Southern-Style Egg Salad Recipe

Name: Southern-Style Egg Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 0.33333334326744 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet India pickle relish; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco®)

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

6 large eggs
cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet India pickle relish
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
teaspoon salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
3 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco) (Optional)

Directions

Step 1: Begin by covering the eggs with water in a saucepan. Bring the water to a gentle boil, allowing the eggs to cook for 5 minutes. Once the time has passed, remove the pan from the heat and cover the eggs, letting them sit for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 2: After the eggs have finished cooking, transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Let the eggs chill for about 5 minutes, which will make peeling easier.

Step 3: Peel the eggs and grate them into a medium mixing bowl.

Step 4: Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, sugar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using) to the grated eggs. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: For the best flavor, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

Recipe Tip

If you prefer, you can substitute 1 packet of sugar substitute for the white sugar, and use white pepper instead of black pepper for a slightly different taste.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	102
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	114mg
Sodium	186mg
Total Carbohydrate	2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	4g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	17mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	45mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Southern-style egg salad is a beloved dish in the American South, celebrated for its sweet and savory flavors, creamy texture, and versatile use in sandwiches, on crackers, or simply as a side. The combination of hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet relish, and sometimes a dash of hot sauce, makes it a staple at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks across the Southern states.

History and Origins

The origins of egg salad can be traced back to the early 20th century when mayonnaise and mustard-based salads became popular in America. While egg salad itself is a dish found in various forms globally, the Southern-style version is uniquely characterized by the use of sweet pickle relish and a touch of heat from hot sauce, often Tabasco. This style likely developed in the Southern U.S. as a way to balance the flavors of tangy, sweet, and savory, a hallmark of Southern cuisine. In Southern homes, egg salad is often made in large batches to serve guests during casual gatherings, showcasing the Southern tradition of hospitality and community.

Regional Variations

Though egg salad is popular across the United States, the Southern variation stands out due to its specific choice of ingredients and preparation methods. Sweet pickle relish, often a signature element, is a must-have in Southern-style egg salad, differentiating it from other versions that may use dill relish or omit it entirely. Additionally, the use of a little sugar and lemon juice helps create a sweet-tangy balance, which is less common in other regional recipes. Some Southern families also add chopped celery or onions to provide crunch and depth, while others might throw in a touch of cayenne pepper or paprika to spice things up further. Despite the variations, the essence of Southern egg salad remains rooted in its creamy, satisfying, and flavorful base.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Egg salad is found in many cuisines worldwide, with each region adding its own flair. Compared to traditional American egg salad, Southern-style egg salad is distinguished by its sweeter, tangier flavor profile, largely due to the pickle relish and the addition of sugar. It is also often more flavorful than the plain versions made with just eggs, mayo, and mustard, with the unique balance of ingredients bringing out more complexity. Other variants of egg salad, like those from New England, might use less relish or focus more on a mustard-based dressing, leaving out the sweet elements. Another notable difference is the Southern habit of serving egg salad with spicy hot sauce, which adds an extra layer of bold flavor.

Where is Southern-Style Egg Salad Usually Served?

Southern-style egg salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It's commonly found at family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, where it is enjoyed as a sandwich filling or as a dip alongside crackers. It is also a popular choice for brunch or lunch, paired with fresh greens or piled onto soft bread. Many Southern restaurants or BBQ joints will serve egg salad as a side dish or as part of a larger plate, alongside fried chicken, coleslaw, or potato salad. The dish's simplicity and hearty nature make it a perfect addition to any casual Southern meal.

Interesting Facts

The Southern-style egg salad became a popular choice for cookouts and picnics in the 1950s, as convenience and easy-to-make dishes gained favor in American cuisine.
While many versions of egg salad use mayonnaise as the base, Southern-style recipes often favor Dukes mayonnaise, known for its tangier flavor compared to other brands.
Hot sauce, though optional, is a frequent addition in Southern egg salads to provide a subtle heat. Some southerners also like to add a splash of vinegar for extra acidity.
Egg salad is not only a Southern classic; variations of it can be found in many countries, including Russia (Olivier salad), and in parts of Europe, where ingredients like potatoes and vegetables are commonly added.

In conclusion, Southern-style egg salad is more than just a meal it is a representation of Southern hospitality, with its bold, tangy flavors and hearty nature. Whether you're enjoying it at a family barbecue or as a quick lunch, this egg salad offers a comforting taste of the South.

FAQ about Southern-Style Egg Salad Recipe

You can store the Southern-style egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.

It's not recommended to freeze egg salad, as the texture of the eggs and mayonnaise will change when thawed. However, you can freeze the egg mixture without mayonnaise and add fresh mayo after thawing for better results.

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. For example, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version, or swap the sweet pickle relish with dill pickle relish if you prefer a tangier taste. You can also omit the hot sauce or adjust it to your liking.

If your egg salad becomes watery, it may be due to excess moisture from the relish or eggs. You can reduce the liquid by draining the relish well or using less, and ensure your eggs are fully cooled and dried before mixing.

Yes, this egg salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it's often best after it has had time to chill and let the flavors meld. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, but keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Yes, you can experiment with different types of mustard. Yellow mustard gives a classic flavor, but you can substitute with Dijon mustard for a more refined taste, or even spicy brown mustard for an extra kick.

If you find the egg salad too sweet, you can reduce or omit the sugar and lemon juice, especially if your pickle relish is already sweet enough. You can also try a more savory relish, such as dill relish, or use less relish overall.

To avoid a mushy texture, try chopping the eggs instead of grating them. This will give the salad more structure. Additionally, ensure you're not over-mixing or adding too much mayonnaise or other wet ingredients.

This Southern-style egg salad is perfect for serving on bread for sandwiches, as a topping for crackers, or even in a wrap. It also pairs nicely with fresh greens, like lettuce, or as part of a picnic spread.

Yes, you can customize this egg salad with additional vegetables such as finely diced celery, red onion, or even bell peppers for crunch and extra flavor. Just make sure not to add too many watery vegetables to avoid a runny texture.

Comments

J Ragan

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

A really good Southern Egg Salad. Egg salad has a myriad of additions, but most come down to a good tangy taste with the incredible edible egg. My husband said he liked mine best (I'm his second wife) because I put minced red onion in it. Truth is, I never put red onion in Egg Salad until he said that while I was making my first batch for him, and I immediately added it! Our "secret ingredient" is Old Bay Seasoning. It provides some salt and heat and then you go from there with additional salt and heat. Thanks for the post!

MsBunny

05/29/2020 11:01:07 PM

Fantastic! We use rye bread and a little lettuce, cut into quarters and piled high on a platter for snack or appetizer. I don't care for sweet stuff, but my son-in-law introduced me to dill pickle relish. I never knew....

Marilyn Durst

05/30/2020 04:16:09 AM

I mix the condiments and seasonings together in a separate bowl, then gently stir into the eggs, which I chop rather than grate. This gives the egg salad a more consistent flavor. I also use slightly less mayonnaise and strain the relish to prevent a runny consistency. You can always add mayonnaise to the bread. Also, if you like egg & cheese flavor combo, chop some Jarlsberg into the eggs before you stir in the condiments.

MaryK

08/30/2022 01:23:20 PM

This recipe was easy to make, and very similar to my grandmothers recipe, however, she chopped her eggs. I tried his recipe as was written, but it was way too sweet with the added sugar, which was then toned down with the addition of lemon juice. Also grating the egg made the salad mushy. When making this again, I will not add the additional sugar or the lemon juice to this recipe, as the sweet relish has enough sugar, and you can always add a little of the pickle relish juice, and the mustard has enough tang, I will not grate my eggs.

Grannycan

11/22/2022 04:32:52 PM

Being a Texan, I must say I've never added sugar or lemon juice to egg salad. Chopped onion, dill relish, mustard (type depends on mood), and mayo for the basics. Also, I prefer a rough chop for the eggs. If you're not a fan of raw onion, try grating a little into your salad just for the flavor. Dill and capers are always welcome additions, as is cayenne or Louisianna hot sauce.

Mari

03/19/2021 05:28:24 PM

This will be our go-to egg salad from now on. Will probably do 7 eggs or cut down a bit on mayo for firmer consistency. Had no tabasco, but sampled with Taco Bell Hot sauce (all I had). Thinking folks can just add the sauce on their sandwich, if they like. Cholula hot sauce is our favorite. Serving with lettuce on honey wheat bread. BTW, just got an egg cooker and it makes all kinds of eggs effortlessly, and peeling is actually fun. Love it!

Linda Ferguson

09/08/2023 01:42:50 AM

I used Dukes mayo and it had the perfect tang.

QuickBun3776

10/19/2023 05:17:39 PM

It was delicious and easy! I left out the hot sauce but added 1/8 teaspoon of bay seasoning.

Connie

04/17/2024 03:58:58 AM

I took one look at this recipe and I knew it is not authentic southern egg salad. There's enough sugar in the pickle relish and no need to use lemon because there's vinegar in the relish too. Take it from this 75 year old southern gal, most of the southerners I know would not use hot sauce either,,, maybe a dash of cayenne pepper

Regis

05/30/2020 04:47:35 AM

This is the Best. I'm not a big fan of Hot sauce so I skipped that part. I did add 1/3 Cup of chopped Green Olives patted dry, And they just set it off... Boom!!!

Jack Hornaday

05/31/2020 03:28:04 AM

I used dill relish instead of the sweet relish. It was yummy.

PuffyDish5085

09/20/2025 07:29:58 PM

Very close to my family's recipe which has been used for generations. I use Miracle Whip instead of plain Mayo. This provides the tangy sweetness I'm looking for, without additional sugar or lemon juice. I also add Cayenne Pepper, a dash of Garlic Powder and a dash of Cumin. The main things are always the base ingredients ... perfectly boiled eggs, Mayo or Miracle Whip, sweet pickle relish, a dash of Stone Ground Mustard and a bit of salt and pepper!

BLUEGIRL5

08/21/2025 04:42:06 PM

This didn’t do much for me. The taste was nothing out of the ordinary. And I don’t know if it was the relish or the lemon juice, but it was ridiculously watery. Liquid was literally dripping from all sides of the bread, making for a sloppy lunch. Sorry for the bad review, but it was a mess.

QuickCress1731

05/14/2025 07:28:26 PM

You gotta have diced onion and celery too. My chicken salad, tuna salad, salmon salad and potato saladare all made with eggs, onions, celery. (and of course, pickle relish, mayo, sugar, either vinegar or lemon juice, but no Tabasco for me. And although I can understand someone using mustard, I do not.

Debra Young

12/04/2024 06:21:58 AM

Made it for lunch, but now I want it for dinner too.

quinnjc

09/16/2024 04:20:24 PM

Eggs were undercooked. I usually bring water to a full boil and let it stay there for 11 minutes. Then, yes, cool in ice water and it peels well. Using this method, it did NOT peel well and the yolk was still runny. I'm trying I'm trying to salvage the last four eggs by boiling more.

MommyCop

09/15/2024 03:27:50 PM

It was good, but next time I will omit the sugar. I also don’t like the texture of pickles so I just added the juice. Still needed something. I added more salt and pepper and garlic and onion powders.

Brian Diaz

04/16/2024 11:56:40 PM

Absolutely loved it.

CyanKiwi3378

01/18/2024 06:15:19 PM

Great recipe! However, I only used haldthe relish, no suger, nor lemon juice, but used everything else as instructed, I didn't want it to be too sweet! I used a Crossiant for the bread of choice, toasted it with mozorella cheese and it was amazing! And I love how low carbed this is. perfect for my diet lol

JumpySauce5557

11/17/2023 03:25:03 PM

I made this recipe exactly the way it Saud and I'm sorry but I did not care for the sugar. Way to sweet.👎