Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is everything you love about deviled eggs, but in the form of a hearty salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor from the hard-boiled eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish. The macaroni adds texture and a perfect base, making this dish a great complement to grilled meats, sandwiches, or fresh vegetables. It’s simple to prepare and can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something comforting, this macaroni salad is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs, hard boiled and chopped

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, pickle relish, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

3. Pour the dressing mixture over the macaroni and eggs. Gently fold the ingredients together until well-coated.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chill time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add bacon: For a smoky, crispy touch, chop some cooked bacon and mix it into the salad.

• Add celery or onions: If you enjoy a crunchier texture, finely chop celery or onions to add some freshness.

• Use Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.

• Make it spicy: Add a little bit of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to give the salad a spicy kick.

• Change the pasta shape: Feel free to use any small pasta like rotini or shells if you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Just bring it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can substitute regular yellow mustard for Dijon mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.

2. How can I make the macaroni salad less creamy?

To reduce the creaminess, you can cut back on the mayonnaise and add a little more vinegar or lemon juice for tang.

3. Can I prepare this salad the night before?

Yes, this salad is even better when allowed to chill overnight, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

4. Is there a substitute for sweet pickle relish?

You can use dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles for a different twist.

5. Can I use any type of pasta for this salad?

Yes, any small pasta like shells, rotini, or farfalle will work well in this salad.

6. Can I make this salad without eggs?

If you have an egg allergy or prefer not to use eggs, you can skip them, but the flavor and texture will be different. Consider adding extra vegetables for crunch.

7. How do I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, substitute the eggs with mashed tofu or chickpeas, and replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative.

8. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, adding cubed cheese like cheddar or mozzarella can give the salad an extra creamy texture and flavor.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pasta.

10. Can I freeze this macaroni salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the mayonnaise can separate when thawed, which affects the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a flavorful, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of deviled eggs and macaroni creates a hearty side dish that will satisfy your taste buds. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for gatherings and meal prep alike. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.