The Best Ever Creamy Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers
There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic egg salad, isn’t there? It takes me right back to lazy Sunday afternoons at my grandma’s kitchen table. She had a way of turning the simplest ingredients into pure magic, and her egg salad was no exception.
But then, a few years ago, I decided to put my own spin on that cherished memory. I added roasted red peppers, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! This isn’t just any egg salad; this is THE Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers that quickly became a tested family favorite and our go-to for easy lunches and delightful potluck dishes.
The smoky sweetness of the peppers perfectly complements the creamy eggs, creating a truly irresistible comfort food. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, yet so packed with flavor, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it this way before.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Oh, let me count the ways! This Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s about to become your new kitchen obsession:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The star here is the incredible balance. You get the classic creamy, savory notes of egg salad, beautifully enhanced by the sweet, smoky depth of roasted red peppers. It’s familiar yet excitingly fresh.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: Seriously, if you can boil an egg and chop a few ingredients, you can master this recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you need a delicious dish without much fuss.
- Texture Perfection: We’re talking about a dream combination of tender, creamy eggs, finely diced crisp celery (for that satisfying crunch!), and the silky texture of the roasted peppers. Every bite is a delightful medley.
- Versatility is Key: This isn’t just for sandwiches! Serve it on crackers, in lettuce cups, stuffed into avocados, or as a side dish for a picnic. It’s fantastic for lunch, dinner, brunch, or a quick snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether you’re hosting a potluck, a backyard barbecue, or a casual family get-together, this egg salad disappears fast. It appeals to almost everyone, even those who claim not to be “egg salad fans.”
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat meals for days. It tastes even better as the flavors meld in the refrigerator.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Eggs and peppers are affordable staples, making this a smart choice for delicious eating without breaking the bank. It’s a comforting meal that’s also kind to your wallet.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While the base recipe is perfect, it’s also a fantastic canvas for customization. Add your favorite herbs, a touch of spice, or different crunchy vegetables to make it truly your own.
- Naturally Wholesome: Packed with protein from the eggs and vitamins from the peppers and celery, this egg salad is a satisfying and nutritious option that will keep you feeling full and energized.
- A Modern Twist on a Classic: It takes everything you love about traditional egg salad and elevates it with a simple, elegant addition. This recipe is destined to become a new classic in your home!
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list.

Expert Tips
💡 Achieving the perfect Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers is all about technique and a few clever tricks. Here are my top expert tips to ensure your egg salad is always outstanding:
- Mastering the Hard-Boiled Egg:
- Start Cold: Place eggs in a single layer in a pot, cover with cold water by an inch. This helps prevent cracking.
- Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Bring water to a rolling boil, then immediately turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let sit for 10-12 minutes for perfectly firm yolks.
- Ice Bath is Crucial: Immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath for at least 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process, prevents the dreaded green ring around the yolk, and makes them incredibly easy to peel.
- Perfectly Peel Those Eggs:
- Gently Crack: Tap the cooled egg on a hard surface, then roll it to create tiny cracks all over.
- Peel Under Water: Peeling eggs under a slow stream of cool water can help the shell slide off more easily, preventing bits of egg white from tearing away.
- Dicing for Texture:
- Eggs: For a classic creamy texture, chop your eggs into small, even pieces. Some prefer a coarser chop for more texture, it’s entirely up to you!
- Red Peppers: Ensure your roasted red peppers are finely diced. This allows their smoky sweetness to be distributed evenly throughout the salad without overpowering the delicate eggs.
- Celery: Finely chop the celery to provide a subtle crunch without being too chunky or fibrous. It adds freshness and essential texture.
- The Right Mayonnaise Matters:
- Quality is Key: Use a good quality mayonnaise you genuinely enjoy the taste of. It forms the base of your dressing, so a flavorful mayo makes a huge difference.
- Avoid Low-Fat for Flavor: While low-fat options exist, full-fat mayonnaise often provides a richer, creamier texture and more satisfying flavor for egg salad.
- Seasoning is Everything:
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your egg salad mixture before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Eggs can be bland if not seasoned properly.
- A Pinch of Acid: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a tiny splash of white wine vinegar can brighten all the flavors and cut through the richness of the mayonnaise. Don’t skip this!
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh chives are excellent here, but fresh dill or parsley also work wonders. They add a vibrant, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- Let It Chill:
- Flavor Melding: While tempting to dive right in, letting the egg salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It tastes even better the next day!
- Don’t Overmix:
- Gentle Folding: Mix gently to combine all ingredients. Overmixing can break down the eggs too much, leading to a mushy texture rather than the desired creamy consistency.
- Roasting Your Own Peppers:
- Flavor Boost: If you have time, roasting your own red peppers adds an incredible depth of flavor that jarred peppers can’t quite match. It’s worth the extra effort for the smoky, sweet notes.
- Easy Method: Halve and deseed bell peppers, brush with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until skin is charred. Place in a sealed bag or bowl to steam for 15 minutes, then peel.
Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs. Get creative!
- For Extra Crunch: Add finely diced pickles (dill or sweet), red onion, water chestnuts, or even toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful textural contrast.
- Spice It Up: A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some finely minced jalapeño can give your egg salad a fantastic kick.
- Herbal Delights: While chives are wonderful, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, tarragon, or even a tiny bit of fresh basil for different flavor profiles.
- Keto/Low-Carb Friendly: Skip the bread entirely! Serve your egg salad in crisp lettuce cups (butter lettuce or romaine are great), hollowed-out bell pepper halves, or alongside cucumber slices.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan-ish: To make it completely dairy-free, simply use your favorite high-quality vegan mayonnaise. While it won’t be truly vegan due to the eggs, it addresses dairy sensitivities.
- Gluten-Free: Enjoy this egg salad on your favorite gluten-free bread, crackers, or, as mentioned, in lettuce wraps or with fresh veggies.
- Mustard Matters: Swap Dijon for whole grain mustard for a subtle texture, or a touch of spicy brown mustard if you like more zing.
- Add-ins for Flavor: Consider a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a tiny bit of curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist, or even some crumbled crispy bacon or capers for a salty burst.

Storage & Freezing
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers safely and at its best.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Always keep it chilled, especially if serving at a gathering.
- Serving Tip: If you’re bringing it to a potluck or picnic, keep the dish over ice or in a cooler to maintain a safe temperature.
- Freezing: I generally do NOT recommend freezing egg salad. Mayonnaise tends to separate and take on an unappetizing texture once thawed, and the hard-boiled egg whites can become rubbery and watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled from the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does homemade egg salad last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, your Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers will stay fresh and safe to eat for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this egg salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours in advance or even the day before allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious. Just store it covered in the fridge.
Q: What kind of mayonnaise is best for egg salad?
A: Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise that you personally enjoy. Brands like Hellmann’s (Best Foods), Duke’s, or even a homemade mayonnaise will yield the best flavor and creamy texture.
Q: How do I prevent my egg salad from becoming watery?
A: The main culprits for watery egg salad are overcooked eggs that release moisture, or too much celery/vegetables that weep liquid. Ensure eggs are perfectly cooked (not rubbery) and drain any excess liquid from the roasted red peppers if they seem very wet. Don’t add too much dressing, and avoid adding watery ingredients right before serving.
Q: What are the best ways to serve Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers?
A: The possibilities are endless! It’s fantastic on toasted bread as a sandwich, in a croissant, or scooped onto crackers. For lighter options, serve it in crisp lettuce wraps, as a topping for baked potatoes, or alongside a fresh green salad. It also makes a wonderful filling for scooped-out tomatoes or bell peppers.
There you have it – a simple yet sophisticated twist on a classic that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. This Creamy Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers is more than just a recipe; it’s a little bit of comfort, a burst of flavor, and a whole lot of deliciousness all rolled into one.
I hope you love making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to pin this for later and let me know your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments below!
Creamy Egg Salad with Roasted Red Peppers – Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 dozen large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (good quality)
- 1/4 cup finely diced roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained well)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1 Hard-boil the eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Step 2 Peel and chop the eggs: Once cooled, peel the eggs and finely chop them into your desired consistency. Place in a medium mixing bowl.
- Step 3 Combine ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, drained roasted red peppers, celery, Dijon mustard, minced chives, and lemon juice (if using) to the bowl with the chopped eggs.
- Step 4 Season and mix: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold all ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5 Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on sandwiches, crackers, or in lettuce cups.
Ingredients
- 1 dozen large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (good quality)
- 1/4 cup finely diced roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained well)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste