Do You Put Eggs in Turkey Salad? The Great Debate Settled

Turkey salad is a beloved classic dish, especially popular around the holidays when there are leftovers to use up But one question has sparked intense debate among turkey salad aficionados – do you put eggs in turkey salad? Strong opinions abound on both sides As a longtime turkey salad enthusiast, I decided to dig into this issue and uncover the origins, pros and cons, and best practices around eggs in turkey salad.

A Look Back at Turkey Salad History

While turkey salad recipes exist going back over a hundred years, the dish became especially popular in the American South in the late 19th century as a way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals. The traditional Southern recipe was simple – chopped turkey, mayonnaise, celery, onions. But modern turkey salad evolved over time into a more customizable dish enjoyed year-round.

Which brings us to the great egg debate When did adding eggs come into practice? It’s not entirely clear, but eggs seem to have joined the turkey salad party somewhere along the way as creative cooks experimented with different add-ins Nonetheless, eggs remain controversial to this day.

The Case For and Against Eggs

Pro-egg turkey salad makers argue the eggs provide extra protein, a creamy texture, and a delicious flavor The egg yolks in particular can make the salad extra rich and moist.

However, anti-egg folks find eggs overpowering in turkey salad. They point out that turkey on its own has a delicate flavor that can be overwhelmed. And the egg texture can seem out of place or clash with the other ingredients.

How Eggs Impact Nutrition and Texture

From a nutritional standpoint, eggs do boost the protein and vitamin content of turkey salad. Just one large egg contains about 6 grams of protein and provides vitamins A, B2, B5, B12, iron, and selenium. So adding 1-2 eggs per batch enhances the nutrient density.

Texture-wise, eggs make turkey salad creamier, especially when hard boiled and chopped or crumbled into the mix. The egg yolks act as a natural emulsifier. But as opponents note, overchopped eggs can lead to a dense, sticky texture. Moderation is key for optimal smoothness and moisture.

Creative Substitutes for Eggs in Turkey Salad

For those who want to skip the eggs but retain moisture, there are creative substitutes:

• Mashed avocado
• Hummus
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Soft tofu
• Mayo thinned with milk or lemon juice
• Silken tofu
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese
• Cream cheese

These provide creaminess without quite the same flavor and texture as chopped eggs. But they can still make delicious and nutritious egg-free turkey salads.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Salad with Eggs

If you’re firmly pro-egg, there are tasty ways to serve your egg-enhanced turkey salad:

• On bread, croissants, or rolls for turkey salad sandwiches
• Wrapped in lettuce leaves or stuffed in tomatoes
• Alongside fresh fruit like grapes or melon
• On top of leafy greens for a salad
• With crackers or pretzel crisps for dipping
• In avocado halves instead of chicken salad
• As a dip with veggie sticks
• As a stuffing for cored bell peppers
• Alongside bacon, ham, or prosciutto
• Topped with toasted nuts or seeds
• Accompanied by a wedge of cheese

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley can also complement turkey-egg salad beautifully.

Best Practices for Delicious Turkey Salad

Whichever camp you’re in, these tips will help ensure turkey salad success:

• Use high quality mayo – A quality mayo makes all the difference. Duke’s, Hellman’s, and homemade mayo are top choices.

• Don’t overmix – For the best texture, stir just until combined versus mixing vigorously.

• Season generously – Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, and lemon juice.

• Chill thoroughly – Let the salad rest in the fridge for 1-3 hours for best flavor.

• Use fresh herbs – Fresh dill, parsley, chives, etc. add lovely flavor.

• Toast the nuts – For crunch, lightly toast pecans, walnuts, or almonds first.

• Use crisp greens – Avoid soggy lettuce. Romaine, spinach, or arugula are great bases under the salad.

• Add crunch – In addition to nuts, consider celery, jicama, grapes, or apples for juicy crunch.

• Swap in rotisserie chicken or ham – For variety, use leftover chicken, ham, or roast beef instead of turkey sometimes.

The Verdict on Eggs in Turkey Salad

At the end of the day, whether to add eggs comes down to personal preference. I suggest trying turkey salad both ways and seeing which version you love best. For me, I’ve come to appreciate a few chopped hard boiled eggs in moderation for their flavor and creaminess. But I also sometimes enjoy eggless turkey salads with avocado or Greek yogurt instead.

The most important thing is using high quality ingredients and seasoning boldly. With TLC and practice, you can craft a sensational turkey salad with or without eggs. Experiment and have fun with different add-ins until you create your signature turkey salad masterpiece.