Chicken salad is a dish made from chopped chicken, mayonnaise or another emulsified dressing, and other ingredients such as celery, onion, and spices. Whether or not chicken salad contains eggs depends on the specific recipe used.
The Role of Eggs in Chicken Salad
Many classic chicken salad recipes do include hard-boiled eggs as one of the mix-ins. The eggs add protein and texture to balance out the chicken and help bind the ingredients together. However, eggs are not an essential ingredient for chicken salad. There are many recipes that omit eggs entirely.
Reasons to Include Eggs
- Eggs add extra protein and nutrients like vitamin D, riboflavin, selenium, and choline.
- Chopped eggs give chicken salad a varied texture with creamy and chunky bits.
- Eggs act as a binder to help hold chicken salad together, similar to mayonnaise.
- The color and shape of eggs make chicken salad more visually appealing.
Reasons to Omit Eggs
- To avoid eggs due to dietary restrictions or allergies.
- To reduce calories, cholesterol, or saturated fat.
- For preference of a smoother, creamier texture.
- To simplify the recipe and use fewer ingredients.
Common Ingredients in Chicken Salad
While recipes can vary significantly, some ingredients commonly found in chicken salad include:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Main protein and bulk of the salad |
| Mayonnaise | Bind ingredients and add moisture |
| Celery | Crunch and fiber |
| Onion | Flavor and aroma |
| Salt and pepper | Seasoning |
| Lemon juice | Brightness and acidity |
| Dried fruit | Sweetness and chew |
| Herbs | Fresh flavor |
Optional Add-Ins
Other potential mix-ins include:
- Eggs
- Grapes or currants
- Almonds or other nuts
- Dijon mustard
- Dill or tarragon
- Green onions
- Crumbled bacon
Classic Chicken Salad Recipes
Here are two classic chicken salad recipes, one with eggs and one without:
Classic Chicken Salad with Eggs
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken, mayonnaise, celery, eggs, onion, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve on bread, lettuce or crackers.
Classic Chicken Salad without Eggs
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 tbsp onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onion, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve on bread, lettuce or crackers.
Conclusion
While eggs are included in many classic recipes, they are not an essential ingredient for chicken salad. Some recipes use eggs for protein, texture and binding, while others leave them out. The choice of whether to include eggs often comes down to personal preference, dietary needs, and the desired taste and texture. As long as the basic ingredients of chicken and a binder like mayonnaise are used, the other ingredients can be customized to suit different tastes.