Name: Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 6 large eggs; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; Salt and pepper to taste; Paprika (optional, for garnish); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad brings together two beloved dishes—deviled eggs and macaroni salad—into one irresistible side dish. The creamy dressing, tangy mustard, and savory egg flavors blend seamlessly with the al dente macaroni, creating a comforting and satisfying salad. Perfect for potlucks or summer picnics, this dish is both filling and flavorful. It’s also versatile, as you can adjust the seasoning and ingredients based on your preferences, making it an ideal choice for various occasions.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
6 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle relish
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika, for garnish (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
While the macaroni is cooling, place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Remove the eggs from the heat, cool them in an ice bath or under cold running water, peel, and chop them into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard as needed.
Garnish with paprika and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Spicy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.
Bacon Lovers: For a smoky flavor, stir in crispy crumbled bacon or add it as a topping.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use a plant-based mayo for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Pickle-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of pickles, swap the relish for chopped celery or bell peppers for added crunch and freshness.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh dill, chives, or parsley to the salad for a fresh herbaceous touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so it doesn’t need reheating. Simply take it out of the fridge before serving. If it thickens up too much after chilling, you can stir in a little extra mayo or a splash of vinegar to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually benefits from chilling for a few hours or overnight. It allows the flavors to blend together more fully.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with any small pasta such as rotini, shell, or penne.

3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayonnaise for a healthier alternative, though it will alter the flavor and texture slightly.

4. How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?

To avoid overcooking, bring the eggs to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add diced celery, bell peppers, or onions for extra crunch and flavor.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free elbow macaroni, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

7. Can I freeze Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the mayonnaise and pasta may change when thawed.

8. How can I make this salad creamy without using mayonnaise?

You can make a creamy dressing with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a mixture of both to replace the mayonnaise.

9. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by using vegan mayo and egg substitutes (like tofu or a chickpea-based “egg”), you can easily make this recipe vegan-friendly.

10. How long can I store this salad?

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines the best of both deviled eggs and macaroni salad into one irresistible side. With its rich, tangy dressing and tender macaroni, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or potlucks. Easy to prepare and customizable to your tastes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.