Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

I first discovered the magic of egg salad lettuce wraps during a health kick a few years ago. I was at a friend's brunch, and she served these beautiful lettuce cups filled with the most perfectly seasoned egg salad I'd ever tasted. I was skeptical at first - could lettuce really replace bread? But that first bite changed everything. The butter lettuce was so tender yet sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling, and the fresh crunch added a whole new dimension to the classic egg salad I grew up with. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You're taking something as humble as hard-boiled eggs and transforming them into something that feels special and restaurant-worthy. The key is in the details - perfectly cooked eggs with creamy yolks, just the right amount of mayo and mustard, and those fresh herbs that brighten everything up. When you nestle that golden egg salad into those bright green lettuce leaves and top it with sliced scallions, it's not just food - it's a little work of art. Every time I make these, I'm reminded that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or feel like a sacrifice.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. First, it's incredibly practical - I can make the egg salad ahead of time and just assemble the wraps when I'm ready to eat. Second, it's one of those rare recipes that's both indulgent-tasting and actually good for you. The creamy, rich egg salad satisfies all those comfort food cravings without any of the guilt. I love that it's naturally low-carb and packed with protein, keeping me energized throughout the afternoon. But beyond the health benefits, there's something deeply satisfying about the eating experience itself. The contrast between the cool, crisp lettuce and the creamy, flavorful filling is just perfect. I also appreciate how customizable this recipe is - some days I add curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist, other times I'll mix in some crumbled bacon or avocado. It's a base recipe that invites creativity. Most importantly, it's a recipe that brings me joy. Whether I'm making it for a quick solo lunch or serving it at a gathering, it always feels fresh and special. It reminds me that eating well can be delicious, beautiful, and utterly satisfying.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Eggs: Boil until hard-cooked, then peel and chop into small pieces
• Mayonnaise: Use as the creamy base for binding the egg salad together
• Dijon Mustard: Add for tangy flavor and depth
• Celery: Finely chop for a refreshing crunch
• Butter Lettuce: Wash, dry, and use whole leaves as wraps
• Scallions: Slice thinly for garnish and fresh onion flavor

Let's Make These Together

Boil the Eggs Perfectly

Start by placing your eggs in a single layer in a medium saucepan. Cover them with cold water, making sure the water level is about an inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. As soon as it reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let the eggs sit in the hot water for exactly 12 minutes. This method ensures perfectly cooked eggs with creamy yolks and no green ring. After 12 minutes, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.

Make the Creamy Egg Salad

Once your eggs are completely cooled, peel them carefully and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Transfer the chopped eggs to a medium mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, and fresh chives. Using a fork, gently fold everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to maintain some texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For best results, refrigerate the egg salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Prep Your Lettuce Cups

Select the freshest, crispest butter lettuce leaves you can find. Gently separate the leaves from the head, being careful not to tear them. Rinse each leaf under cold water to remove any dirt or debris, then pat them completely dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Dry lettuce is crucial because it will hold the egg salad much better and won't become soggy. Choose leaves that are cup-shaped and sturdy enough to hold a generous scoop of filling.

Assemble and Garnish

Arrange your prepared lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon a generous portion of the chilled egg salad into the center of each lettuce cup, creating a nice mound. Don't overfill them, or they'll be difficult to eat. Sprinkle the sliced scallions generously over the top of each wrap for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Finish with a light dusting of paprika for a beautiful presentation and subtle smoky taste. Serve immediately while the lettuce is still crisp and enjoy these light, delicious wraps!

pin it

Switch Things Up

I remember the first time I made these lettuce wraps on a particularly hot summer day. I was craving egg salad but the thought of heavy bread just didn't appeal to me. I grabbed some butter lettuce from my garden, whipped up my classic egg salad, and decided to try wrapping it up. The result was a revelation! The lettuce added this amazing crisp freshness that perfectly complemented the creamy filling. Now I actually prefer them this way over traditional sandwiches. Sometimes I'll add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor, or toss in some diced avocado when I'm feeling fancy. My kids love helping me assemble these - they think it's fun to create their own little egg salad parcels. It's become our go-to weekend lunch, and I love that it's something healthy they actually get excited about eating.

Perfect Pairings

These egg salad lettuce wraps pair beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh tomato soup for a light yet complete meal, or pair them with sweet potato chips for added crunch. They're wonderful with fresh fruit like grapes or sliced strawberries, which provide a sweet contrast to the savory filling. For beverages, try them with iced green tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc if you're enjoying them for lunch. They also make excellent companions to a simple cucumber salad or a quinoa tabbouleh for a more substantial spread.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the egg salad ahead of time?

Yes! The egg salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.

→ What type of lettuce works best for these wraps?

Butter lettuce is ideal because its leaves are tender yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Boston lettuce and romaine hearts are also excellent alternatives. Look for leaves that naturally form a cup shape.

→ How do I prevent my hard-boiled eggs from getting a green ring?

The green ring forms when eggs are overcooked. Use the method described in this recipe: boil, then immediately remove from heat and let stand covered for exactly 12 minutes, followed by an ice bath. This ensures perfectly cooked eggs every time.

→ Can I freeze egg salad?

Unfortunately, egg salad doesn't freeze well because the mayonnaise separates and the eggs become watery and rubbery when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ What are some variations I can try?

There are many delicious variations! Try adding curry powder for an Indian twist, crispy bacon bits for extra flavor, diced avocado for creaminess, dill pickles for tang, or swap the regular mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

→ How many calories are in each serving?

Each serving of two lettuce wraps contains approximately 185 calories, 14g of fat, 3g of carbs, and 12g of protein, making this a nutritious, low-carb, high-protein meal option.

Conclusion

These Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps are the perfect solution when you want something light yet satisfying. They're incredibly versatile - serve them for lunch, as an appetizer at parties, or even as a quick protein-packed breakfast. The combination of creamy egg salad with crisp lettuce creates a delightful textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting. Plus, they're naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making them suitable for various dietary preferences. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and you'll have a healthy, delicious option ready whenever hunger strikes.