Egg salad is a popular dish that many people love. It’s creamy, tasty, and it’s great for picnics, lunches, or even a quick snack. Whether you spread it on bread, serve it with crackers, or eat it by itself, egg salad is a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. If you’re planning to make it for a group of people, it’s important to know how much to prepare so everyone gets enough. This guide will help you figure out the right portion sizes, how to serve egg salad, and tips for making sure it’s a hit at your next gathering.
How much egg salad to serve
If egg salad is the main dish, you should plan on serving about half a cup per person. This amount is just right whether you’re serving it in a sandwich, with some fresh veggies, or on its own. If egg salad is just one of many dishes, you can serve a smaller portion, about one-third of a cup per person.
Portion sizes for egg salad
Type of Serving | Portion Size | Amount Per Person |
Egg Salad (Main) | ½ cup | 4 oz |
Egg Salad (Side) | ⅓ cup | 2.5 oz |
To figure out how much egg salad you need for a group, you can use these simple formulas:
- Main Dish: ½ cup * Number of People = Total Cups Needed
- Side Dish: ⅓ cup * Number of People = Total Cups Needed
For example, if you’re expecting 20 guests and egg salad is the main dish, you would need about 10 cups of egg salad in total. If it’s a side dish, you’d need about 6.7 cups.
Other fun ways to use egg salad
While egg salad is often enjoyed as a sandwich filling, there are many other fun and tasty ways to serve it:
- Egg Salad Sandwiches: The classic way to enjoy egg salad, spread between slices of soft bread. You can also use croissants, pita bread, or wraps for a twist.
- Egg Salad with Crackers: Serve small scoops of egg salad with a variety of crackers. This makes a great appetizer or snack for any occasion.
- Lettuce Cups: For a lighter option, scoop egg salad into crisp lettuce leaves. Romaine or butter lettuce works well for this.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Hollow out bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes and fill them with egg salad for a colorful, healthy dish.
- Egg Salad on Toast: Spread egg salad on toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for a simple lunch or brunch.
Egg salad for Bigger Events
If you’re hosting a big event like a family reunion or a party, planning the right amount of egg salad is key. Think about how many other dishes you’ll be serving. If egg salad is the main dish, stick to the half-cup-per-person rule. If it’s one of many dishes, serve a smaller portion.
Egg salad is also a budget-friendly choice. Eggs are inexpensive, and the other ingredients like mayonnaise and mustard are affordable too. This makes egg salad a great option for feeding a crowd without spending too much.
Tips for keeping egg salad fresh
Since egg salad is made with eggs and mayonnaise, it’s important to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Here are a few tips:
Store egg salad in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. If you’re serving it outside, keep it in a cooler or place the bowl on ice. Instead of putting out all the egg salad at once, serve smaller amounts and refill as needed. This helps keep it cold and fresh.
Also, if egg salad has been sitting out for more than two hours (or one hour if it’s hot), it’s best to throw away any leftovers.