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Rich and deeply satisfying this carnivore egg salad is dedicated to those who crave maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Creamy eggs blend with a trio of decadent fats bacon crispiness adds savor and the result is a deeply nourishing lunch or snack that is endlessly adaptable for carnivore and keto-lovers alike. After sharing it at a family barbecue it became my go-to meal prep essential for busy weeks with its timeless comfort appeal.
After my first batch I realized how fast this egg salad became a favorite I even bring it to work for easy lunches that keep me full all afternoon
Ingredients
- Pasture-raised eggs: provide superior texture and a rich orange yolk color Switch to free-range if needed for taste and ethics
- High-quality mayonnaise: made with avocado oil is key for creaminess Choose brands with minimal additives and clean ingredients
- Salted butter: brings depth and smooth richness Look for grass-fed and softened at room temperature
- Rendered bacon fat: is liquid gold for flavor Reserve drippings from your own cooked bacon and let it cool for best results
- Fine sea salt: draws out subtle flavors Use a real mineral sea salt for the biggest difference
- Freshly ground black pepper: adds mild heat and cuts through fat Grind fresh just before adding for maximum aroma
- Finely chopped crispy bacon: provides savory crunch Cook it fresh for best contrast and drain well
- Beef tallow: makes a unique rich garnish Drizzle if you want an ultra-carnivore finish Select grass-fed for optimal nutrition
Instructions
- Perfectly Hard-Boil Your Eggs:
- Place all eight eggs in a single layer in a medium saucepan Fill with cold water until the eggs are fully submerged by at least an inch Bring water to a roaring boil over the highest heat Watch for large bubbling then instantly cover the pan with a snug lid Remove from heat straight away and let the eggs rest for precisely twelve minutes Fill a big bowl with ice and water almost to the top When time is up transfer eggs immediately to the ice bath using a slotted spoon Chill for at least fifteen minutes for the creamiest results
- Prepare Your Creamy Fat Base:
- While the eggs cool add the mayonnaise softened butter and bacon fat to a large mixing bowl Whisk these together until you have a silky base that is pale yellow and slightly fluffy This fat mixture is the backbone of the flavor and helps the salad come together luxuriously Hold off on salt and pepper for now to avoid over-seasoning
- Peel and Chop Your Eggs:
- After chilling grab each egg and gently crack the shell all over on your counter Roll in your palms to loosen the membrane and start peeling at the wide end where there is an air pocket Running the eggs under cool water peels them more easily Pat each dry with a kitchen towel For classic texture chop the eggs into small pieces with a sharp knife aiming for quarter-inch chunks Smoother salads can be made by mashing with a fork but the knife method makes a nice contrast in every bite
- Combine Everything Together:
- Tip your chopped eggs into the mixing bowl Sprinkle the salt and pepper all over Gently fold using a spatula making sure to coat each egg piece with the creamy fat base Add chopped bacon pieces last to preserve their crunch Stir just enough to evenly combine Taste now and tweak the seasoning if you want to remember as the salad chills flavors intensify
- Chill and Serve to Perfection:
- Spoon the combined salad into an airtight container Refrigerate for no less than two hours This stage merges flavors and firms up the fats When ready to serve stir lightly then eat straight with a spoon or for a decadent touch top with extra crispy bacon or drizzle with beef tallow for depth Serve cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for best texture
Mayonnaise is my personal hero ingredient because of its creamy mouthfeel and how beautifully it binds everything together This recipe is also linked to Sunday brunches at my aunt’s house where it became an unexpectedly popular side dish that everyone craved
Storage and Leftover Tips
To keep your salad tasting fresh always store it in an airtight glass or BPA-free plastic container Chilling deepens the flavors and helps the fats set If making ahead add bacon garnish only before serving to avoid sogginess Egg salad holds its texture for up to four days in the refrigerator If you notice any separation from the fats stir gently and it should return to its creamy state If you like a firmer salad use less mayonnaise To thaw from frozen just place in the refrigerator overnight Stir upon thawing for best texture You might choose to reserve bacon bits separately and add fresh after thawing for crunch
Easy Ingredient Swaps
No beef tallow Try a bit of ghee or skip the garnish Out of avocado oil mayo Choose regular but stick to clean minimal-ingredient brands for pure flavor Looking for even more richness Hard-boil some extra yolks only and add for extra body If bacon is not on hand crumbled cooked sausage can give a new layer of flavor Customize with your favorite carnivore proteins
Perfect Ways to Serve This
Eat with a fork straight from the fridge or at cool room temperature Serve spooned inside halved avocado or over thick tomato slices if you want a low-carb but non-carnivore twist Spread on a well-cooked, butter-fried carnivore crispbread or tuck inside lettuce leaves for packable finger food I once packed it into hollow boiled eggs for a double egg treat great for picnics
The Story Behind This Recipe
I first pulled together this recipe after a friend challenged me to create the creamiest carnivore egg salad possible without any plant ingredients except salt and pepper My family immediately devoured it and now no picnic or lunchbox is complete without a batch One friend even calls it comfort food in a bowl At potlucks it always goes first people are surprised it is that satisfying without bread or crunchy veggies
Adapting for Every Season
Cooler weather Try serving it warm by skipping the post-chill drizzle hot beef tallow right before eating In summer eat chilled straight from the fridge or pair with a grilled steak for hearty protein lunch For holidays shape into mounds and sprinkle extra bacon on top to make it festive If you want variety hard-boil the eggs with smoked salt for a barbecue-inspired flavor
A Few More Quick Cooking Notes
Chill the salad well for best flavor development You can multiply this by any number for big batches Always use a timer when boiling for perfect yolks every time
What People Are Saying
This recipe is a favorite among my carnivore and paleo friends Everyone remarks on the creaminess and how filling it is Perfect quick lunch for anyone needing serious energy during a busy day
Freezer Meal Conversion
Egg salad does freeze with minor texture changes Place in a freezer-safe container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed flat against the salad surface Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating Mix in fresh bacon after thawing for crisp bite
This ultra-creamy carnivore egg salad delivers comfort and nourishment in every bite. Any time you crave a deeply satisfying and effortless meal this recipe is ready to become your new favorite.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ensure perfectly cooked eggs?
Carefully boil eggs, then immediately transfer to an ice bath for at least fifteen minutes. This prevents overcooking and ensures easy peeling.
- → What makes this dish 'carnivore' style?
It features only animal-based ingredients: eggs, bacon, butter, mayo (with animal fats), and optional beef tallow, without plant foods.
- → Can I use a different fat instead of avocado mayo?
Yes, any high-quality animal fat-based mayo or even more butter can be used to create a creamy base.
- → How do I keep the salad creamy and not dry?
Gently fold in the fats and mayo with eggs and bacon, and chill thoroughly to let everything meld into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- → What’s the best way to serve?
Serve cold straight from the fridge, optionally topped with extra bacon or drizzled with melted beef tallow for a decadent touch.