Introduction
There’s something timeless and comforting about a Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe. Imagine the creamy richness of classic deviled eggs blending with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, savory dressing—it’s the best of both worlds. This dish transforms the flavors you love from deviled eggs into a hearty, satisfying macaroni salad that’s perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or simply a weekday lunch.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert cooking tips, storage methods, and tasty variations. Whether you’re making a Southern Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad for a potluck or a Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad for meal prep, this recipe guarantees flavor, nostalgia, and plenty of compliments.
Why You’ll Love This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe
Flavor-packed – Creamy, tangy, and savory, with the richness of eggs and crunch of celery.
Simple ingredients – Pantry staples come together for a fuss-free recipe.
Perfect for gatherings – A classic side dish that complements BBQ, grilled meats, or sandwiches.
Customizable – Swap pasta shapes, adjust seasoning, or add proteins like ham or bacon.
Meal-prep friendly – Keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Budget-friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Family favorite – Even picky eaters love the balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Healthy twist possible – Sub with Greek yogurt or light mayo for a lighter version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe lies in how each ingredient contributes to flavor, texture, and balance.
Elbow macaroni (8 oz) – Holds the creamy dressing in every bite. Can substitute ditalini or shells.
Hard-boiled eggs (6, chopped) – The star of the dish, delivering richness and that deviled-egg essence.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Adds crunch and freshness.
Red onion (1/4 cup, chopped) – Provides tang and color contrast. Green onions work for a milder taste.
Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – Herbal freshness that brightens the salad.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup) – Creamy base of the dressing. Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Yellow mustard (2 tbsp) – Adds tang and signature deviled egg flavor. Dijon can work for more sharpness.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) – Balances richness and enhances freshness.
Sweet pickle relish (1 tbsp) – Classic deviled egg sweetness; dill pickle relish works too.
Paprika (1/2 tsp) – Adds gentle warmth and color.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp) – Depth of flavor without harsh bite.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) – Rounds out the dressing.
Salt & pepper (to taste) – Adjust seasoning to preference.
👉 Pro Tip: Use cold, firm hard-boiled eggs for easy chopping and best texture.
How to Make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe
Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect creamy salad:
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7–8 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes.
Drain, cool under cold water, peel, and chop into small chunks.
Step 3 – Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, relish, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning—this dressing should be tangy and flavorful.
Step 4 – Assemble the Salad
Add cooked macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and parsley into the bowl with dressing.
Gently stir until everything is well coated.
Step 5 – Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
Garnish with extra paprika or parsley before serving.
👉 Science Tip: Pasta absorbs flavors better once cooled—chilling time makes a huge difference!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
How do you keep macaroni salad from drying out?
Always chill it covered, and if making ahead, reserve some extra dressing to stir in before serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just stir before serving.
What’s the best pasta for macaroni salad?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, rotini, or ditalini work just as well.
Can I make it healthier?
Absolutely—swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, and add more fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumber.
Best Ways to Serve
This Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad pairs beautifully with:
BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or brisket
Grilled chicken or steak
Sandwiches like a South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich or Gourmet Ciabatta Sandwich
Holiday meals like Easter, Thanksgiving, or 4th of July picnics
Nutrition Facts (per serving, about 1 cup)
Calories: 260
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 340mg
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Iron: 8% DV
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended—pasta and mayo-based dressing don’t thaw well.
Make-ahead: Prepare 24 hours in advance and stir in fresh herbs before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pasta for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh-cooked pasta works best for texture.
What can I substitute for relish?
Chopped pickles or capers add a tangy bite if you don’t have relish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check condiments for GF labeling.
How long can it sit out at a picnic?
No longer than 2 hours—keep chilled to prevent spoilage.
Variations
Southern Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad – Add crumbled bacon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Old-Fashioned Egg Macaroni Salad – Skip relish and stick to mayo, mustard, and paprika.
Healthy version – Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt, and extra veggies.
Protein-packed – Stir in diced ham, tuna, or shredded chicken.
Spicy twist – Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the dressing.
Conclusion
This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe is creamy, tangy, and comforting—a dish that bridges the nostalgia of deviled eggs with the heartiness of pasta salad. Whether you’re bringing it to a cookout, serving it with BBQ, or enjoying it as a make-ahead lunch, it’s guaranteed to impress.