Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a delightful twist on the classic macaroni salad, blending the creamy goodness of deviled eggs with the comforting texture of pasta. This dish brings together the savory flavors of eggs, crunchy vegetables, and a rich dressing, creating a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any family gathering. Its colorful presentation and delicious taste make it a favorite among both kids and adults, promising to satisfy your taste buds while being a breeze to prepare.
Why We Love This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. For starters, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines familiar and beloved flavors into one enticing dish. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty mustard, and the crunch of fresh vegetables creates a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer picnic or as a comforting dish for a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Moreover, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that you can enjoy the company of your guests without spending all your time in the kitchen. Its versatility allows it to stand out at any occasion while being simple enough for anyone to whip up.
Ingredients about Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 pound macaroni pasta
- 6 large eggs
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
- 1 cup matchstick carrots, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
How to Make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Directions
To prepare this delicious Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, follow these straightforward steps:
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
- While the water is heating, carefully place the eggs into the boiling water. It’s important to handle them gently to avoid cracking the shells.
- Add the macaroni to the pot with the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the macaroni until it is tender, which typically takes around nine minutes.
- When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander and immediately place the cooked eggs in an ice bath. This will cool the eggs quickly and make them easier to peel.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside to drain entirely.
- Once the eggs are cool, carefully peel them, then chop them into small pieces. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites for the next steps.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mash the egg yolks using a fork or a potato masher. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, yellow mustard, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni, chopped egg whites, finely chopped celery, roughly chopped matchstick carrots, diced dill pickles, and 3 tablespoons of sliced green onions (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish).
- Pour the yolk mixture over the large bowl of pasta and veggies. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.
- Finally, garnish the salad with the reserved green onions and a sprinkle of paprika for an added touch.
- You can either serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate it for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
When it comes to serving your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, presentation matters. Start by placing the salad in a vibrant bowl that complements the colorful ingredients. You can garnish it with additional slices of green onions or a light dusting of paprika for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of grilled meats, making it a fitting side for barbecues. If you’re bringing it to a potluck, consider packing it in a sealable container, ensuring that it stays cool during transport.
For an extra touch, offer your guests optional toppings like extra chopped pickles or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to customize each serving to their taste. Whether served alongside a protein or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch, the creamy texture and zesty flavors of this salad will be a hit.
Expert Tips: Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
To achieve the best results with your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, consider these expert tips:
- Egg Cooking Method: Use the right method to boil your eggs. Start with cold water, and bring them to a boil; this helps to reduce the chances of the shells cracking.
- Cooling the Eggs: Placing the eggs in an ice bath not only cools them quickly but also makes peeling much easier, giving you a smooth egg white to work with.
- Pastas: While macaroni is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like shells or rotini for fun variations in texture.
- Consistency: If you prefer creamier salad, feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking.
- Flavor Enhancements: For those who enjoy a bit of zing, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the dressing.
- Mixing: Be gentle when mixing the ingredients to avoid breaking the pasta or crumbling the egg whites too much. You want to retain some texture in your salad.
How to Store Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
To keep your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. If you have leftovers, transfer the salad into an airtight container. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent any odors from the refrigerator affecting your salad. Properly stored, it can last for up to three days in the fridge.
Before serving, give it a gentle stir, as the ingredients may settle. If it looks dry, you can mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar to refresh the creamy consistency. Avoid freezing, as this can change the texture and flavor of the salad.
Variation of Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
While the classic recipe for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad hits all the right notes, you can easily adapt it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Bacon Lover’s Delight: If you want to add a savory crunch, crisp some bacon and crumble it into the salad. It will add a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the freshness of the salad. This will complement the pickles and elevate the taste profile significantly.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, you can omit the eggs and incorporate protein-rich chickpeas instead. They will provide texture and substance to the dish.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the yolk mixture. This will give your salad a delicious kick!
- Mediterranean Style: Substitute dill pickles with olives and add sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean flavor.
FAQ
What is Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a creamy pasta salad combining cooked macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and a flavorful dressing made with mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles, often with added vegetables for crunch.
How do I make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?
To make this salad, cook macaroni and eggs, cool them, then mix the ingredients with a sauce made from egg yolks, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Add in vegetables and combine everything for a flavorful dish.
Can I make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours or even a day in advance. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftover Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Avoid freezing for the best texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread. It is an excellent side dish that complements many main courses.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 lb macaroni pasta Use any shape of pasta you prefer.
- 6 large eggs Add to boiling water carefully.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 5 pieces green onions, thinly sliced Reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish.
- 1 cup matchstick carrots, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
For the dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise Adjust more or less to taste.
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika For garnish.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided Use 1 tbsp for boiling pasta.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Gently place the eggs into the boiling water.
- Add the macaroni to the pot and cook until tender, approximately 9 minutes.
- Drain the macaroni and place the eggs in an ice bath to cool.
- Rinse the macaroni under cold water and let drain.
- Peel the cooled eggs and chop them into small pieces, separating yolks and whites.
Mixing Ingredients
- Mash the egg yolks with a fork. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon salt, mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, mustard, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix the macaroni, chopped egg whites, celery, carrots, pickles, and 3 tablespoons of green onions.
- Pour the yolk mixture over the pasta mixture and mix gently until well coated.
Serving
- Garnish with reserved green onions and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to enhance flavors.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!