Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad – The Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish with a Tangy Twist
Introduction: A Potluck Favorite That Never Fails
If you’re looking for the ultimate creamy, tangy, and satisfying side dish that vanishes from the table faster than anything else, look no further than Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. This recipe combines the rich, savory flavor of classic deviled eggs with the comfort of macaroni pasta, resulting in a next-level pasta salad that’s perfect for holidays, BBQs, Easter brunches, potlucks, or meal prep.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines two comfort food favorites: deviled eggs and pasta salad
Perfect for holidays, cookouts, and gatherings
Creamy, tangy, and full of texture
Easy to make ahead and feeds a crowd
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Ingredients
12 large eggs
1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
> Optional Add-ins:
1/4 cup red onion or green onion
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
Crumbled bacon or chopped pickles for garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 2: Hard-Boil the Eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.
Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover.
Let sit for 10–12 minutes, then drain and cool in ice water.
Peel and chop the eggs. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Adjust seasonings to taste.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add cooked pasta, chopped eggs, and celery to the dressing.
Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer.
Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or extra chopped egg slices before serving.
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Make-Ahead Tips
This salad tastes even better when made a day in advance.
If making ahead, reserve some dressing and mix in just before serving to refresh the texture.
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Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze (mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well).
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Variations
1. Southern Style
Add chopped pickles, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a touch of hot sauce.
2. Loaded Version
Mix in chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
3. Greek Yogurt Swap
Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter version.
4. Low-Carb Variation
Swap macaroni for chopped cauliflower florets.
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Pairing Suggestions
BBQ chicken or pulled pork
Burgers and grilled sausages
Fried or baked fish
Sandwich platters or deli trays
Deviled egg platters for a theme match
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Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving – 1 cup)
Calories: 320
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
> Nutrition varies depending on optional add-ins and exact ingredients used.
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FAQs
Can I make this salad without eggs?
Yes, but then it becomes a standard macaroni salad. The eggs give it a “deviled” richness.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Shells, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work well.
What’s the best way to peel boiled eggs?
Cool them quickly in ice water, then gently roll on a hard surface to crack the shell.
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Conclusion: A Must-Have Side for Every Occasion
Creamy, tangy, and packed with the flavor of classic deviled eggs, this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad brings the best of both worlds to your table. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always one of the first dishes to disappear. Add it to your go-to list for gatherings, holidays, and comfort food nights—you won’t regret it!
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Call to Action
Make this for your next get-together and tag #DeviledEggMacaroniSalad
Pin this recipe for Easter, BBQs, or weekly meal prep
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