I still remember the first time I mashed ripe avocado into chopped hard‑boiled eggs — it felt like two pantry staples finally realized their full potential. This Avocado Egg Salad is creamy, bright, and faster to make than a grocery run. It works as a light lunch, a crowd‑pleasing brunch item, or a quick protein snack between meetings. If you like classic egg salad but want something fresher and less heavy, this is the halfway point you’ve been looking for. For another egg‑forward idea, try my take on a classic egg salad with a little more tang.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe combines the rich creaminess of avocado with the familiar comfort of chopped hard‑boiled eggs. It’s:

Fast: ready in about 10 minutes once eggs are prepared.
Lighter than mayo‑heavy egg salads, but still satisfyingly rich.
Versatile: pile it on toast for breakfast, stuff it into sandwiches for lunch, or serve it with crackers at a party.
Nutritious: healthy fats from avocado, protein from eggs, and fresh herbs for flavor without extra calories.

"A creamy, buttery twist on egg salad—perfect for busy mornings and impressively simple." — A quick review from a weeknight tester

How this recipe comes together

This is a no‑fuss assembly recipe. Here’s the quick process so you know what to expect:

Hard‑boil and roughly chop the eggs (or use prepped eggs).
Pit, peel, and mash a ripe avocado until smooth but slightly chunky if you like texture.
Stir the avocado with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and freshly chopped herbs.
Fold in the chopped eggs gently so the salad keeps some bite.
Season to taste and serve immediately.

Gather these items

What you’ll need:

1 large avocado
6 large hard‑boiled eggs, cut into ½‑inch pieces*
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt to lighten it)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

Notes and substitutions:

Mayonnaise: swap for plain Greek yogurt for fewer calories and a tangy note.
Herbs: if you don’t have dill, extra chives or a pinch of dried tarragon works.
Avocado: choose just‑ripe (yields slightly when pressed) for easy mashing.

Step-by-step instructions

Prepare the eggs: If not already cooked, place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by an inch, bring to a gentle boil, then turn off heat and let sit 10–12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath before peeling to make peeling easier. Chop into ½‑inch pieces.
Mash the avocado: Pit and peel the avocado, cut into quarters, and place in a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth, leaving a little texture if you like.
Build the dressing: Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, parsley, and chives to the mashed avocado. Stir until just combined.
Fold in eggs: Gently fold the chopped eggs into the avocado mixture so they remain distinct and don’t turn to mush.
Season: Add salt and pepper, taste, and adjust lemon or salt as needed. Avoid overmixing to preserve texture.
Serve: Spoon onto toast, crackers, or into lettuce cups. Enjoy immediately.

Tip: If you want a firmer spread for sandwiches, chill for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Best ways to enjoy it

On toasted sourdough with extra chives and flaky sea salt for breakfast.
Stuffed into a butter lettuce cup for a low‑carb lunch.
Scoop onto crunchy crackers or cucumber rounds as an easy appetizer.
Layer into a sandwich with tomato and arugula for a fresh take on egg salad.
Serve alongside a grain bowl or salad — it pairs nicely with crunchy textures like my chicken cashew crunch salad for contrast.

How to store & freeze

Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Because avocado browns and eggs are perishable, consume within 48 hours for best texture and safety.
Prevent browning: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air contact, or add an extra squeeze of lemon on top.
Freezing: Not recommended — both avocado and mayonnaise‑based mixtures change texture dramatically when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze, expect a watery, separated result.

Food safety note: Store at or below 40°F (4°C). Discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Pro chef tips

Eggs: For easy peeling, use slightly older eggs (5–7 days). Fresh eggs are harder to peel.
Texture: Want chunkier avocado? Mash less. Want creamier? Mash more and add an extra teaspoon of mayo.
Flavor balance: Lemon brightens the avocado and prevents browning. Taste before adding more salt — the herbs contribute a lot of flavor.
Herb prep: Chop herbs finely so they distribute evenly; large pieces can overpower a bite.
Make‑ahead: Chop eggs a day ahead and store separately; mash avocado and finish just before serving to keep it bright.

Creative twists

Spicy kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard and a pinch of cayenne.
Mediterranean: Add 1 tablespoon capers, swap parsley for oregano, and top with crumbled feta.
Crunchy add‑ins: Fold in diced celery or toasted sunflower seeds for texture.
Vegan-ish swap: Replace eggs with firm tofu crumbles and use vegan mayo for an eggless version.
Open‑faced upgrade: Top with smoked salmon, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon zest.

Your questions answered

Q: How ripe should the avocado be?
A: It should give slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. Overripe avocado will make the salad too soft and may taste off.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a picnic?
A: Make the eggs and chop herbs ahead, but mash the avocado and assemble within an hour of serving. Keep chilled until serving and press plastic wrap on the surface to limit browning.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Beyond that, texture and safety degrade — especially because of the avocado and eggs.

Q: Can I omit mayonnaise?
A: Yes — swap for plain Greek yogurt for tang or skip completely if you prefer a looser, fresher avocado‑forward salad.

Q: Is this safe for toddlers?
A: Generally yes, if eggs and avocado have been introduced already and there are no allergy concerns. Chop finely to prevent choking and avoid added salt for very young children.

Conclusion

If you enjoy variations on egg salad with brighter, healthier flavors, this Avocado Egg Salad is a simple upgrade that fits busy schedules and light menus. For another trusted, easy version to compare techniques and flavors, check out this Easy Avocado Egg Salad Recipe. If you want a more herb‑forward, grainless take with step‑by‑step photos, I also recommend Avocado Egg Salad – Downshiftology for inspiration and serving ideas.