Smoky Egg Salad with Dill Pollen
Creamy smoky egg salad with preserved lemon and dill pollen. Tips for perfect hard-boiled eggs, make-ahead use, and storage.
Enjoy this egg salad recipe on two slices of your favorite bread for a nice sandwich. This is also great for serving as an appetizer on crackers or toasted crostini. (Place a small piece of fresh dill weed or chives on top of each for a nice garnish).
Submitted by: Chasity M. M from Chicago, IL
Yield: 4 sandwiches or 20 appetizers
- Use the gentle boil-then-steep method: bring eggs to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let sit 20 minutes, then ice bath.
- Preserved lemon and dill pollen give bright, savory flavor; chill at least 30 minutes for best results.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make up to 24 hours ahead for best texture and flavor.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I cook the eggs for this recipe?
Place eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover the pot. Let the eggs sit for 20 minutes, then transfer to an ice water bath to cool. This makes firm yolks without a green ring.
How long does this egg salad keep in the fridge?
Keep the egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Discard it after 4 days for safety and best quality.
Can I make the egg salad ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to 24 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor. The salad will hold for up to 2 days, but taste and texture are best within the first day.
What is dill pollen and can I substitute it?
Dill pollen is the aromatic pollen from dill flowers. It is more intense than leafy dill. If you do not have it, substitute 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or about 1 teaspoon dried dill for the 1.5 teaspoons of dill pollen called for.
What can I use instead of preserved lemon?
If you do not have preserved lemon, use 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Another option is 1 tablespoon chopped capers or a small amount of finely chopped lemon peel with salt.
Can I reduce or replace the mayo?
Yes. Substitute plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado in a 1:1 ratio. If you choose a lighter option, taste and add salt or lemon as needed to balance flavor.
Any tips for peeling hard-boiled eggs easily?
Use eggs that are not ultra-fresh, cool them fully in an ice bath, then crack and roll gently to loosen the shell. Peel under cold running water or use a spoon to lift the shell away starting at the large end.
How do I prevent the egg salad from becoming watery?
Drain any excess liquid from the preserved lemon and reserve only a small amount of the liquid. Pat chopped eggs dry before mixing, avoid overmixing, and chill the salad at least 30 minutes to let it firm up.
How should I cook the eggs for this recipe?
Place eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover the pot. Let the eggs sit for 20 minutes, then transfer to an ice water bath to cool. This makes firm yolks without a green ring.
How long does this egg salad keep in the fridge?
Keep the egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Discard it after 4 days for safety and best quality.
Can I make the egg salad ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to 24 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor. The salad will hold for up to 2 days, but taste and texture are best within the first day.
What is dill pollen and can I substitute it?
Dill pollen is the aromatic pollen from dill flowers. It is more intense than leafy dill. If you do not have it, substitute 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or about 1 teaspoon dried dill for the 1.5 teaspoons of dill pollen called for.
What can I use instead of preserved lemon?
If you do not have preserved lemon, use 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Another option is 1 tablespoon chopped capers or a small amount of finely chopped lemon peel with salt.
Can I reduce or replace the mayo?
Yes. Substitute plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado in a 1:1 ratio. If you choose a lighter option, taste and add salt or lemon as needed to balance flavor.
Any tips for peeling hard-boiled eggs easily?
Use eggs that are not ultra-fresh, cool them fully in an ice bath, then crack and roll gently to loosen the shell. Peel under cold running water or use a spoon to lift the shell away starting at the large end.
How do I prevent the egg salad from becoming watery?
Drain any excess liquid from the preserved lemon and reserve only a small amount of the liquid. Pat chopped eggs dry before mixing, avoid overmixing, and chill the salad at least 30 minutes to let it firm up.
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