There's something irresistibly nostalgic about the combination of creamy deviled eggs and classic macaroni salad. This Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad brings the best of both worlds to your table with its rich, tangy flavor, smooth texture, and just the right touch of crunch.
I first whipped up this dish for a summer potluck, hoping to merge two crowd-pleasers into one. The bowl was empty before the burgers even hit the grill—and it’s been on repeat in our house ever since. Whether you're serving it alongside barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is bound to impress.
Once you try this, you'll never look at deviled eggs or pasta salad the same way again.
Why You’ll Love This Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad
Get ready to add a new staple to your warm-weather recipe list. This Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad is more than just a side—it's the star of any picnic table.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With only a few simple ingredients and basic prep work, you can have this salad mixed and chilled in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish, freeing up your hands (and stove) on busy days.
It’s also wonderfully budget-friendly. Eggs and pasta are pantry staples, and the rest of the ingredients—like mayo, mustard, and pickles—are probably already in your fridge. Feeding a crowd without spending a fortune? Check.
This recipe is great for entertaining. Whether you're bringing it to a family reunion or serving it at a backyard BBQ, it scales beautifully and holds up well even after sitting out for a bit.
And finally, it’s kid-approved and picky-eater friendly. The creamy texture, familiar flavors, and slight tanginess make it appealing to all ages. You might even find yourself making a double batch—just to keep some in the fridge for snacking!
Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this salad is so much more than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient in this Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad is chosen to replicate the classic deviled egg flavor, while transforming it into a satisfying and hearty pasta salad.
Macaroni is the base of the salad, and elbow macaroni works best. Its curves and hollows soak up the creamy dressing perfectly, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. If you’re out of elbows, small shells or ditalini also work well.
Hard-boiled eggs are the heart of this recipe. Use fresh eggs and cook them until the yolks are fully set but not dry. Chopping the whites and mashing the yolks separately before folding them in creates a texture reminiscent of deviled eggs.
Mayonnaise gives the salad its rich, creamy body. For best results, use a good-quality mayo like Duke’s or Hellmann’s. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a half-and-half blend of mayo and sour cream.
Yellow mustard adds that tangy kick you expect in a deviled egg. You can also experiment with Dijon for a slightly sharper edge or mix in a touch of vinegar if you like more acidity.
Relish or chopped pickles provide crunch and brightness. Sweet relish lends a classic flavor, but dill relish works beautifully too, especially if you enjoy a little extra tang. A bit of the pickle juice stirred into the dressing amps up the flavor even more.
You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, a medium saucepan to boil your eggs and pasta, and a sharp knife for chopping your mix-ins.
How To Make This Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad
Creating this creamy, flavor-packed pasta salad is quick and straightforward. Here's how to bring it all together.
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until just tender—al dente is key here. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles down for salad assembly.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your hard-boiled eggs. Once boiled and cooled, peel them and separate the yolks from the whites. Mash the yolks in a small bowl with your mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper to create a deviled egg-style filling.
Chop the egg whites and fold them gently into your dressing mixture. This helps mimic the flavor and texture of traditional deviled eggs, but in a creamy, scoopable form.
Transfer your cooked, cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the deviled egg dressing over it and mix well until every noodle is coated. At this stage, you can also stir in optional mix-ins like diced celery, red onion, or paprika.
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
Total time? About 25 minutes of prep, plus chilling. You’ll be rewarded with a creamy, tangy, hearty salad that tastes even better the next day.
Storage Options
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead option for parties or meal prep.
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to stir it before serving, as some separation may occur during storage.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing doesn't hold up well to thawing. The texture becomes watery, and the eggs may take on a rubbery texture.
For leftovers, consider portioning them into single-serving containers—perfect for lunches or snacks throughout the week.
When reheating isn’t needed (it’s best served cold or room temperature), just give it a stir and maybe an extra spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar to freshen it up.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad lies in how easy it is to customize. Here are some of our favorite ways to mix things up.
If you want to add protein, toss in diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even shredded chicken. These additions make it hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
Prefer a little spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even finely diced jalapeños. Spicy mustard is another excellent substitute for yellow mustard if you like heat with your tang.
For a lighter version, swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or an avocado-based dressing. It won’t be quite as traditional, but it’s still creamy and satisfying.
To boost the crunch, stir in finely chopped celery, red bell pepper, or even shredded carrots. These add texture and a pop of color without overpowering the dish.
And don’t be afraid to play with herbs—chopped chives, fresh dill, or parsley can brighten up the flavor and make it feel even more homemade.
Whether you're sticking to the classic or experimenting with your own twist, this salad is as flexible as it is delicious.
PrintDeviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe
This creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of deviled eggs with tender macaroni and a tangy, savory dressing. A perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings, this recipe features hard-boiled eggs, macaroni pasta, mayonnaise, mustard, and flavorful seasoning. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
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6 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup chopped celery
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¼ cup chopped red onion
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Optional garnish: sliced green onions or extra paprika
Instructions
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Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
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In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Stir in chopped celery and red onion.
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Gently fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs and cooled macaroni.
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Mix until everything is evenly coated.
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Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
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Garnish with green onions or paprika, if desired.
Notes
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For extra flavor, use a mix of Dijon and yellow mustard.
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Make ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
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Adjust mayo and mustard to taste for creaminess and tang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
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