Egg and Cheese Salad

Salad with boiled eggs, hard cheese, garlic, and mayonnaise
Preparation time: 10 min
Cooking time: 10 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Calories: 210 kcal
0
Rating: 4 Votes: 5

Egg and cheese salad is one of those dishes I make most often when I need something tasty and quick. I first made it during my student years, and it’s been part of my menu ever since. It’s all very simple: eggs, cheese, a bit of garlic, and a spoon or two of mayonnaise – and the dish is ready. Despite the modest list of ingredients, the salad has a bright, rich taste with a pleasant creamy texture. I love serving it as a spread on toast or rye bread – it makes a perfect snack.

Garlic in this recipe is essential for me: it adds character and makes the salad more piquant. But if I’m making it for kids or guests who don’t like spicy flavors, I add just a little or replace it with herbs. I usually use gouda or another semi-hard cheese with a mild flavor. Its grated texture blends well with the egg, creating a tender base for the salad. Mayonnaise can be classic, homemade, or store-bought – but always in moderation so the salad doesn't become too runny.

Depending on my mood, I might add a bit of chopped herbs, ham, imitation crab sticks, or even pickled cucumber to the base. But even in its basic form, the salad never disappoints. I often make it in advance – it keeps well in the fridge without losing its flavor and sometimes even gets better after resting.

Ingredients for Egg and Cheese Salad Recipe

How to Make Egg and Cheese Salad

Boil the Eggs

First, I put the eggs to boil. I cook them hard-boiled for about 9-10 minutes after the water starts boiling. Then I immediately pour cold water over them – this helps cool them quickly and makes them easier to peel. You can grate them on a large or medium grater – the main thing is to get a soft, lump-free texture.

Prepare the Cheese and Garlic

I usually grate the cheese on a medium grater – it mixes better with the other ingredients this way. Garlic – I grate finely or chop with a knife. Depending on my mood, I may add more or less – this ingredient is very personal. Sometimes I also add a bit of chopped herbs for freshness.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, I combine the eggs, cheese, and garlic. I add mayonnaise – spoon by spoon, so the salad doesn’t become too runny. I season with salt and pepper to taste. Then I mix everything well with a fork or spoon until the texture is even. If you want an even creamier result – use a blender, but I usually just mix by hand.

Serve Immediately or Chilled

The salad is ready to eat right away, but I recommend chilling it for 15-20 minutes. The flavor becomes more balanced that way. I serve it on rye bread, in tartlets, or simply in small bowls. Sometimes I decorate it with grated yolk or a parsley sprig – it looks very appetizing.

Tips

  • Do not overcook the eggs – or the yolks will become dry and affect the salad’s texture.

  • Choose cheese that isn’t too hard – gouda or edam grate easily and have a mild taste.

  • Add garlic carefully – start with a little and add more if needed.

  • If the salad turns out too thick, you can thin it with a teaspoon of yogurt or sour cream.

  • This salad is perfect as a filling for flatbread rolls or stuffed eggs – try it, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

FAQ

You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream, natural yogurt, or a mix of both. I sometimes prepare this lighter version when I want a healthier option. Just remember the taste will be less intense, so you might add a bit of mustard or lemon juice for balance.

Yes, if you don’t like garlic or are making it for kids. In that case, I recommend replacing it with chopped herbs – dill, parsley, or green onions. They’ll add freshness without making the salad spicy.

Yes, absolutely. I often serve it in tartlets or spoon it onto crackers – it looks neat and festive. It also pairs well with other appetizers in a cold buffet.

You can store the finished salad for up to 24 hours in a tightly sealed container. However, it tastes best within the first few hours – the texture is delicate, and the flavor is well-balanced.

Yes, the salad is high in protein and low in carbs, so it may be suitable for a keto or low-carb diet. But it depends on the type of mayonnaise and your individual restrictions – I always recommend checking the ingredients.