Creamy Avocado Egg Salad

Creamy Avocado Egg Salad: Your Ultimate Mayo-Free Recipe for Healthy & Quick Meals

Discover the delightful taste and incredible creaminess of this **Avocado Egg Salad**, a fresh and wholesome twist on a classic. Forget the heavy mayonnaise; here, ripe avocado steps in to deliver that rich, velvety texture we all crave, while simultaneously boosting the dish with healthy fats. Whether you serve it proudly atop perfectly toasted brioche bread, pile it generously onto crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter meal, or enjoy it in myriad other ways, this salad is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Avocado Egg Salad served on toasted brioche bread, garnished with fresh dill and parsley.

As seasons change and we settle back into our routines, especially after the lazy days of summer, finding quick, family-friendly meals becomes a priority. This **Avocado Egg Salad** is a fantastic solution, offering a nutritious and satisfying option that requires minimal effort.

This vibrant salad is not only low-carb and incredibly filling, but its beautiful presentation also makes it an ideal dish for entertaining guests, particularly at a relaxed brunch. It reimagines the classic egg salad by substituting traditional mayonnaise with the natural richness of avocado, making it a healthier choice packed with beneficial monounsaturated fats.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its speed and versatility. It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. Imagine the convenience: whip up a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious options ready for grab-and-go lunches, light dinners, or even a wholesome snack throughout the week. One day it’s a gourmet sandwich, the next it’s a refreshing side salad – the possibilities are endless.

The fresh herbs, such as bright dill and aromatic parsley, are key players, elevating the flavor profile and adding an incredible layer of freshness. Coupled with crunchy veggies and a subtle hint of sweet paprika for a touch of warmth, this **mayo-free egg salad** delivers a truly memorable taste experience. If you’re serious about meal-prepping for a busy week, this easy-to-make **Avocado Egg Salad recipe** should undoubtedly be at the top of your list.

For those who love exploring different egg salad variations, we highly recommend rotating this recipe with other favorites like **Southwest Deviled Eggs, Macaroni Egg Salad, Bacon Egg Salad**, or this delightful **Sweet Southern-Style Egg Salad.**

Why Choose Avocado Egg Salad?

Beyond its delicious taste, this avocado-based egg salad offers several compelling reasons to make it a regular part of your diet:

  • Healthier Fats: Avocados are renowned for their monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and help reduce bad cholesterol levels. This is a significant improvement over the saturated fats often found in traditional mayonnaise.
  • Rich in Nutrients: Avocados provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Folate, and Potassium. Eggs are also a powerhouse of protein, choline, and Vitamin D.
  • Naturally Creamy Texture: The smooth, buttery texture of ripe avocado perfectly mimics the creaminess of mayonnaise, but with a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile. You won’t miss the mayo, we promise!
  • Quick & Easy Prep: In less than 20 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal ready. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or for quick lunches when time is short.
  • Diet-Friendly: Naturally low in carbs and gluten-free (when served without bread), this salad fits various dietary preferences and is an excellent choice for those looking for lighter, more nutritious meal options.
  • Versatility: Enjoy it as a sandwich filling, a dip with crackers or veggies, a topping for salads, or even as a standalone protein-packed snack. Its adaptability means you’ll never get bored.

Fresh ingredients for Avocado Egg Salad laid out, including hard-boiled eggs, ripe avocado, dill, parsley, and onions.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Eggs: The foundation of any great egg salad! For perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, I prefer using good quality, cage-free or free-range eggs. The secret to a successful egg salad lies in not overcooking them, ensuring a tender, creamy yolk without any gray-green ring.
  • Avocado: A crucial ingredient that replaces mayonnaise, a perfectly ripe, creamy avocado is essential. It provides a luscious, healthy fat-filled base that binds the salad beautifully and imparts a delightful, fresh flavor. Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
  • Pickles: Finely chopped dill pickles are a game-changer, adding a wonderful tang and a delightful crunch that cuts through the richness of the avocado. Don’t skip these for that essential flavor contrast!
  • Vegetables: A medley of crisp green onions, pungent red onion, and crunchy celery brings layers of flavor and texture to the salad. These ingredients offer a fresh bite and a subtle aromatic quality that balances the richness of the eggs and avocado.
  • Herbs: Freshly chopped dill and parsley are indispensable for their vibrant aroma and flavor. They truly brighten the salad, making it taste incredibly fresh and taking it to an entirely new level. Use generously for best results.
  • Seasoning: A simple combination of salt and freshly ground black pepper forms the base, while a touch of sweet paprika adds a gentle warmth and a subtle pop of color and flavor, giving this avocado egg salad its unique twist.
  • Toast: While I love the slightly sweet and buttery flavor of toasted brioche bread for serving, this versatile egg salad is fantastic with any type of bread. Consider whole wheat for extra fiber, sourdough for tang, or even gluten-free options. For a lighter, low-carb meal, it’s also superb in crisp lettuce wraps.

Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.

Platter of delicious Avocado Egg Salad toasts, garnished with fresh herbs.

How to Make Avocado Egg Salad

Creating this delicious **Avocado Egg Salad** is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

Step 1: Boil the Eggs: Achieving perfectly hard-boiled eggs is the first key. In a large saucepan, bring 1/2 to 1 inch of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully place a steamer insert into the pan over the boiling water, then gently lay the eggs onto the steamer using a large spoon or tongs. If you don’t have a steamer, simply place the eggs directly into the boiling water (ensure they are mostly submerged). Cover the saucepan with a lid and continue cooking for precisely 12 minutes for large eggs, or 13 minutes for extra-large eggs. This timing helps prevent the dreaded greenish ring around the yolk.

Step 2: Drain and Cool the Eggs: Once the eggs are cooked, immediately drain them. If you plan to serve the salad warm, they can be used shortly after draining. However, if you prefer a cold egg salad (which is typically the case), transfer them to a bowl of ice water or run them under cold tap water until they are completely cooled. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and makes the eggs much easier to peel.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base: While your eggs are boiling and cooling, you can get a head start on the rest of the salad. In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed avocado, finely chopped dill pickles, green onions, celery, red onion, fresh dill, parsley, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix all these ingredients together until well combined. The mashed avocado will start to form a creamy base, coating the vegetables and herbs.

Mashed avocado, chopped pickles, and fresh vegetables in a mixing bowl, ready for egg salad.

Step 4: Peel and Chop the Eggs: Once the hard-boiled eggs are cool enough to handle, carefully peel them. If you’ve cooled them properly, the shells should come off easily. Cut each egg in half, then proceed to chop them into your desired size. Some prefer a finer chop for a smoother texture, while others enjoy larger pieces for more bite. Add the chopped eggs to the bowl with the avocado and vegetable mixture.

Step 5: Finish the Egg Salad: Gently fold the chopped eggs into the salad base. Mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix, which can crush the eggs too much or make the avocado paste-like. A gentle touch ensures a lovely texture where all ingredients are evenly distributed and flavors meld together harmoniously.

Freshly mixed Avocado Egg Salad in a glass bowl, showcasing its creamy texture and vibrant colors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish: Prepare your favorite bread by toasting it to a golden crisp. Spoon a generous amount of the **Avocado Egg Salad** onto each slice of toast. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredibly fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal!

A single serving of Avocado Egg Salad on toasted bread, presented on a clean white plate.

Ways to Modify and Enjoy This Egg Salad

One of the best things about this **Avocado Egg Salad** is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or what you have on hand. It’s a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity! Here are a multitude of ways you can modify and enjoy this versatile dish:

Customizing Your Flavors and Textures:

  • Add More Veggies: Elevate the nutritional content and crunch. Try diced cucumber for freshness, shredded carrots for sweetness and color, finely chopped bell peppers (any color for visual appeal), or fresh diced tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes, halved, also work wonderfully.
  • Boost with Herbs: While dill and parsley are key, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, zesty note, oregano can give it a Mediterranean twist, chives offer a mild oniony flavor, and a touch of basil can be surprisingly delicious.
  • Introduce Salty & Tangy Elements: For an extra layer of savory depth, chop some kalamata or green olives and mix them in. Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained, and chopped) add a concentrated sweet-tart flavor. Capers are another excellent choice for a briny, salty punch.
  • Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or a small amount of finely minced jalapeño can add a welcome kick. A pinch of curry powder can also transform the flavor profile entirely.
  • Enhance Creaminess (Alternative to Avocado): While avocado is the star, if you want to experiment or run out, a tablespoon or two of good quality mayonnaise or thick Greek yogurt can be used. Greek yogurt will add a tangy note and extra protein, making it even lighter.
  • Tangy Notes: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice will not only add a bright citrusy flavor but also help prevent the avocado from browning, keeping your salad looking fresh longer. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can also add a sharp, sophisticated edge.

Creative Serving Suggestions:

  • Classic Sandwiches & Wraps: Beyond brioche, try it on whole wheat, rye, sourdough, or even in a warm pita bread. For a low-carb option, scoop it into large lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) for delicious, crunchy wraps.
  • Elegant Brunch Item: Serve small dollops on cucumber slices, endive spears, or mini toasts for a chic appetizer. Pair with fresh fruit and a mimosa for an unforgettable brunch spread.
  • Protein-Packed Salad: Use it as a protein topping for a bed of mixed greens, adding extra vegetables, a light vinaigrette, and perhaps some grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal.
  • Dip or Spread: Enjoy it with your favorite crackers, tortilla chips, or crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a satisfying snack or party dip.
  • Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes: For an extra dose of healthy fats and a beautiful presentation, scoop the egg salad back into empty avocado halves or hollowed-out tomatoes.
Close-up of creamy Avocado Egg Salad, highlighting the chopped eggs and fresh herbs.

Recipe Tips for the Perfect Avocado Egg Salad

  • Don’t Overcook the Eggs: This is paramount for a creamy, delightful egg salad. Overcooked eggs can become rubbery and develop an unappetizing greenish-gray ring around the yolk. Aim for that perfect sweet spot – firm but still tender yolks – by sticking to the recommended cooking times and promptly cooling them.
  • Choose Ripe Avocados: The quality of your avocado directly impacts the creaminess and flavor of the salad. A ripe avocado should yield slightly when gently pressed. If it’s too hard, it won’t mash smoothly; if it’s too soft, it might be stringy or past its prime.
  • Experiment with the Bread: While toasted brioche offers a lovely richness, feel free to use your favorite bread. This versatile **Avocado Egg Salad** pairs wonderfully with a wide array of options: crusty French baguettes, classic white or wholemeal sliced bread, hearty seeded rolls, soft wheat tortillas for wraps, or even a chewy bagel. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or serve it in lettuce cups.
  • Customizing Egg & Avocado Texture: Decide how chunky or smooth you want your salad. For a smoother consistency, mash the avocado more thoroughly and chop the eggs finely. If you prefer more texture, leave some avocado chunks and chop the eggs into larger pieces.
  • Make it a Meal-Sized Salad: Don’t feel limited to sandwiches. This delicious **Avocado Egg Salad** can easily be served as the main component of a vibrant salad. Pile it high onto a bed of crisp, crunchy lettuce leaves, add some extra fresh vegetables, and perhaps a light dressing. It also makes an excellent side dish to complement grilled chicken, ham, or fish.
  • Feed a Crowd with Ease: Planning a party or a large family gathering? This recipe is incredibly easy to scale. Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed to cater to larger numbers without compromising on taste or quality.
  • A Touch of Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can brighten the flavors and, more importantly, help prevent the mashed avocado from oxidizing and turning brown, keeping your salad looking fresh for longer.
Appetizing Avocado Egg Salad generously spread on toasted bread, ready to be enjoyed.

Storing Tips

Once prepared, store any leftover **Avocado Egg Salad** in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. To best preserve its vibrant green color and prevent the avocado from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice over the top before storing can also help slow down oxidation. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply retrieve it from the fridge and assemble your sandwich or serve as desired – no additional prep needed!

Recipe FAQ

How do I keep my avocado from turning brown in the egg salad?

The best way to prevent avocado from browning is to introduce an acidic element. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice mixed into the salad works wonders as it helps to slow down oxidation. Additionally, storing the salad in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the salad, eliminating any air, will significantly extend its fresh appearance. Some even find that storing it with the avocado pit in the salad helps, though the airtight seal is generally more effective.

What can I use instead of avocado for creaminess if I don’t have any?

While avocado is central to this specific recipe, if you’re looking for a creamy texture and don’t have avocado, you have a couple of excellent options. You can add a spoonful or two of traditional mayonnaise for that classic egg salad feel. Alternatively, for a healthier and tangier alternative, use thick Greek yogurt. Both will provide the desired creamy consistency, though the flavor profile will, of course, be different from the avocado version.

Can I meal prep this Avocado Egg Salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to use the lemon/lime juice and plastic wrap tips mentioned above to keep it fresh and green. It’s perfect for quick lunches or snacks throughout your busy week.

How do I make peeling hard-boiled eggs easier?

The key to easy peeling lies in the cooling process. As soon as your eggs are done boiling, transfer them immediately to an ice bath or run them under cold water for at least 5-10 minutes. This rapid temperature change causes the egg white to contract, separating it from the shell membrane, making peeling much simpler. Starting with slightly older eggs (not super fresh) can also help, as very fresh eggs tend to stick to their shells.

More Delicious Egg Recipes to Try

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Southwestern Taco Egg Muffins

Vegetarian

Breakfast Egg Muffins

Breakfast

Vegetarian Breakfast Egg Burritos

Breakfast

Southwestern Turkey Sausage Egg Cups

More Egg Recipes

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Avocado Egg Salad on Toast

By Julia Jolliff
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Avocado Egg Salad 1200 x 1200
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Serve this delicious Avocado Egg Salad on toasted brioche bread, or pile it high onto a bed of lettuce.

Ingredients 

  • 4 hard boiled eggs, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed
  • 3 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black peppers
  • Brioche bread, toasted {for serving}

Instructions 

  • To make the hard boiled eggs: Heat 1/2- to 1-inch of water in a large saucepan to boiling over high heat. Carefully place steamer insert into pan over boiling water or proceed to Step 2, if not using a steamer insert.
  • Carefully add eggs using a large spoon or tongs. Cover and continue cooking 12 minutes for large eggs (13 minutes for extra large eggs).
  • Drain immediately and serve warm. Or, cool completely under cold running water or in bowl of ice water.
  • While the eggs boil prepare the egg salad by adding the avocado, pickles, green onions, celery, red onion, fresh dill, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper and gently mix.
  • Peel the hard boiled eggs, cut them in half and then chop the hard boiled eggs.
  • Place in the mixing bowl with the other salad ingredients.
  • Gently mix the egg into the salad.
  • Toast the brioche bread and then top with the egg salad. Garnish with fresh dill and parsley and serve.

Notes

  • You can easily double this recipe for a crowd.
  • There are a lot of other add-in options like tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, capers, microgreens, bacon, seeds like sunflower seeds, Greek yogurt, or other spices and herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 187mg, Sodium: 449mg, Potassium: 375mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 664IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 49mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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