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Lithuanian Egg Salad With Cheese (Pikantiškos Salotos)
This traditional Lithuanian egg salad, also known as Pikantiškos Salotos, is a creamy, cheesy, garlicky dish that's quick to make and perfect for everything from sandwiches to appetizers. A delicious post-Easter favorite and a nostalgic taste of Lithuania 🇱🇹. Coarsely grated eggs, sharp cheddar, and a punch of garlic give it its unique flavor!
Equipment
- Grater (for eggs and cheese)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife & chopping board
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 100 g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp (60g) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cook for 10 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to an ice bath and let them cool completely. Then peel.
- Coarsely grate the peeled eggs and cheddar cheese into a large bowl.
- Add the minced garlic, mayonnaise, and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper (adjust depending on the cheese’s saltiness).
- Mix everything well until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.
Notes
Looking for a unique twist on the classic egg salad? 🇱🇹 Pikantiškos Salotos, or Lithuanian Egg Salad With Cheese, is a beloved staple in many Lithuanian homes. Creamy, garlicky, and delightfully cheesy, this simple recipe is perfect as a sandwich filling, a party appetizer, or a nostalgic dish to bring back childhood memories. Whether you enjoy it after Easter or whip it up for a quick lunch, this salad is bound to become a new favorite!
🥚 What Makes Lithuanian Egg Salad Special?
Unlike your typical egg salad, Lithuanian egg salad always includes cheese — usually a sharp cheddar or mellow Gouda — for extra flavor and richness. 🧀 Instead of mashing the yolks separately, the entire hard-boiled egg is coarsely grated, giving it a rustic texture that's super satisfying. This dish is especially popular after Easter, when there’s an abundance of beautifully dyed hard-boiled eggs ready to be repurposed. It’s a tradition that brings together practicality and deliciousness in one bowl!🥪 How To Serve Pikantiškos Salotos
This versatile egg salad can be used in so many delicious ways:- 🥬 In lettuce wraps – fresh and low-carb
- 🥐 Stuffed into buttery croissants – indulgent and brunch-perfect
- 🌯 Rolled into wraps with crunchy veggies for extra texture
- 🥄 Spoon into vol-au-vents for elegant party appetizers
- 🍞 Classic egg salad sandwiches – perfect for lunchboxes or picnics
🧾 Ingredients (Only 6!)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this traditional Lithuanian salad:- 🥚 3 large eggs, hard-boiled
- 🧀 100g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (Gouda or Jarlsberg also work great!)
- 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste — traditionally, it’s garlicky!)
- 🥄 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (you can replace 1/3 with sour cream if preferred)
- 🌿 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or use dill/chives)
- 🧂 Salt & black pepper, to taste
🔄 Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Want to personalize it? Try these tasty mix-ins:- 🧅 Finely chopped green onions or red onion
- 🥒 A spoonful of sweet pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles
- 🍋 A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- 🍈 A pinch of nutmeg (my secret ingredient!)
- 🥄 A teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick
- 🫒 Black olives, finely chopped — a great Mediterranean twist
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Eggs
Place eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with cold water (about 1 inch above eggs). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.Transfer eggs to an ice bath immediately to stop cooking. ❄️
Let them cool completely, then peel.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
- Coarsely grate the hard-boiled eggs and cheese into a bowl.
- Add minced garlic, mayonnaise, and chopped herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Careful with the salt if using sharp cheese!)
- Mix everything well until combined.
🧊 Storage Tips
- 🧺 Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- ❌ Don’t freeze – the mayo and eggs don’t thaw well.
- ⚠️ Room temp: Don’t leave the salad out for more than 2 hours.
❓ FAQs
Is Lithuanian Egg Salad Keto-Friendly?
Absolutely! It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it great for keto lifestyles 🥑Can I Use Other Cheeses?
Yes! While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with Jarlsberg, Edam, or even a touch of smoked cheese for depth.Do You Eat Egg Salad Warm or Cold?
Always serve cold — that’s the classic way in Lithuania and beyond.🧰 Equipment You’ll Need
- Grater (for eggs and cheese)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife & chopping board
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Only 6 ingredients
- ✅ Ready in under 20 minutes
- ✅ Customizable to your taste
- ✅ A delicious way to use leftover eggs
- ✅ A comforting, nostalgic dish straight from Lithuania’s heart 🇱🇹
