Egg salad sandwiches. A classic comfort food, a picnic staple, and a quick lunch option for generations. But let’s be honest, sometimes just a sandwich isn’t enough. You need that perfect side, that complementary flavor, that textural contrast to elevate your egg salad experience from “good” to “amazing.” So, what DO you eat with egg salad sandwiches? This comprehensive guide explores a wide array of pairings, from the expected to the unexpected, ensuring your next egg salad sandwich is a truly satisfying meal.
The Crunchy Companion: Chips and Crisps
A timeless and universally loved pairing, chips and crisps provide that satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of egg salad. But which chips reign supreme?
Classic Potato Chips: A Reliable Choice
You can’t go wrong with classic potato chips. The simplicity of salted potato allows the egg salad’s flavors to shine without overpowering them. Consider a variety of potato chip textures, from thin and crispy to thick and kettle-cooked, to find your perfect match. Kettle-cooked chips, with their extra crunch and slightly caramelized flavor, can add a delightful dimension.
Beyond the Potato: Exploring Other Crisps
Venturing beyond potato chips opens up a world of exciting possibilities. Tortilla chips, with their sturdier structure and hint of corn flavor, can offer a different textural experience. Vegetable crisps, made from sweet potatoes, beets, or parsnips, provide a slightly sweeter and earthier counterpoint to the richness of the egg salad.
Flavor Profiles: Finding the Right Balance
When selecting chips, think about the flavor profile of your egg salad. If your egg salad is particularly rich and savory, opt for a lighter, less seasoned chip. If your egg salad is more subtly flavored, a bolder chip, such as BBQ or salt and vinegar, can add a welcome kick. Avoid overly flavored chips that will compete with the delicate flavors of the egg salad.
A Garden of Goodness: Salads and Veggies
Adding a salad or raw vegetables to your egg salad meal introduces freshness, lightness, and a healthy dose of vitamins.
Simple Green Salads: A Refreshing Contrast
A simple green salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette, is an excellent way to balance the richness of the egg salad. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, while the greens provide a refreshing crunch. Consider using a mix of lettuces, such as romaine, butter lettuce, and arugula, for a variety of textures and flavors.
Beyond Lettuce: Creative Salad Combinations
Don’t limit yourself to just lettuce! Incorporate other vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, for added color and nutrients. A cucumber and tomato salad, dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, is a particularly refreshing and complementary choice.
Raw Vegetable Sticks: A Simple and Healthy Option
For a quick and easy side, offer a selection of raw vegetable sticks, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Serve them with a light dip, such as hummus or ranch dressing, for added flavor. The crispness of the vegetables provides a satisfying contrast to the soft texture of the egg salad.
Coleslaw: A Classic Pairing with a Twist
Coleslaw, with its creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage, is a classic pairing with many sandwiches, and egg salad is no exception. The sweetness and tanginess of the coleslaw complement the savory flavor of the egg salad. Opt for a lighter, less mayonnaise-heavy coleslaw to avoid overwhelming the flavors.
Soup-erb Companions: Pairing with Soup
A warm bowl of soup can be a comforting and satisfying addition to your egg salad sandwich.
Tomato Soup: A Classic Combination
Tomato soup is a timeless pairing with sandwiches, and it works particularly well with egg salad. The acidity of the tomato soup cuts through the richness of the egg salad, while the warmth of the soup provides a comforting contrast to the cool sandwich. Grilled cheese and tomato soup are famously paired, and egg salad shares similar qualities with cheese when combined with tomato.
Light and Brothy Soups: A Gentle Complement
If you prefer a lighter soup, consider a chicken noodle soup or a vegetable broth. These soups provide warmth and hydration without being too heavy or overpowering. The subtle flavors of these soups allow the egg salad to remain the star of the show.
Creamy Soups: A Rich and Indulgent Choice
For a truly decadent pairing, consider a creamy soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of potato. However, be mindful of the richness of both the soup and the egg salad. Opt for a smaller portion of soup to avoid feeling overly full.
Fruity Delights: Sweet and Savory Combinations
Adding a touch of fruit to your egg salad meal can create a surprising and delightful flavor combination.
Fresh Fruit: A Simple and Refreshing Choice
A side of fresh fruit, such as grapes, berries, or melon, provides a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory egg salad. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the richness of the egg salad, creating a well-rounded meal.
Fruit Salad: A Colorful and Versatile Option
A fruit salad offers a variety of flavors and textures, making it a more interesting and complex pairing than a single type of fruit. Include a mix of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mango, for a visually appealing and flavorful side.
Applesauce: A Sweet and Tangy Complement
Applesauce, with its sweet and slightly tart flavor, can be a surprisingly delicious accompaniment to egg salad. The smooth texture of the applesauce contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the egg salad.
Pickles and Relishes: Adding Tang and Zest
Pickles and relishes provide a tangy and zesty counterpoint to the richness of egg salad, adding a welcome burst of flavor.
Dill Pickles: A Classic Choice
Dill pickles are a classic pairing with sandwiches, and they work particularly well with egg salad. The sourness of the pickles cuts through the creaminess of the egg salad, while the dill flavor complements the herbs often used in egg salad.
Sweet Pickles: A Sweet and Sour Combination
If you prefer a sweeter pickle, consider sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles. The sweetness of these pickles adds a contrasting flavor that can be quite enjoyable.
Relishes: A Versatile Option
Relishes, such as sweet pickle relish or corn relish, offer a variety of flavors and textures. They can be used as a condiment on the sandwich itself or served as a side.
Beyond the Basics: Unique and Unexpected Pairings
Looking for something a little different? These unique and unexpected pairings might surprise you.
Deviled Eggs: Egg-ceptional Synergy
Serve your egg salad sandwich with deviled eggs! It’s egg on egg, yes, but the textures and flavor profiles differ enough to create a compelling culinary experience. The firm whites and contrasting spiced yolk of the deviled egg can elevate the simple egg salad sandwich.
Pasta Salad: A Hearty and Flavorful Choice
A simple pasta salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette, can be a surprisingly satisfying accompaniment to egg salad. The pasta provides a heartier texture, while the vinaigrette adds a refreshing acidity.
Avocado: Creamy on Creamy Done Right
Adding slices of fresh avocado to your egg salad sandwich provides an extra dose of healthy fats and a creamy texture that complements the egg salad perfectly. The mild flavor of the avocado allows the egg salad to remain the dominant flavor.
Spicy Options: A Fiery Kick
For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a spicy element to your egg salad meal. A side of pickled jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a welcome kick.
The Perfect Beverage: Quench Your Thirst
Don’t forget the beverage! The right drink can enhance your egg salad experience.
Iced Tea: A Refreshing Classic
Iced tea, especially unsweetened or lightly sweetened, is a refreshing and classic pairing with sandwiches. The cool, crisp taste of iced tea complements the richness of the egg salad.
Lemonade: A Tangy Delight
Lemonade, with its tangy and sweet flavor, can be a delightful contrast to the savory egg salad.
Sparkling Water: A Light and Bubbly Option
Sparkling water, with its light and bubbly texture, provides a refreshing and palate-cleansing option. Add a slice of lemon or lime for extra flavor.
Ultimately, the best thing to eat with your egg salad sandwich is what YOU enjoy the most. Experiment with different pairings and discover your own personal favorites. Don’t be afraid to try something new and think outside the box! The world of food is full of delicious possibilities just waiting to be explored.
What are some light and refreshing side dishes that pair well with egg salad sandwiches?
Egg salad sandwiches are rich and creamy, so pairing them with something light and refreshing can create a balanced meal. Consider a crisp cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and dill, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity and freshness will cut through the richness of the egg salad, preventing palate fatigue.
Another excellent choice is a fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and grapes. The sweetness and juicy texture of the fruit provide a delightful contrast to the savory egg salad. Alternatively, a light coleslaw, not overly heavy on the mayonnaise, can also be a great option, offering a bit of crunch and tang.
Can you suggest any crunchy side dishes that complement the soft texture of egg salad sandwiches?
The soft texture of egg salad sandwiches benefits from a contrasting crunch. Potato chips are a classic choice, offering a satisfying salty crunch. However, for a healthier option, consider vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with a light dip like hummus or ranch.
Alternatively, a handful of lightly salted nuts like almonds or walnuts can provide both crunch and healthy fats. Pretzels, whether sticks or twists, are another good option, offering a different kind of crunch and a slightly salty flavor. The texture contrast enhances the overall eating experience.
What are some soup options that go well with egg salad sandwiches for a comforting meal?
For a comforting and satisfying meal, consider pairing your egg salad sandwich with a light and flavorful soup. A classic tomato soup is an excellent choice, its acidity cutting through the richness of the egg salad. A creamy tomato soup, while delicious on its own, might be too heavy when paired with the sandwich.
Another good option is a light vegetable soup or a clear broth-based soup like chicken noodle soup. The warm broth and simple flavors complement the sandwich without overwhelming it. Avoid overly creamy or heavy soups, as they can make the meal feel too dense and rich.
Are there any pickled or fermented sides that enhance the flavor of egg salad sandwiches?
Pickled and fermented foods offer a tangy and acidic counterpoint to the richness of egg salad, enhancing its flavor profile. Pickles, especially dill pickles, are a classic pairing, offering a refreshing crunch and a sour bite that cuts through the creaminess. Kimchi, with its spicy and fermented flavor, can also be a surprisingly good accompaniment.
Sauerkraut, another fermented food, provides a similar tangy and slightly sour flavor profile that works well with egg salad. Pickled onions or pickled beets can also add a touch of sweetness and acidity, providing a delightful contrast to the savory egg salad. These options also introduce beneficial probiotics.
What kind of drinks pair best with egg salad sandwiches to complement their flavor?
The best drinks to pair with egg salad sandwiches are those that cleanse the palate and complement, rather than compete with, the savory flavor. Iced tea, particularly unsweetened or lightly sweetened, is a refreshing choice. Lemonade, with its tartness, is another good option to cut through the richness of the egg salad.
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime can also be a light and refreshing pairing. Avoid overly sweet or heavy drinks like soda or fruit juice, as they can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the sandwich. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, could also be a suitable choice for a more sophisticated pairing.
What are some unexpected or unique side dish pairings for egg salad sandwiches?
For a unique twist, consider pairing your egg salad sandwich with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with balsamic vinegar. The slightly bitter flavor of the Brussels sprouts and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar create a surprisingly delicious contrast to the creamy egg salad. Grilled asparagus is another unexpected but complementary side.
Another unusual pairing is edamame, either steamed or roasted. The slightly salty and nutty flavor of the edamame complements the savory egg salad. Finally, consider a small bowl of chilled gazpacho; the cold, refreshing soup provides a flavorful and textural contrast to the sandwich.
Can you suggest some side dishes that are easy to prepare for a quick lunch with egg salad sandwiches?
For a quick and easy lunch, several simple side dishes pair perfectly with egg salad sandwiches. A handful of baby carrots or cherry tomatoes requires no preparation at all and offers a healthy and refreshing crunch. A small bag of pre-cut fruit, such as grapes or apple slices, is another convenient option.
Pre-made coleslaw or potato salad from the deli counter is a time-saving choice. Alternatively, a quick and simple side salad consisting of mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette is easy to assemble. These options allow you to enjoy a balanced meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.