In 2019, YouGov embarked on a crucial mission to find America’s favorite sandwich. The global polling site asked over 1,220 people to vote for their all-time favorite filling. Predictably, grilled cheese took the top spot, but egg salad comfortably made it into the top 15, beating out staples like the Reuben and meatball sandwiches. In fact, over half of YouGov participants named egg salad one of their favorites.
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According to speculation NibbleEgg salad has likely been around for centuries, likely first being enjoyed in England in the 1800s. It began to gain popularity in the United States in the 1900s and is now a lunchtime staple. Although it’s beloved for its rich, creamy flavor, versatility, and comfort food, its main ingredients (eggs and mayonnaise) mean it’s not exactly vegan. Or is it?
The good news is that vegan egg salad is not only possible, but delicious. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to prepare this wildly popular sandwich ingredient without the eggs.
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What is vegan egg salad made of?
Vegan egg salad is a simple recipe that uses plant-based ingredients to recreate the texture and flavor of traditional egg salad. Tofu is often used as a base to replicate the texture of chopped eggs, but as you’ll see in the recipe below, chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even boiled mushrooms can also be substituted.
Other key ingredients in vegan egg salad are vegan mayonnaise (learn more about the best vegan mayonnaise brands and recipes here!), turmeric (for its yellow color), nutritional yeast, and kala namak. Kala namak, also known as black salt, is popular in vegan egg recipes because of its high sulfur content, which gives it a sulfurous egg flavor.
How to Make Vegan Egg Salad: 7 Recipes to Try
Want to know more? Check out some of our favorite vegan egg salad recipes below.
Hannah Sundarani
1 Easy Vegan Tofu Egg Salad
Firm tofu is undoubtedly one of the best vegan egg choices for egg salad sandwiches. Its texture is very similar to chopped hard-boiled eggs, especially when combined with vegan mayonnaise for nearly the same mouthfeel. Mix it with black salt, Dijon mustard, and nutritional yeast for an exceptional egg salad flavor.
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Always Vegan
2 Vegan Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich
While egg salad might conjure images of America or the UK, it’s also a popular snack in Japan, where it’s called “tamago sandwich.” It’s very similar to the version above, but with the addition of vegan chicken broth, it’s saltier and more flavorful. The ends of fluffy white bread are also chopped up, a common practice throughout Japan.
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My Quiet Kitchen
3 Vegan egg salad with boiled mushrooms
At first, boiled mushrooms seem like an odd choice for a vegan egg salad sandwich. But… My Quiet Kitchen It’s proof that mushrooms are a delicious, hearty ingredient: “I had no idea what to expect with mushrooms, but somehow this combination worked perfectly in its own new and unique way,” says recipe developer Lori Rasmussen.
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Thai Berry Match
Four Easy vegan egg salad made with just eggs
Of course, Just Eggs’ vegan liquid eggs are also a great option for egg salad. They’re creamy, satisfying and easy to make: just make your Just Eggs in a frying pan as you normally would, let it cool and then mix it with vegan mayonnaise, mustard, dill, green onion, sea salt and black pepper.
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Simple Veganista
Five Chickpea and egg salad sandwich
Chickpeas are another incredibly versatile plant-based ingredient. They’re often used in vegan tuna sandwiches, but they also work well in vegan egg salad recipes, especially if you’re looking for a soy-free option. “I’ve made this quick and easy chickpea egg salad sandwich so many times over the years and never get tired of it,” says recipe blog Julie West. Simple Veganista.
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kitchen
6 Lemon-flavored eggless egg salad
Vegan eggs with lemon?! It might sound strange, but trust me, this is a delicious combination. It’s light yet satisfying, refreshing and slightly tangy, making it the perfect summer lunch. “This hearty and vibrant salad will become a staple in my summer picnic meals,” says recipe developer Leela Sid. kitchen.
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Strength and sunshine
7 Vegan Egg Salad with Palm Hearts
Palm hearts are often used in vegan seafood recipes, but this popular plant-based ingredient also makes a delicious vegan egg salad. Simply combine them with mayonnaise and kala namak for an ultra egg salad. “This all-veggie alternative has the perfect texture, neutral flavor, and versatility for a unique transformation,” the blog states. Strength and sunshine.
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For more plant-based recipes, read on:
Charlotte is an editor and writer at VegNews based in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.
