With the lifting of some lockdown restrictions approaches fast, it feels like we might actually get our lives back, eventually! In the meantime, I’m making the most of the days at home and especially in the garden when the weather is good.

OUTDOOR LUNCHING

There has been an opportunity in the last couple of weeks to grab a lunch outdoors, even though it may not be quite warm enough to have dinner outside yet. Well, unless it’s a barbecue and you’re well wrapped up for when the sun goes down.

This weekend, I’m keeping fingers crossed for a bit more sunshine so you can enjoy this fabulously simple egg salad for an al fresco lunch.

Getting away from any serious cooking, to create a fresh mix of tastes from readily available ingredients.

A SIMPLE FILLING

Egg mayo is one of my favourite things to put in a sandwich. But when you combine chopped hard boiled eggs with peppery rocket leaves, tomato and spring onion in a chunky mix, then dress with sweet chilli and Tabasco mayonnaise, an old favourite becomes a whole new ballgame! Vibrant flavours in an easy to make salad, served on toasted ciabatta.

EGG AND ROCKET SALAD

Ingredients (Serves 4)

8 fresh free range eggs 

2 good handfuls fresh rocket leaves, rinsed and dried

 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped 

4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced 

For the dressing:

3 tbsp mayonnaise 

2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 

Few drops Tabasco sauce (to taste)

 Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

• Hard boil the eggs then cool down by running under cold water. Crack shells and carefully peel.
• Quarter eggs and place in a bowl. Add rocket, tomatoes and spring onion.
• Mix mayonnaise with sweet chilli sauce and Tabasco. Season and stir.
• Spoon some dressing over the salad and toss gently through to coat lightly.
• Toast the bread. Arrange on warmed plates.
• Spoon salad over bread and serve remaining mayonnaise on the side.

EGG SALAD RECEIPT

Free range eggs half dozen €2.20 

Rocket 99c 

Tomatoes 99c 

Spring Onions bunch 49c

Mayonnaise 400g €2.00 (special offer)

Sweet Chilli Sauce 500mls €2.79

Tabasco Sauce 60mls €2.09

Total: €11.55