smoked egg salad in a ceramic bowl, creamy and speckled with paprika, topped with fresh chives.

Smoked Egg Salad

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By Millie Pham

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (egg boiling + smoking): 25 minutes
Servings: 3–4

Macros per serving:
Calories: 265 | Protein: 13g | Carbs: 3g | Fat: 21g

Smoky, creamy, and totally next level

If you love regular egg salad, you’re gonna really love this version. We’re giving it a smoky upgrade with smoked hard-boiled eggs and a touch of smoked paprika. It’s rich and creamy, with that deep, toasty flavor you usually only get from BBQ joints.

I started making this after I had smoked deviled eggs at a backyard cookout and couldn’t stop thinking about them. It’s become my go-to twist when I want something a little extra without much extra work.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • 🔥 That smoky egg flavor = unreal
  • 🥚 Still creamy and classic, just elevated
  • 🧂 Only a few ingredients, but big payoff
  • 💡 Great way to use leftover smoked eggs
  • 🍽️ Works for lunch, meal prep, or a snack board

What You’ll Need

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped chives for garnish

Pro Tips

  • Smoke eggs after boiling for about 10–15 minutes in a smoker or grill
  • Use smoked paprika for extra flavor if you’re not smoking the eggs
  • Let eggs cool fully before chopping so the mayo doesn’t separate
  • Chop the eggs roughly—you want texture
  • Garnish with chives or green onions for a fresh bite

Tools You’ll Need

  • Smoker or grill (optional, for smoked eggs)
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Spoon or spatula

Substitutions and Variations

  • Use liquid smoke (1–2 drops) if you don’t have a smoker
  • Add chopped dill pickles for tang
  • Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing
  • Try hot smoked salmon mixed in for a full meal salad
  • Use chipotle powder for a spicy smoked twist

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Smoke and boil eggs up to 3 days ahead
  • Make the whole salad and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • Stir before serving to re-fluff the texture

Instructions

STEP 1: Boil and Peel Eggs

Boil 6 eggs for about 10 minutes until hard-boiled. Let cool in ice water, then peel.

STEP 2: Smoke the Eggs (Optional but awesome)

Place peeled eggs in a smoker or grill at 200°F for 10–15 minutes until lightly browned on the outside with a subtle smoky scent.

whole hard-boiled eggs with slightly golden, smoked skin resting on a grill grate inside a smoker.

STEP 3: Chop the Eggs

Roughly chop the smoked eggs into bite-sized chunks.

 smoked hard-boiled eggs roughly chopped, showing creamy yolks and slightly golden edges.

STEP 4: Mix the Dressing

In a bowl, stir together ¼ cup mayo, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper.

creamy dressing ingredients being mixed in a bowl—mayo, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper blending smoothly. On white marble counters with hints of gold

STEP 5: Combine Everything

Add chopped eggs to the dressing. Gently fold together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

chopped smoked eggs being gently folded into the creamy dressing, showing rich golden yolks and flecks of paprika.

STEP 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives and a little extra smoked paprika.

smoked egg salad in a ceramic bowl, creamy and speckled with paprika, topped with fresh chives.

Leftovers + Storage

  • Store in the fridge in an airtight container
  • Best within 3 days
  • Stir before serving
  • Not freezer-friendly

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

  • Smoking the eggs infuses flavor through the outer layer, giving depth
  • Mayo binds the eggs and seasoning into a creamy spread
  • Smoked paprika adds heat, color, and aroma
  • The combo of fat and smoke triggers that savory, “can’t stop eating it” feeling

Meal Plan Ideas

  • Serve on sourdough toast
  • Spoon into lettuce cups for low carb
  • Make an open-faced sandwich with arugula and pickled onions
  • Add to a charcuterie or snack board
  • Stuff into a wrap with roasted veggies

Common Mistakes

  • Over-smoking the eggs—makes them rubbery
  • Chopping eggs too small—loses texture
  • Skipping seasoning—don’t forget to salt it!
  • Not cooling eggs before mixing—warm eggs = broken mayo

What to Serve With

  • Crusty bread or toast
  • Pickles or pickled red onions
  • Arugula or mixed greens
  • Roasted sweet potato wedges
  • Iced tea or sparkling lemonade

FAQ

Q: Can I use store-bought smoked eggs?
A: Absolutely! They work great and save time.

Q: No smoker—can I still make this?
A: Yes! Use 1–2 drops of liquid smoke or just lean into the smoked paprika.

Q: Can I use miracle whip instead of mayo?
A: You can, but it’ll taste sweeter and tangier. Not traditional, but totally up to you.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Just keep the dressing ratio the same for every 6 eggs.

This Smoked Egg Salad is a cozy, flavorful spin on a classic. If you’ve never had smoked eggs, you’re in for something special. Try it once, and I promise—it’ll become your go-to twist. Let me know if you made it and what you served it with!

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