Let’s be real, eggs are basically a luxury item these days. They cost so much I’m surprised they’re not displayed in a glass case at the grocery store. So, if you’re going to dye them, you might as well do it right. Forget those little fizzy tablets that turn your fingers Smurf blue and blood red. This year, we’re going natural. You’ll get beautifully muted, earthy tones that look like they came straight from an overpriced Etsy shop, and the best part? You can make a killer egg salad when you’re done. No waste!
The Basics: How It Works
Natural dyes come from things you probably already have in your kitchen or fridge. The concept is simple: boil the ingredients to extract the color, soak the eggs in the dye bath, and let science do its thing. The longer they sit, the deeper the colors. It’s easy, fun, and makes you feel vaguely like a pioneer woman—minus the dysentery.
What You’ll Need
• Eggs (obviously, but I feel obligated to say it)
• White vinegar (makes the colors stick)
• Water
• Natural ingredients for dyeing (see below)
Dye Ingredients and Colors They Magically Create
• Red Cabbage = Blue (because nature is weird like that)
• Yellow Onion Skins = Orange/Golden Brown
• Beets = Pink (as long as you don’t mind your kitchen smelling earthy for a bit)
•. Turmeric = Bright Yellow (bonus: your countertops will never be the same, kidding- place a towel down to avoid staining)
• Spinach or Parsley = Pale Green (requires patience but worth it)
• Coffee or Tea = Light Brown (perfect for that rustic, Instagram-worthy vibe)
How to Make the Dye
1. Chop and Simmer: Roughly chop your veggies (or just toss in the peels) and throw them in a pot. Add 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
2. Boil and Steep: Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more intense the color. Let it cool to room temp if you don’t want to crack your eggs.
3. Strain and Pour: Strain the liquid into a bowl or jar. Now you have your dye bath.
Dye Those Expensive Beauties
1. Hard-boil your eggs (12 minutes in boiling water, then straight into an ice bath).
2. Place the eggs in the dye bath. For pale colors, soak for 30 minutes. For rich, deep colors, leave them in the fridge overnight.
3. Pull them out, marvel at your work, and pat yourself on the back for being so crafty.
Pro Tips for Eggcellence
• For a marbled effect, wrap the eggs in onion skins before boiling.
• Want speckled eggs? Dab with a paper towel while they’re still damp.
• If you’re feeling fancy, add a little olive oil at the end for a glossy finish.
Wait, Don’t Toss Those Eggs—Make This Killer Egg Salad Instead
After all that effort, you deserve something delicious. And honestly, nothing hits quite like a good egg salad. It’s comforting, easy, and perfect for using up those beautifully dyed eggs before they stink up your fridge.
Ingredients
• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 3 tablespoons mayo (or Greek yogurt if you’re pretending to be healthy)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (because we’re not animals)
• 1 tablespoon dill relish (optional but highly recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A dash of paprika if you’re feeling fancy
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mash the eggs with a fork. Chunky or smooth—it’s your call.
2. Add the mayo, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
3. Sprinkle with paprika if you want to impress yourself.
4. Serve on toasted bread, in a lettuce wrap, or eat it straight out of the bowl standing over the sink. No judgment here.
Now go forth: dye and eat those overpriced eggs! You’ll feel crafty, your Instagram will look amazing, and you’ll have a fridge full of egg salad. Win-win.