Experience a burst of flavors with this vibrant and spicy Harissa Egg Salad. Perfect as a light lunch or even a picnic staple, this delightful dish combines the richness of eggs with the tangy kick of harissa, making it an enticing choice for anyone looking for a satisfying meal. With its zesty profile and creamy texture, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Harissa Egg Salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Flavor Explosion: With the incorporation of harissa, each bite delivers a spicy and fragrant experience that awakens your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Whether served on bread, lettuce, or even in a wrap, this salad adapts well to various presentations.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is nutritious and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal taste, ensuring it’s always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Harissa Egg Salad requires only a handful of essential ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the unique flavors and textures that make this dish a delight.
- Eggs: The star of the dish, hard-boiled eggs provide the creamy base and essential protein.
- Harissa Paste: This North African chili paste adds a sense of warmth and spice, elevating the entire salad.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, it helps bind the ingredients while ensuring a delightful texture.
- Mustard: A hint of tang and zest, mustard enhances the depth of flavor and complements the harissa beautifully.
- Red Onions: Finely chopped, they add a crunchy texture and a sharp bite.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro add a refreshing finish, brightening the dish’s flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste, providing balance.
Variations for Harissa Egg Salad
Feel free to customize your Harissa Egg Salad according to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. This recipe is incredibly adaptable and perfect for experimenting!
- Add Veggies: Incorporate diced cucumbers or tomatoes for extra crunch and freshness.
- Make it Creamier: Replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option that still tastes fantastic.
- Switch Up the Spice: Use sriracha or jalapeño for an alternative spicy kick if harissa isn’t available.
- Include Avocado: Adding mashed avocado introduces a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Herb It Up: Experiment with your favorite herbs like dill or basil for varied flavors.
How to Make Harissa Egg Salad
Step 1: Boil the Eggs
To start, place your eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs sit for about 9 to 12 minutes, depending on how firm you like your yolks.
Step 2: Prepare the Eggs
Once the eggs have cooled, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes, then peel the shells and chop the eggs into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the chopped eggs and red onions to the bowl, gently folding them into the harissa mixture until everything is well coated. Be careful not to mash the eggs too much.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs
Finally, sprinkle in your chosen fresh herbs and give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust any seasoning if needed, then it’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Harissa Egg Salad
- Fresh Eggs: For the best texture, use fresh eggs; they peel more easily after boiling.
- Cool Down: Always cool boiled eggs in ice water; this prevents overcooking and helps with peeling.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the amount of harissa based on your spice tolerance; start small and build up.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the egg salad chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors even more.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite ingredients or spices for a personal touch.
How to Serve Harissa Egg Salad
Garnishes
Elevate your Harissa Egg Salad with some simple garnishes. A sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes on top adds an extra pop of color and kicks up the spice level. Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves also provide a beautiful touch.
Side Dishes
This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with crispy pita chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or a light green salad to complement the creamy texture of the egg salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the Harissa Egg Salad in hollowed-out avocados or on a bed of lettuce leaves. You can also use it as a filling in wraps or sandwiches to make it portable and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Harissa Egg Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the flavors will intensify as it sits, so it’s a flavor bomb waiting to happen!
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended due to the texture change in eggs, if you need to store it long-term, consider freezing the mixture without eggs and then adding fresh hard-boiled eggs when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
If you have a portion that needs reheating, it’s best to let it come to room temperature. You can give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the flavors, refreshing the dish without compromising its texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of paste besides harissa?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other spicy pastes like sriracha, chipotle, or even a homemade chili sauce, depending on your taste preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Harissa Egg Salad is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that you pair it with gluten-free bread or crackers if serving that way.
How spicy is the Harissa Egg Salad?
The spice level can vary based on the brand and type of harissa you use. Start with a smaller amount to gauge the heat and add more as desired.
Can I make this salad vegan?
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with mashed chickpeas and use a vegan mayo alternative to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I add extra crunch to the salad?
Consider mixing in some diced celery or bell peppers for added crunch, or top the salad with crispy fried onions for a delicious contrast.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Harissa Egg Salad as I am to share it. With its balanced flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a loved favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy creating your own version of this delightful dish, and don’t forget to make enough for leftovers!
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Harissa Egg Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: North African
- Diet: Gluten-free, High protein
Description
Experience a burst of flavors with this vibrant and spicy Harissa Egg Salad. Perfect as a light lunch or picnic staple, it combines the richness of eggs with the tangy kick of harissa, making it a satisfying meal that’s quick, healthy, and versatile.
Ingredients
Eggs
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
Harissa Paste
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
Mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Mustard
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Red Onions
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onions
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Eggs: To start, place your eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs sit for about 9 to 12 minutes, depending on how firm you like your yolks.
- Prepare the Eggs: Once the eggs have cooled, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes, then peel the shells and chop the eggs into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped eggs and red onions to the bowl, gently folding them into the harissa mixture until everything is well coated. Be careful not to mash the eggs too much.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Finally, sprinkle in your chosen fresh herbs and give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust any seasoning if needed, then it’s ready to serve!
Notes
- For the best texture, use fresh eggs; they peel more easily after boiling.
- Always cool boiled eggs in ice water; this prevents overcooking and helps with peeling.
- Adjust the amount of harissa based on your spice tolerance; start small and build up.
- Letting the egg salad chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors even more.
- Don’t hesitate to add your favorite ingredients or spices for a personal touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 250mg