I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment right below the recipe card. If you capture a beautiful photo of your culinary creation, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter. Your feedback truly makes my day!
📖 Recipe

Egg Salad with Smoked Paprika and Chives
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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medium pot
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medium mixing bowl
-
fork (or potato masher)
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slotted spoon
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ice bath (bowl + ice)
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cutting board & knife
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spatula
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- ⅛ teaspoon Kosher or sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 4 slices of hearty bread and peppery arugula (optional for sandwich)
Instructions
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Carefully place the eggs in a medium pot. Add enough cold water so that the eggs are fully submerged and the water comes about 1 inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a full, rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately remove the pot from the heat, cover it tightly with a lid, and let the eggs sit undisturbed in the hot water for 9-11 minutes (9 minutes for slightly softer yolks, 11 for firmly set yolks). As soon as the time is up, use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with ice and water (an ice bath) to stop the cooking process. Let them cool completely, about 5-10 minutes.4 large eggs
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Once cooled, peel the eggs and place them into a medium mixing bowl. Using a fork, coarsely chop the eggs until the whites and yolks are well mixed but still retain some texture. Add the mayonnaise, smoked paprika, fresh chives, Kosher or sea salt, and fresh ground pepper. Using a spatula or the back of your fork, gently stir all the ingredients together until they are fully blended to your desired consistency. Taste the egg salad and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or paprika.¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, ⅛ teaspoon Kosher or sea salt, ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
For an Ultimate Egg Salad Sandwich
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If making a sandwich, take 2 slices of your chosen hearty bread (toasting is optional but recommended for extra texture). Spread half of the prepared egg salad evenly onto one slice. Top with a generous handful of fresh arugula or other crisp lettuce, then cover with the remaining slice of bread. Serve your ultimate egg salad sandwich immediately for the best experience.4 slices of hearty bread and peppery arugula
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.