The Correct Number of Eggs in Tuna Salad

When it comes to tuna salad, the age-old question arises: should you add an egg, and if so, how many?

Introduction to Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a popular dish among bento boxes, sandwiches, and light meals. Typically, it involves a few key ingredients such as tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and pickles. However, the inclusion of eggs can spark some debate. My personal recipe seldom includes an egg, as I prefer a simpler version that brings out the natural flavors of the tuna. Having traveled to 1/5 of the USA, Mexico, and across Europe, I’ve found that regional variations can be quite diverse, but my preference remains simple and pure.

Typical Ingredients and Common Practices

The common ingredients in tuna salad include:

Tuna Mayo Sour cream (optional) Minced celery and onion (optional) Pickle relish or chopped onion (optional) Salt, onion powder, black pepper, and dried minced onion (optional)

These elements are usually placed on a bed of lettuce, topped with diced tomatoes and parsley for garnish. This version of tuna salad is both fresh and flavorful, relying on the natural tastes of its primary ingredients rather than added richness.

Mayonnaise and Eggs

Mayonnaise is a critical component of tuna salad, and it typically requires eggs to achieve a creamy texture and consistency. Here’s how to make mayonnaise using eggs:

Using 1 Egg: For a basic mayonnaise, you can use one egg that takes about 2 minutes to mix. This is the traditional method and provides a good base for your tuna salad. Using 2 Egg Yolks: If you want a richer mayonnaise, use two egg yolks instead of one whole egg. This method is great for those who prefer a creamier texture.

Mayonnaise is essential because it binds the dish together and provides a silky texture, but it’s not mandatory to add any eggs. You can still make a delicious tuna salad without it by using a non-egg-based alternative like sour cream.

Personal Preferences and Variations

My preference is to not add any eggs to tuna salad. Here’s why:

Simplicity: A pure tuna salad without eggs brings out the natural flavors of the tuna. Taste Authenticity: Some people believe that traditional tuna salad should not include eggs, which were added to mayonnaise in the past for other dishes. Quality Tuna: Good quality tuna doesn’t need much help, and a simple mixture of mayonnaise, celery, and pickles does the trick.

Both egg salad and tuna salad are wonderful on their own. Egg salad gets mayonnaise, celery seed, and sometimes celery, while tuna salad finds its own delicious simplicity. Feel free to experiment and combine elements to suit your taste. The choice is entirely yours, and it’s all about enjoying the dish in the way that best suits your preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, while some may add eggs to enhance the texture of mayonnaise, I recommend keeping tuna salad simple. Use 1/10th of an egg if you must, but it's not necessary. Enjoy the natural flavors of the tuna, and happy cooking!