A creamy, protein-packed twist on classic egg salad. White beans add richness, fiber, and a little earthy flavor. It’s perfect as a sandwich or dip!
FEATURED STANDOUTS
Eggs
At the heart of any truly great egg salad are the eggs themselves. When properly hard-boiled and then chopped, they provide a wonderfully creamy and rich base.
White Beans
White beans are surprisingly delightful and often overlooked. They introduce a subtle earthiness that grounds the brighter flavors of the other ingredients. Beyond their unique taste contribution, they significantly enhance the texture, adding a creamy yet firm element that complements the eggs. White beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein. They also provide fiber, boosting the nutritional value of the egg salad. This is achieved without compromising on flavor or appeal. They can be gently mashed or left mostly whole, depending on the desired consistency.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is a non-negotiable flavoring agent in a well-crafted egg salad. Its characteristic sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy kick is essential for cutting through the richness of the eggs. It also adds a layer of complexity. It acts as a powerful emulsifier, helping to bind the ingredients together and creating a cohesive and flavorful dressing. The nuanced heat of Dijon elevates the overall taste profile, preventing the salad from becoming bland or one-dimensional.
Relish
This acidity is crucial for balancing the richness of the eggs and the creaminess of the dressing. Beyond its flavor contributions, relish delivers a delightful crunch, adding textural variation that makes each bite more engaging. Its vibrant burst of flavor acts as a refreshing element, preventing palate fatigue and enhancing the overall enjoyment.
Paprika
While paprika is often admired for the beautiful reddish hue it imparts, its role in egg salad is more than just visual. It extends beyond visual appeal. Depending on the variety used (sweet, smoked, or hot), paprika introduces a mild, smoky depth that subtly rounds out and harmonizes the other flavors.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST EGG AND WHITE BEAN SALAD
Use Chilled Eggs for Clean Peeling
Starting with well-chilled, hard-boiled eggs is the secret to a smooth and effortless peeling process. Eggs cool completely in an ice bath immediately after cooking. This makes them contract slightly. As a result, the shell separates more easily from the albumen. This minimizes tearing and results in perfectly smooth egg whites, essential for a visually appealing and texturally consistent salad.
Texture is Key
Don’t get it confused, your beans need to be as soft as possible. The natural creaminess of white beans is desirable, avoid over-mashing them. The goal is to create a salad with interesting textural contrasts. Leaving some of the white beans partially intact provides a pleasant bite and prevents the salad from becoming uniformly mushy. A coarse mash, where some beans are still whole or only lightly crushed, adds depth and makes each spoonful more satisfying.
Taste and Adjust Salt and Acid at the End
Seasoning is paramount to a balanced and flavorful salad. It’s crucial to taste and adjust the salt and acid levels just before serving. Different brands of mayonnaise, mustard, or other ingredients can vary in their inherent saltiness and acidity. Adding salt incrementally allows you to reach the perfect seasoning without overdoing it. Similarly, a touch of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness, creating a more vibrant and well-rounded profile.
Inclusive Adaptations
Bean-Only Version for Egg Allergy
For individuals with egg allergies or those following an egg-free diet, a bean-only version offers a delightful alternative. Simply increase the quantity of white beans to compensate for the absence of eggs, and proceed with the remaining ingredients and steps. This creates a hearty and flavorful plant-based salad that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. You can also add other plant-based proteins like chickpeas or edamame for more variety.
Use Vegan Mayo to Make Dairy-Free
To make this salad suitable for those avoiding dairy, substitute traditional mayonnaise with a high-quality vegan mayonnaise. Vegan mayo is readily available in most grocery stores and provides the same creamy texture and tangy flavor as its traditional counterpart, ensuring the salad remains rich and satisfying without any dairy ingredients. Many brands also offer soy-free or allergen-friendly vegan mayo options.
Pre-Mash White Beans Extra Smooth for Easier Chewing/Swallowing
For individuals with chewing or swallowing difficulties, the white beans can be pre-mashed to an extra smooth consistency. This ensures the salad is easy to consume while still providing all the nutritional benefits and flavor. You can use a food processor or a potato masher to achieve a very fine, uniform texture, making it a safe and enjoyable option for those with specific dietary needs. Consider adding a little extra liquid, like vegetable broth or water, if needed, to achieve the desired smooth consistency.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED MAKE THIS RECIPE
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Fork or masher
Knife
Cutting board
SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO
CHEESY GRUYERE & SWISS ROASTED ASPARAGUS
ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH
LIMONCELLO ROASTED ROMA TOMATOES
RECIPE
EGG AND WHITE BEAN SALAD
Ingredients
Method
- Place eggs in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Cover and let sit for 12 minutes.
- Once cooled, peel the eggs.
- Lightly mash the white beans to your preferred consistency (smooth or rustic).
- In a bowl, combine the mashed white beans with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add the peeled eggs, paprika, minced celery, and relish to the mixture.
- Re-season to taste and serve.
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