This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines the richness of classic deviled eggs with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. The tangy mustard dressing clings beautifully to the tender macaroni, while the crunch from celery and red onion adds the perfect texture. It’s a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish that will brighten any table, whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner. What’s even better is that this pasta salad is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The touch of paprika not only adds a hint of spice but also a lovely pop of color, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 10 eggs, hard-boiled
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 cup red onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half and place the yolks in a medium bowl. Chop the egg whites into small pieces and set them aside.
- Mash the yolks with a fork until fully broken up. Add mayonnaise, mustard, and relish to the yolks, and whisk until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, chopped egg whites, celery, and red onion.
- Stir the yolk mixture into the pasta and veggies until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to blend and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 611 | Servings: 8 servings
The Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that beautifully merges the classic flavors of deviled eggs with the comforting texture of pasta. It’s a dish that brings together the richness of creamy eggs, the tanginess of mustard and relish, and the crunch of fresh vegetables like celery and red onion. This pasta salad makes a perfect addition to any gathering, whether it’s a summer BBQ, a family potluck, or a casual weeknight dinner.
A Unique Twist on Two Favorites
What makes the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad so special is its unique combination of two beloved dishes: deviled eggs and pasta salad. On their own, both dishes are iconic crowd-pleasers. Deviled eggs are a staple at parties and gatherings, known for their creamy, tangy filling made from egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and relish. Pasta salad, on the other hand, is a cold, refreshing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and more. Combining these two into a single dish creates a bold and flavorful fusion that is both familiar and new.
The creamy yolk mixture in deviled eggs finds a perfect home in this pasta salad, acting as a rich and luscious dressing for the macaroni. The mustard and sweet pickle relish bring a delightful tang and sweetness to the mix, while the addition of celery and red onion provides a crunchy texture that contrasts the creaminess of the dressing. Each bite offers a well-balanced mix of flavors and textures, making this dish incredibly satisfying.
Why Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Stands Out
This dish stands out not just because of its flavor, but also due to its ease of preparation and versatility. It’s a recipe that can be made in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of their guests. The salad actually tastes better when made ahead of time, as the flavors have a chance to meld and intensify as it chills in the fridge.
The versatility of this dish also means that you can tailor it to suit your own preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can switch up the type of pasta used – elbow macaroni is traditional, but rotini or bowtie pasta would work just as well. If you’re looking to add even more flavor, you can toss in ingredients like fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), additional vegetables (like bell peppers or peas), or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad shines as a side dish, but it’s versatile enough to be a main course for lighter meals. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it an excellent pairing with grilled meats, such as burgers, steaks, or chicken. It also works wonderfully alongside sandwiches, cold cuts, or even other salads at a buffet-style meal.
For summer BBQs, this pasta salad is an absolute winner. Its cool, refreshing nature complements the smoky, bold flavors of barbecued meats, while its rich, creamy dressing adds a comforting element to the meal. Plus, the hard-boiled eggs give it a protein boost, making it a more substantial side dish than many other pasta salads.
During the holidays, this dish can be a great way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs, especially if you find yourself with extra eggs after Easter. It’s also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings, where it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. The familiar flavors of deviled eggs and the crowd-pleasing appeal of pasta salad ensure that it will be well-received at any event.
Tips for Success
There are a few key tips that can help you achieve the best possible version of this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. First and foremost, it’s essential to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, which will negatively affect the texture of the salad. After cooking the pasta, be sure to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool it down before mixing it with the other ingredients.
When preparing the hard-boiled eggs, make sure they are cooked through but not overdone. Overcooking the eggs can lead to rubbery whites and a greenish tinge around the yolk, which is less than ideal for both taste and presentation. The yolks should be fully cooked and firm, making them easy to mash into a smooth, creamy dressing.
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. If you prefer a bit more tang in your salad, you can increase the amount of mustard or add a splash of vinegar to the dressing. If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, stick with the sweet pickle relish, but if you prefer a more savory flavor, swap it out for dill pickle relish instead. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor than regular paprika.
Nutritional Considerations
The Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a fairly hearty dish, thanks to the combination of pasta and eggs. It’s a good source of protein, with the eggs contributing healthy fats and essential vitamins like B12 and D. The dish can be made lighter by substituting some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which will maintain the creaminess while reducing the overall calorie and fat content.
For those with dietary restrictions, this dish can be easily modified. If you’re catering to a gluten-free crowd, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. To make it suitable for vegetarians, ensure that all ingredients, particularly the mayonnaise, are plant-based. These small tweaks allow you to customize the recipe without sacrificing its flavor or appeal.
Conclusion:
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a delightful, flavorful, and versatile dish that is sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Its unique combination of creamy deviled eggs and classic pasta salad makes it a standout option for BBQs, potlucks, holidays, or even a simple family dinner. The rich and tangy dressing, paired with the crunchy vegetables and tender pasta, creates a dish that is both satisfying and comforting.
Whether you’re making this salad as a side for a summer cookout, or as a main dish for a light lunch, it’s sure to impress. Its ease of preparation, combined with the ability to make it ahead of time, makes it a convenient and practical choice for busy cooks. Plus, with so many ways to customize the ingredients and flavors, it’s a dish that you can truly make your own.
