Harissa Egg Salad

A Bold, Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you think egg salad is boring—oh friend, let me introduce you to this Harissa Egg Salad. It’s everything you love about the creamy, comforting classic but with a fiery little upgrade. Harissa adds smoky depth, a gentle (or bold!) kick of heat, and a whole lot of flavor that makes this egg salad feel like a grown-up, flavor-packed delight.

Perfect tucked into sandwiches, spooned over toast, or piled onto crackers, this isn’t your grandma’s egg salad—but trust me, she’d probably love it too. It’s creamy, spicy, satisfying, and totally customizable to suit your heat-loving heart.

Why You’ll Love Harissa Egg Salad

Versatile: Great for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or eaten straight from the bowl.
Budget-Friendly: Eggs + pantry staples = a filling, affordable dish.
Quick and Easy: Whips together in under 20 minutes.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add mix-ins to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Spicy, creamy, and full of personality—what’s not to love?

Ingredients in Harissa Egg Salad

Simple ingredients come together to create something wildly flavorful:

The Base

Hard-Boiled Eggs: The creamy, protein-packed heart of this dish.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: For that classic, creamy texture.
Harissa Paste: Smoky, spicy, and totally transformative.

Flavor Enhancers

Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and depth.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning for balance.
Green Onions or Chives: Fresh, herby contrast to the richness.
Optional Add-Ins: Diced celery for crunch, crumbled feta for extra tang, or chopped herbs for a fresh twist.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

No oven needed here—just make sure your eggs are hard-boiled and cooled. (Boil for 9–11 minutes, then cool in an ice bath.)

Combine Ingredients

Peel and roughly chop your hard-boiled eggs. Place them in a bowl with mayonnaise, harissa, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

No cooking vessel needed—just a mixing bowl and spoon!

Assemble the Dish

Stir until combined, gently mashing the eggs to your desired texture. Fold in green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook to Perfection

No additional cooking—just let the flavors meld for a few minutes if you have the time.

Finishing Touches

Top with a sprinkle of paprika, fresh herbs, or an extra dollop of harissa for drama.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop it onto toast, wrap it in lettuce, sandwich it between crusty bread—or just grab a spoon and dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 3–4
Calories per serving: Approx. 200–250 (depending on mayo/yogurt used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling eggs)
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Harissa Egg Salad

This flavorful egg salad can be served in so many fun and delicious ways:

• On Toast or Bagels: Open-faced or piled high—yes, please.
• In a Wrap: With crunchy veggies and greens for a spicy lunch on the go.
• With Crackers or Pita Chips: Makes an awesome dip-style snack.
• Lettuce Cups: A light, low-carb way to enjoy the heat.
• In a Sandwich: Add arugula or pickled onions for a real flavor party.

Additional Tips

Adjust Spice Level: Start with less harissa and add to taste if you’re spice-sensitive.
Use Good Eggs: Fresh, high-quality eggs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Chill Time: Let it sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Mix Textures: Add finely chopped celery or pickles for crunch.
Make It Lighter: Sub half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is harissa?
A1: Harissa is a North African chili paste made with roasted peppers, spices, and garlic—it’s smoky, spicy, and incredibly flavorful.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It actually gets better after a little chill time. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q3: Is it very spicy?
A3: It can be! Use less harissa for a milder version, or go big if you love heat.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
A4: Absolutely—just use a dairy-free mayo alternative.

Q5: How do I make it more filling?
A5: Add chickpeas, avocado, or serve with whole grain bread for a more satisfying meal.

Q6: What kind of harissa should I use?
A6: Either paste or sauce works. Paste is more concentrated, so start with less and adjust to taste.

Q7: Can I freeze egg salad?
A7: Not recommended—eggs and mayo don’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.

Q8: Can I use spicy mustard instead of Dijon?
A8: Sure! Just know it may add more heat and tang.

Q9: How do I make it vegan?
A9: Use crumbled tofu instead of eggs, and vegan mayo—it still tastes amazing!

Q10: What’s the best bread to pair it with?
A10: Sourdough, rye, or a crusty baguette all hold up well to the creamy filling.

Conclusion

Harissa Egg Salad is here to spice up your lunch routine in the best way possible. It’s bold, creamy, and full of personality—kind of like your favorite foodie friend. Whether you’re layering it into a sandwich or scooping it straight from the bowl, this zesty twist on a classic is sure to keep things interesting. Go ahead, grab a spoon—you deserve a little spice in your life!

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