Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of creamy deviled eggs and classic pasta salad. With the tangy flavor of mustard and vinegar combined with the richness of mayonnaise and sour cream, this dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a family dinner side dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious, creamy pasta salad with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to customize it to your taste. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite small pasta shape
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow, depending on your taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions for Making Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni (or your preferred small pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside to drain completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- Mix the Dressing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Vegetables
- Add the Cooked Pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the Veggies: Add the finely chopped celery, sliced green onions, and, if using, ¼ cup sweet pickle relish. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 4: Add the Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Chop the Eggs: Peel and chop the 6 hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces.
- Fold in the Eggs: Gently fold the chopped eggs into the pasta mixture, being careful not to mash them too much. The eggs should remain in chunks.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
- Garnish: Sprinkle a little extra paprika on top for a colorful finish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to cool completely.
Cooking Notes
- Pasta Shape: While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, feel free to use any small pasta shape like rotini, shells, or bowtie.
- Mustard Choice: For a milder flavor, use yellow mustard. For more tang, go with Dijon or even a spicy brown mustard for an extra kick.
- Pickle Relish: Sweet pickle relish adds a nice contrast to the savory flavors, but it’s entirely optional. You can omit it if you prefer a less sweet salad.
Variations of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Spicy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
If you like your deviled eggs with a kick, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing for some extra heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy mustard for more intense flavor.
Bacon Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
For an indulgent twist, add 4-6 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the pasta salad. The salty crunch of bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing and egg flavor.
Healthier Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt or use a light mayonnaise. This will give you the same creamy texture with fewer calories.
Keto Deviled Egg Salad
For a low-carb version, simply omit the pasta and increase the amount of eggs to 10-12. The salad will still have all the delicious flavors of deviled eggs, without the carbs from the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can make it up to 1 day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken slightly.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a stir before serving, as the pasta may absorb some of the dressing while it sits.
3. Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise. Keep in mind that it will change the overall taste, as Miracle Whip has a more tangy and sweet flavor compared to traditional mayonnaise.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for extra texture and flavor.
5. How can I prevent the pasta from soaking up too much dressing?
To prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing, make sure the pasta is fully cooled before adding it to the dressing. You can also reserve a little extra dressing and stir it in just before serving to freshen up the salad.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a delicious, creamy, and tangy twist on two classic favorites: deviled eggs and pasta salad. With its easy-to-follow recipe and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the fun variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Serve it chilled, and enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make this salad irresistible!