Luminous, vibrant, and bursting with crisp flavors, the Mediterranean Egg Salad with Cucumber offers a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Marrying the creamy richness of perfectly boiled eggs with the cool crunch of cucumber, this salad becomes a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.Infused with fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and a hint of olive oil, it’s a nourishing dish that transports your palate straight to sun-drenched shores. Whether served as a light lunch, a picnic treat, or a colorful side, this fresh and flavorful recipe redefines egg salad with a Mediterranean flair that’s both wholesome and irresistible.
Mediterranean Egg Salad with Cucumber: Fresh & Flavorful Twist
Mediterranean Egg Salad with Cucumber combines the humble, comforting essence of a classic egg salad with the crisp freshness and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This refreshing twist elevates everyday ingredients into a dish bursting with texture and herbal brightness. Inspired by sun-soaked coastal kitchens, the crisp charm of fresh cucumber adds cooling contrast to creamy eggs, while fragrant herbs and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing balance every bite. Whether enjoyed on crusty whole grain bread or as a colorful lettuce wrap, this salad effortlessly transforms your palate and brightens any table.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes (for perfectly boiled eggs)
- Chilling: 1 hour recommended
Yield
Serves 4 hearty portions or 6 light servings as a side dish.
Difficulty Level
Easy – Perfect for beginners yet impressive enough for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs,hard boiled and peeled
- 1 medium English cucumber,diced small with skin on for crunch and color
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil,preferably cold-pressed for richness
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice,bright and tart
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard,for subtle tang
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt,adds creaminess with a slight tang
- 2 tbsp fresh dill,finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley,chopped
- 1 small shallot,minced finely
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- Pinch of smoked paprika,optional for depth
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Bring a pot of water to a full boil,gently lower in the eggs,and cook for exactly 10 minutes for a firm yet creamy yolk. Transfer eggs into an ice bath immediately to halt cooking and ease peeling.
- Prepare the cucumber: Rinse well, then dice into small cubes. Keeping the skin provides contrast and nutrients-resist peeling!
- Chop herbs and shallot: Finely chop dill, parsley, and shallot to ensure thay meld smoothly into the salad, infusing each bite with fresh, aromatic notes.
- Mix the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) until emulsified and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Roughly chop the peeled eggs, then gently fold them with cucumber, herbs, and shallot in a large bowl. pour the dressing over and mix lightly to preserve texture and color vibrancy.
- Chill: cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to blossom and the salad to chill perfectly for a crisp, refreshing experience.
- Final seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice for a balanced burst of flavor that dances on your palate.
Tips for Success
- For perfectly boiled eggs every time, use a timer and an ice bath; soft overcooking leads to greenish yolks and rubbery whites.
- Substitute fresh tarragon or mint if dill isn’t available-both provide distinct mediterranean freshness.
- Greek yogurt lightens the dressing without sacrificing creaminess; omit for a vegan twist and replace with mashed avocado or vegan mayo.
- Prepare the salad up to 24 hours ahead for a deeper flavor infusion-just add the cucumber right before serving if you prefer maximum crispness.
Serving Suggestions
This salad shines atop toasted whole-grain bread or nestled inside butter lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held lunch. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crushed toasted pine nuts for added texture. For a complete Mediterranean experience, pair with warm pita, olives, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on the side. A chilled white wine or herbal iced tea complements the delicate herbal notes beautifully.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
Discover more recipes that highlight Mediterranean influences in our mediterranean Diet collection. For detailed nutritional benefits of fresh herbs, visit Medical News today.
Q&A
Q&A: Mediterranean Egg Salad with cucumber – Fresh & flavorful twist
Q1: What makes the Mediterranean Egg Salad with Cucumber diffrent from a traditional egg salad?
A1: Unlike the classic egg salad that often leans heavily on mayo and mustard, this Mediterranean version incorporates crisp, cooling cucumber and vibrant Mediterranean herbs like dill, parsley, and a splash of lemon juice. The result? A lighter, fresher salad bursting with bright, zesty flavors that elevate the humble egg to something truly special.
Q2: Why add cucumber to an egg salad?
A2: Cucumber adds an irresistible crunch and a refreshing juiciness that perfectly balances the creamy, rich texture of the chopped eggs. It also brings a hydrating element that lightens the overall dish, making it perfect for warm-weather meals or when you want a salad that feels fresh and vibrant rather than heavy.
Q3: What are the key Mediterranean ingredients that enhance this egg salad?
A3: Think beyond eggs and cucumbers! Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and mint impart aromatic complexity. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds richness, while lemon juice lends zesty brightness. Some recipes include tangy feta cheese or kalamata olives for that iconic briny punch. These ingredients together create a harmonious balance of flavors reminiscent of sun-soaked Mediterranean coasts.
Q4: Is this salad suitable for special diets?
A4: Absolutely! It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting feta or substituting with a vegan choice. The recipe is great for low-carb diets, thanks to its moderate fat and protein content. It’s also a fantastic source of vitamins and healthy fats, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Q5: How can I serve Mediterranean Egg Salad with Cucumber?
A5: Versatility is key. Serve it as a light lunch over a bed of mixed greens,scoop it into pita pockets for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich,or use it as a vibrant dip with crunchy veggies or warm flatbreads. It also pairs beautifully as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing contrast to heavier mains.Q6: Any tips for making the perfect Mediterranean Egg salad with Cucumber?
A6: For perfectly cooked eggs,boil them for about 9-10 minutes,then immediately cool in ice water to avoid that green ring around the yolks. Use fresh, crisp cucumbers-Persian or English cucumbers work great due to their thin skin and minimal seeds. Don’t skimp on fresh herbs; they’re the secret to the salad’s signature mediterranean flair. Lastly, season thoughtfully with salt and a good crack of black pepper to bring all the flavors together.
Q7: Can this salad be prepared in advance?
A7: Yes! It actually benefits from chilling for an hour or two to let the flavors mingle. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Just give it a quick stir and maybe a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving to revive its freshness.
If your craving a simple yet exciting spin on egg salad, this Mediterranean Egg Salad with Cucumber offers a delightful twist-fresh, flavorful, and perfectly suited for any occasion!
To Wrap It Up
In the world of salads, the Mediterranean Egg Salad with Cucumber stands out as a vibrant party of fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. This delightful twist not only elevates the classic egg salad but also invites your taste buds on a sunny journey along the Mediterranean coast. Crisp cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch,while fragrant herbs and zesty dressings infuse every bite with brightness and depth. whether served as a light lunch, a picnic favorite, or a colorful side dish, this salad proves that simplicity and creativity can come together beautifully on a plate. So next time you crave something fresh and flavorful, let this mediterranean-inspired creation be your go-to-because eating well doesn’t have to be complicated, just inspired.
