Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that won't derail your low-carb goals? Our Low Carb Cucumber Egg Salad is the answer! This recipe takes a classic favorite and gives it a refreshing, crunchy twist, making it perfect for a light lunch, a quick snack, or even a delightful side dish.
With only 5 core ingredients, you'll be amazed at how much flavor and satisfaction this simple dish delivers. It's not just easy to make; it's also packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and energized throughout your day.
Why You'll Love This Easy Low Carb Cucumber Egg Salad
This isn't just another egg salad recipe; it's a game-changer for anyone seeking healthy, low-carb options without sacrificing taste. Here's why you'll want to add it to your regular rotation:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or speedy meal prep.
- Healthy & Low Carb: Naturally keto-friendly and gluten-free, it’s a smart choice for a balanced diet.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of creamy dressing, savory bacon, and crisp cucumber creates a delightful taste and texture.
- Versatile: Enjoy it by itself, in lettuce wraps, or as a side with your favorite protein.
The Magic of Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By focusing on a few high-quality ingredients, we create a dish that's both flavorful and easy to source. You likely have most of these items in your pantry and fridge already!
Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Egg Salad
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. Here's what you'll need for this delicious low-carb creation:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: The protein-rich base of our salad. For tips on achieving the perfect consistency, see below. (For more details on preparing eggs, you can check out this Wikipedia article on hard-boiled eggs.)
- Cucumbers: Provide a refreshing crunch and essential hydration without adding many carbs.
- Celery Stalks: Adds another layer of crisp texture and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon introduces a wonderful smoky, savory note that elevates the entire dish.
- Green Onions: Offers a mild, fresh onion flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: For a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of our delicious dressing.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Adds tang and a gentle kick to the dressing.
- Hot Sauce (Optional): For those who love an extra fiery punch.
- Paprika: Contributes a warm, slightly smoky flavor and a beautiful hue.
Tips for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Getting your eggs just right is crucial for a great egg salad. For easily peelable and perfectly cooked eggs, try placing them in cold water, bringing it to a rolling boil, then removing from heat and letting them sit covered for 12 minutes before transferring to an ice bath.
How to Make Low Carb Cucumber Egg Salad – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create your irresistibly fresh and satisfying egg salad:
Pro Tips for the Best Cucumber Egg Salad
- Chilling is Key: While delicious immediately, allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld and deepen, resulting in an even tastier outcome.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is extra crispy before crumbling. This provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy eggs and crisp vegetables.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid mashing the eggs too much, preserving some texture.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, don't shy away from adding a bit more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This Low Carb Cucumber Egg Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a super low-carb
FAQs
Can I prepare Low Carb Cucumber Egg Salad ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! This egg salad is ideal for meal prepping. You can make it up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing might settle slightly.
What are the best low-carb serving suggestions for this egg salad?
This salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it in lettuce cups, celery sticks, bell pepper halves, or simply enjoy it straight from a bowl. It also makes a fantastic topping for a large green salad or alongside grilled chicken or fish.
How can I enhance the flavor or add more spice to the egg salad?
To boost the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the dressing. For more spice, you can increase the amount of hot sauce, add a dash of cayenne pepper, or mix in some finely diced jalapeu00f1os or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Is this Low Carb Cucumber Egg Salad suitable for a ketogenic diet?
Yes, this recipe is perfectly suited for a ketogenic diet! It's low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats and protein, making it a satisfying and compliant meal option for those following a keto lifestyle.
Low Carb Cucumber Egg Salad
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing, low-carb egg salad featuring crisp cucumber, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing, perfect for a healthy and quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale6 large hard-boiled eggs
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup finely chopped celery stalks
4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: Start by hard boiling the eggs. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, remove from heat and cover with a lid for 12 minutes. Then, peel and chop the eggs.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumbers and chop the celery and green onions into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon slices until crispy. Once done, crumble them into small pieces.
Step 4: Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped eggs, cucumbers, celery, bacon, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and mix gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Finish the Salad: Sprinkle the chopped parsley and paprika on top. Stir again and add more bacon bits if desired. Serve immediately or chill for best flavor.Notes
For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference for more or less spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 380mg
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