This Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a creamy and satisfying dish. It mixes tender pasta with hard-boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, and a touch of seasoning for flavor!
If you’re like me, you can’t resist sneaking a spoonful while preparing this salad. It’s that good! Perfect for picnics or family gatherings—everyone loves it!
Plus, it comes together quickly, so I can whip it up in no time. Serve it cold, and watch it disappear at any gathering. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This small pasta shape is perfect for holding the creamy dressing. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, feel free to use any small pasta, like shells or ditalini. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente!
Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are essential for that deviled egg flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made hard-boiled eggs, available at most grocery stores. Or, try using egg substitutes if you’re vegan.
Mayonnaise: I love the creaminess that mayonnaise adds, but you can replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. If you’re dairy-free, there are many vegan mayo brands to choose from!
Mustard: Yellow mustard brings a tangy kick, but Dijon mustard works well too. If you’re not a mustard fan, you can just skip it, though it does enhance the flavor!
Red Onion: Finely diced red onion gives a nice crunch and bite. You could use green onions for a milder taste or even cucumber for a refreshing twist.
How Do You Boil Eggs Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking hard-boiled eggs might seem straightforward, but getting them just right is crucial! Here’s how to boil them perfectly:
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by an inch.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then cover the pot and turn off the heat.
- Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes—10 for softer yolks, 12 for firmer ones.
- Once done, quickly drain the hot water and cool the eggs under cold running water to stop further cooking. This also helps with peeling!
Following these steps will give you eggs that are easy to peel and perfectly cooked every time!
Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly (for garnish)
- Paprika for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional hour to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need about an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (this means it should still have a little bite to it). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Hard-Boil the Eggs:
Next, place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water—make sure the water is about an inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, cover the pot, remove it from the heat, and let it sit for 10-12 minutes. This will make perfect hard-boiled eggs!
3. Cool and Chop the Eggs:
After the eggs have cooked, drain the hot water and cool the eggs under cold running water for easy peeling. Once cool, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and finely diced red onion to the dressing. Gently stir to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. For a nice touch, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and a dash of paprika on top as garnish.
7. Chill and Enjoy:
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy deliciousness at your next gathering!
This easy deviled egg pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any meal—everyone will love it!
FAQ for Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta you prefer such as shells, penne, or fusilli. Just ensure whatever pasta you choose is cooked al dente so it holds up well in the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
To create a dairy-free version, simply replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative. There are many delicious options available that will keep the creaminess while ensuring it’s dairy-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it seems a bit dry when you’re ready to eat it again, add a splash of mayo or a little extra vinegar to freshen it up!
Can I Prepare It Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit in the fridge overnight helps the flavors develop even more. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to recombine everything.
