Name: Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 large eggs – Fresh eggs work best for clean peeling (substitute: duck eggs for larger portions); 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base (substitute: Greek yogurt for lighter option); 2 tablespoons yellow mustard – Adds tangy flavor (substitute: Dijon for sharper taste); 1 tablespoon white vinegar – Enhances flavor balance; Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasoning; Black food coloring – Creates spooky darkness; Orange food coloring – For Halloween orange hues; Black olives – Perfect for creating “spider” bodies; Chives or green onions – Makes excellent “spider legs”; Paprika – Adds eerie red coloring; Cream cheese – For white “ghost” decorations

Ingredients

12 large eggs – Fresh eggs work best for clean peeling (substitute: duck eggs for larger portions)

1/2 cup mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base (substitute: Greek yogurt for lighter option)

2 tablespoons yellow mustard – Adds tangy flavor (substitute: Dijon for sharper taste)

1 tablespoon white vinegar – Enhances flavor balance

Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasoning

Black food coloring – Creates spooky darkness

Orange food coloring – For Halloween orange hues

Black olives – Perfect for creating “spider” bodies

Chives or green onions – Makes excellent “spider legs”

Paprika – Adds eerie red coloring

Cream cheese – For white “ghost” decorations

Instructions

Step 1: Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by one inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 12 minutes for perfectly cooked yolks without green rings.

Step 2: Transfer eggs immediately to an ice water bath to stop cooking process. This technique ensures easier peeling and prevents overcooking. Allow eggs to cool completely, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Gently crack and peel eggs under cool running water. Start peeling from the larger end where the air pocket exists. Pat dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Slice eggs in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Remove yolks carefully and place in a mixing bowl. Arrange egg white halves on your serving platter, creating stable bases for your spooky creations.

Step 5: Mash egg yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Divide mixture into separate bowls for different colored variations. This creates your flavor foundation.

Step 6: Add black food coloring to one portion for “dirt” or “coal” effects. Mix orange coloring into another portion for classic Halloween vibes. Leave one portion natural yellow for contrast and variety.

Step 7: Fill egg white halves with colored yolk mixtures using a spoon or piping bag. Create “spider” eggs by adding halved black olives as bodies and thin chive pieces as legs. Make “eyeball” eggs using small cream cheese dots with paprika centers.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh eggs for best peeling results, and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the yolk mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier filling without losing creaminess.

Try different food coloring shades or natural dyes like turmeric for yellow or beet juice for red for creative variations.

FAQs

Can I prepare these eggs in advance?

Yes, you can hard boil and peel the eggs a day ahead. Assemble them the day you plan to serve for the freshest presentation.

What can I use instead of food coloring?

Natural alternatives like ground turmeric for yellow, beet juice for red, or activated charcoal powder for black can work well and add interesting flavors.