A creamy, flavor-packed pasta salad that combines the richness of deviled eggs with the comfort of classic macaroni. It’s tangy, savory, and the perfect dish for potlucks, cookouts, or make-ahead lunches.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Dietary Info: Contains Eggs | Contains Gluten | Vegetarian
📝 Ingredients Checklist
Eggs:
12 large eggs (hard-boiled and peeled)
Pasta:
450 g elbow macaroni (cooked and cooled)
Dressing:
240 ml mayonnaise
60 ml yellow mustard
15 ml apple cider vinegar
5 g granulated sugar
2.5 g garlic powder
2.5 g paprika (plus extra for garnish)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables:
70 g celery (finely chopped)
70 g red onion (finely chopped)
35 g dill pickles (finely chopped)
Herbs (Optional):
8 g fresh parsley (chopped, for color and freshness)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggs
Halve all hard-boiled eggs. Scoop the yolks into a large mixing bowl and chop the whites. Set whites aside.
2. Make the Dressing
Mash the egg yolks until smooth. Add mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to create a creamy deviled egg-style dressing.
3. Combine the Salad
To the dressing, add cooked and cooled macaroni, chopped egg whites, celery, red onion, dill pickles, and parsley. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
4. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color and deviled egg flair.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
🧊 Chill Time Matters: Let the salad rest overnight for the best flavor development.
🥚 Perfect Eggs: Use older eggs—they peel easier after boiling.
🧂 Season Last-Minute: Taste before serving—flavors deepen over time, and you may need to adjust seasoning.
🍴 Texture Balance: Dice vegetables finely for better bite and even texture throughout.
🥗 Classic Meets Creative
This salad is everything you love about deviled eggs, blended with creamy, tangy macaroni salad for the ultimate side dish upgrade. It’s rich, zesty, and dotted with crunch from pickles and celery—pure backyard BBQ gold.
👨🍳 Cooking Walkthrough
Hard-Boiling Eggs
Place eggs in cold water, bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 12 minutes. Cool in an ice bath for easy peeling.
Mixing & Texture
Mash yolks smooth for a cohesive dressing. Use a fork or whisk to work out lumps before adding the other ingredients.
Tip: Stir gently once everything is combined to avoid breaking the pasta or over-mixing.
🧂 Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Protein Boost:
Add chopped bacon or diced ham
Top with extra sliced hard-boiled eggs for presentation
Flavor Tweaks:
Use Dijon mustard for a sharper kick
Try smoked paprika or cayenne for more heat
Add a splash of pickle juice to amp up the tang
Dietary Adjustments:
Gluten-Free: Use GF elbow pasta
Lower Fat: Swap in Greek yogurt for half the mayo
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve With:
Grilled meats (burgers, chicken, ribs)
Sandwiches or wraps
Roasted veggies for a vegetarian plate
Garnish Ideas:
Extra chopped parsley
Crumbled bacon
A few sliced pickles on top for flair
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Make Ahead:
Best made the night before! The flavors intensify beautifully with a few hours of chill time.
Not Freezer Friendly:
Mayo-based dressings tend to break down when frozen, so enjoy fresh!
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 370
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrates: 33 g
Protein: 13 g
Allergens: Eggs, Gluten (from pasta), Dairy (if using certain mayonnaise brands)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought hard-boiled eggs?
A: Yes! It saves time—just make sure they’re fresh and not overcooked.
Q: Can I use pasta shells or other shapes?
A: Absolutely. Just be sure it holds sauce well—shells, rotini, or bowties are all great options.
Q: Is this safe for outdoor events?
A: Yes, but keep it chilled until serving and don’t let it sit out more than 2 hours.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Try adding hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or cayenne powder to the dressing.
💬 The Ultimate Party Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is the crowd-favorite side you didn’t know you needed. Creamy, tangy, nostalgic, and just a little unexpected—this one goes fast. Make it once, and it’ll become a permanent fixture on your potluck table.
Craving more creamy sides? Check out my [Loaded Ranch Potato Salad] or [Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad] next!
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or social media-ready graphic for this one!