Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: Pesto Egg Salad

Are you interested in creating Sargent Choice recipes with local produce this summer?

BU is excited to partner with ReVision Urban Farm and the Urban Farming Institute to offer CSA farm shares on campus.  ReVision Urban Farm and Urban Farming Institute are focused on ensuring that anyone can access local, nourishing produce.

What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and how does it work?

CSA is a way to connect with local farmers, and have guaranteed access to local seasonal produce during the summer and fall. A CSA share is a means of buying local food where you pay the cost upfront and receive local produce for the duration of the season, receiving vegetables, herbs, and fruits weekly. Paying for all or some of the share upfront allows the farm to purchase seeds, tools, and other equipment, as well as pay employees at the beginning of the season when expenses are high but sales are low.

More information can be found here:
BU Dining Service Website
ReVision Urban Farm Website
Urban Farming Institute Website

Sargent Choice Pesto Egg Salad

April 4, 2023
Abigail Morrissey, Nutrition Student

Why We Chose This Recipe

  • This recipe takes a basic egg salad sandwich to the next level by combining it with pesto, making the flavor even more enjoyable.
  • This recipe can be prepped at the beginning of the week and packed for a balanced, satisfying lunch during the busy school week.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home and Two Peas & Their Pod
Yield: about 2 sandwiches

Sandwich Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pesto, directions below (purchase pre-made pesto to save time)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of pepper
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 4 slices whole wheat bread, toasted
  • 1 cup spinach leaves

Pesto Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups packed spinach leaves
  • 1 cup packed basil leaves
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Making the pesto by hand mixing: mince spinach, basil, garlic, and cheese into very small pieces.  Place all pesto ingredients, including minced spinach and basil mixture, in a bowl to whisk or stir with a fork.
  2. Making the pesto with a food processor or blender: place olive oil, spinach, basil, garlic, lemon juice, cheese, salt, and pepper into a food processor or blender. Turn on the machine and blend for 30 seconds. Stop and scrape with a spatula and blend again until smooth.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Assembling the recipe: In a small bowl, combine the first five sandwich ingredients.  Gently stir in the chopped eggs.  Spread over two toast slices.  Top with spinach and the remaining toasted bread.  Enjoy!

    What We Liked

    • We loved the delicious smell and taste of the basil from the pesto with added spinach for more nutrients.
    • We liked this new take on egg salad because it provided a different flavor from the classic sandwich.
    • You can store the pesto for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the fridge or freeze for later.

      Suggestions

      • The pesto recipe is prepared separately and can be used as a spread on a sandwich or a sauce for whole wheat pasta as well.
      • We did not include the mayonnaise in the recipe because the pesto was creamy enough to make egg salad.

      Nutritional Value

      • This recipe is full of spinach that contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Adding spinach to the pesto recipe is a great way to incorporate leafy greens in a flavorful way. Spinach is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, and folate which all work to maintain proper cell function.
      • Whole wheat bread is a great source of carbohydrates and fiber. Carbohydrates provide a quicker energy source for your body and are the preferred fuel source for the brain, muscles, and red blood cells. Fiber helps control blood glucose and cholesterol levels in the body, as well as contributes to feeling fuller after eating fiber-containing foods. Fiber can also help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
      • Eggs are a great source of protein in this recipe. Protein is important to have in meals because it provides lasting satisfaction and satiety.