This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad combines the best of two beloved dishes—deviled eggs and macaroni salad—into one irresistible side dish. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and hard-boiled egg goodness, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. The rich, velvety dressing is inspired by classic deviled egg filling, packed with mustard, mayo, and a hint of spice, while tender macaroni and chopped eggs bring it all together. It’s a show-stopping dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Let’s whip up this crowd-pleasing salad and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Tangy: The dressing is rich, zesty, and full of flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like celery, pickles, or bacon for extra flair.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon for a sharper taste)
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (optional)
- 1 tsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Mix-Ins:
- 1/2 cup diced celery (for crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (for a mild bite)
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (for smoky flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish (if using), vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—you can add more mustard for tanginess or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Add the cooled macaroni and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing.
- Gently fold everything together until the pasta and eggs are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- If adding optional mix-ins like celery, red onion, pickles, or bacon, stir them in now.
