There’s something magical about a dish that combines two timeless favorites—deviled eggs and macaroni salad. Deviled egg macaroni salad is a rich, creamy, and tangy dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a comforting family meal. Imagine the bold flavors of deviled eggs blended with the satisfying texture of macaroni—this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a perfect deviled egg macaroni salad from scratch, along with tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
To prepare this flavorful dish, you’ll need a mix of simple and easily available ingredients. Here’s a detailed list:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Elbow macaroni | 2 cups (dry) |
Eggs (hard-boiled) | 6 large |
Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
Dijon mustard | 2 tablespoons |
Sweet pickle relish | 2 tablespoons |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Celery (chopped) | ½ cup |
Green onions (sliced) | ¼ cup |
Why Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Is a Must-Try
- Combines Two Classics: This dish merges the creaminess of macaroni salad with the bold, tangy flavors of deviled eggs.
- Quick and Easy: It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick side dish or main course.
- Versatile: You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences, from spice levels to mix-ins.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
1. Cook the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse the macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Eggs
- Place 6 eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 12 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel and chop the eggs into small pieces.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- Add 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked macaroni, chopped eggs, ½ cup celery, and ¼ cup green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Sprinkle with extra paprika before serving for a colorful garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh eggs, crisp celery, and high-quality mayonnaise make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
2. Balance the Flavors
- If the salad is too tangy, add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more paprika or mustard.
3. Keep It Creamy
- For an extra creamy texture, mix in an additional tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream.
4. Cool Your Pasta
- Always rinse the cooked macaroni under cold water to avoid a mushy texture and help the dressing stick.
5. Experiment with Add-Ins
- Try adding crumbled bacon, diced pickles, or shredded cheese for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Deviled egg macaroni salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of meals:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or fried chicken.
- In a Picnic Spread: Combine it with fresh fruit, coleslaw, and baked beans for the perfect picnic menu.
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own or with crackers for a quick and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (serves 6):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fat | 15g |
Fiber | 2g |
Flavor Variations to Try
1. Spicy Version
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
2. Vegetarian Twist
- Mix in diced cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumbers for added freshness.
3. Low-Carb Option
- Substitute macaroni with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
4. Protein Boost
- Add shredded chicken, diced ham, or canned tuna for a heartier meal.
5. Herb-Infused Salad
- Incorporate fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
FAQs About Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
1. Can I make deviled egg macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, as the flavors meld together.
2. How long does it last in the fridge?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Shells, rotini, or bow-tie pasta work just as well as elbow macaroni.
4. How do I avoid mushy macaroni?
Cook the pasta to al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
5. Is it possible to make this salad healthier?
Yes, you can use light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a combination of both to reduce calories and fat.
6. What can I substitute for pickle relish?
Diced dill pickles or chopped bread-and-butter pickles are great alternatives.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Deviled egg macaroni salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a holiday feast, or a weeknight dinner, this salad is guaranteed to impress. It’s creamy, tangy, and endlessly customizable, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
So, grab your ingredients and whip up this delicious recipe today. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad: A Creamy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Deviled egg macaroni salad is the ultimate combination of two classic favorites. Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish at any meal. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 6 large eggs (hard-boiled)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Eggs
- Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 12 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath, peel, and chop into small pieces.
- Make the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle with additional paprika before serving for a colorful garnish.
Notes
- For Extra Creaminess: Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a dollop of sour cream.
- To Balance Acidity: Add a pinch of sugar if the dressing is too tangy.
- Customization Ideas: Try mixing in crumbled bacon, diced pickles, or shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American