Egg salad with tarragon

Egg Salad with Tarragon - a delicious and refreshing recipe for breakfast or appetizer

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a creamy egg salad, full of fresh flavors, perfect for a delightful breakfast or an elegant appetizer? Tarragon egg salad is an excellent choice, based on simple yet flavorful ingredients. This salad recipe is not only quick but also very easy to make. Additionally, tarragon adds a distinct aromatic accent, transforming a classic dish into a true delight.

The history of egg salad is interesting, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Eggs, a staple ingredient, have been used throughout time in various dishes, and the combination with mayonnaise and spices has become popular worldwide. Tarragon, with its slightly anise-like flavor, has been appreciated since ancient times, being used in meat, fish dishes, and, of course, salads.

To achieve a perfect egg salad with tarragon, here’s how to proceed:

Ingredients

- 8 hard-boiled eggs
- 3 tablespoons natural yogurt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (you can use homemade mayonnaise for a more authentic taste)
- 3 green onions (use both the white and green parts for a more intense flavor)
- 6 sprigs of fresh tarragon (or 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon, but fresh is much more aromatic)
- 3 pickles (opt for less sour ones for a perfect balance)
- 8 pitted olives (you can choose green or black olives depending on your preference)
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Boil the eggs: Start by placing the eggs in cold water, then put them on medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, let them boil for 10-12 minutes. When done, transfer them immediately to cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is essential to avoid green yolks.

2. Prepare the ingredients: Once the eggs have cooled, peel them and cut them into small cubes. Place them in a large bowl. Finely chop the green onions, tarragon, and pickles. Add them to the bowl with the eggs.

3. Mix the dressing: In another bowl, combine the yogurt and mayonnaise. Mix well to achieve a smooth cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the ingredients: Pour the yogurt and mayonnaise mixture over the eggs and chopped vegetables. Gently mix so that the ingredients combine without crushing the eggs too much.

5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld and become more intense.

6. Serve: After the salad has chilled, remove it from the fridge and serve it on a platter. You can garnish it with a few fresh tarragon leaves or whole olives for a more elegant look. You can serve it on toasted bread slices or croutons for added texture.

Helpful tips

- Mayonnaise alternative: If you want a lighter version, you can replace the mayonnaise with a mixture of Greek yogurt and mustard, which will add a spicy note and creamy texture.
- For extra flavor: Add a few drops of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the yogurt and mayonnaise dressing for a more vibrant taste.
- Storage: The egg salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days but is best consumed on the first day.

Nutritional information

This tarragon egg salad is an excellent source of protein due to the eggs and also contains healthy fats from the mayonnaise and yogurt. Each serving has about 250 calories, making it a good choice for a hearty breakfast or appetizer. Tarragon offers digestive benefits, and green onions are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace the eggs with another ingredient?: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can try using soft tofu instead of eggs, but the taste will be different.
- What other flavors can I add?: For a more exotic note, add a bit of paprika or curry to the dressing.
- What can this salad be paired with?: The tarragon egg salad pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a creamy vegetable soup. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a refreshing drink, such as a flavored tomato juice or a fruit cocktail.

In conclusion, tarragon egg salad is an excellent choice for any meal, bringing a mix of textures and flavors that delight the taste buds. I encourage you to try it and personalize it to your tastes. Enjoy!