It’s all in how you chop it.
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My job as a recipe developer requires spending a copious amount of time in the kitchen. I create plenty of delicious food and also plenty of dirty dishes. Because of that, I’m always looking for ways to keep my messes to a minimum.
It’s one of the reasons I work at limiting the servingware and utensils I use. Lately, I’ve gotten behind the genius trend of using no equipment but my cutting board and knife to make egg salad.
My idea of what’s “good” and “easy” might be different from yours. I’m guessing that, for some people, the thought of making a mayonnaise-y salad on a cutting board sounds pretty unappealing. I understand that. But if you’re like me, beyond the minimal dishes this method leaves you with, you might also like the idea because you're creative and, yes, generally messy.
One of the reasons I got into food was because I liked making things with my hands. I guess I could’ve done pottery or some other “hands-on” art medium, but my love of food won out. This salad celebrates creativity, embraces a well-contained mess, and yields a delicious meal with very little clean-up.
How to Make the Fastest Egg Salad Ever
If you haven’t seen this trend yet on social media, it’s basically exactly how it sounds. You start by stacking the eggs and other solid ingredients on your cutting board, leaving out the creamier and liquid ingredients until you’ve done a bit of chopping. Just rock your knife around a few times, then add your mayo, mustard, and pickle relish. Rock your knife again, and tada! Your egg salad is ready!
Take your big chef’s knife and, leading with the back end so you don’t dull the blade, scrape the egg salad onto the side of the blade (carefully, of course), then spread it onto a big slice of toast or bread, and enjoy! I often drop this open-faced sammie right onto the same cutting board. It makes a great plate.
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My Tips for Making Cutting Board Egg Salad
If you’re ready to give it a try (come on, it’s fun!), here are a few tips:
- Make sure your cutting board is super clean. Give it a good wash and make sure it’s completely dry. This is also a good time to check your board. If you notice any big cracks, splits, or nicks, it’s time to replace it!
- Use a big cutting board. A small cutting board won’t cut it. You need ample space to keep your mess contained to the board.
- Have fun. There are plenty of things that are “un-fun,” and this shouldn’t be one of them. Turn up the music and just pretend you’re the silly Swedish Chef from The Muppet Show! He’s always having a good time!
