Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe to Try Now
Discover a tasty and simple Deviled Egg Pasta Salad recipe that’s perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or family gatherings. This vibrant dish combines creamy deviled eggs with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it a delicious, satisfying option anytime you want a flavorful and easy-to-make salad that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Fusion: Combines classic deviled egg flavors with hearty pasta for a unique and tasty twist.
- Super Easy Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and comes together quickly, perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal for lunches, potlucks, picnics, or as a side at family dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike thanks to its creamy texture and familiar flavors.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies, spices, or protein additions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each bringing bold taste, pleasing texture, and vibrant color to the bowl. Every component plays a key role in creating a harmonious and refreshing dish.
- Eggs: Hard-boiled for the creamy deviled egg filling that’s the star of the dish.
- Pasta: Small shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini that hold dressing and mix well.
- Mayonnaise: Provides richness and smooth texture to the deviled egg mixture.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a mild tangy kick essential for deviled eggs.
- Pickle Relish: Brings a sweet and tangy crunch for extra interest.
- Celery: Offers crispness and freshness to balance creaminess.
- Green Onions: Infuse subtle zestiness and color.
- Paprika: For that classic deviled egg flavor and a splash of color on top.
- Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the overall taste with a fresh citrus touch.
Variations for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Feel free to make this recipe your own! The deviled egg pasta salad is incredibly flexible and easy to adapt whether you want to accommodate dietary preferences or simply experiment with new flavors or textures.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Vegetarian Boost: Toss in some chopped avocado or roasted red peppers for extra creaminess and color.
- Protein Upgrade: Stir in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken for a heartier salad.
- Herb Explosion: Fresh dill, parsley, or chives add herbal brightness to every bite.
- Vegan Swap: Use vegan mayo and chickpea “egg” salad substitute for a plant-based version.
How to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to package instructions until just tender (al dente). Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs
Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath before peeling.
Step 3: Make the Deviled Egg Filling
Slice the peeled eggs in half and carefully remove the yolks. In a bowl, mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Chop and Combine
Chop the egg whites into small pieces, then combine them with the cooked pasta, diced celery, and green onions. Gently fold in the deviled egg yolk mixture until everything is coated evenly.
Step 5: Season and Chill
Add extra salt, pepper, or a little paprika for the classic deviled egg look and flavor. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Don’t overcook the pasta to keep that nice firm bite that balances the creamy dressing.
- Fresh Eggs: Use the freshest eggs possible for the best flavor and ease of peeling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours before serving to let the flavors meld and chilling enhance the texture.
- Mix Gently: Fold ingredients softly to keep pasta shapes intact and avoid a mushy salad.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add more mayonnaise or a splash of Greek yogurt if you prefer a creamier consistency.
How to Serve Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra paprika or freshly chopped chives on top for a pop of color and added flavor. A few whole deviled egg halves on the side make for a charming presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or a fresh green garden salad. It’s a perfect picnic combo or accompanying dish for summer cookouts.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini mason jars for a fun, individual portion. Layer with shredded lettuce or arugula at the bottom for extra crunch and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Deviled Egg Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Due to the mayonnaise and egg components, freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and consistency of the salad.
Reheating
This salad is best eaten chilled, so no reheating is needed. If preferred, allow leftovers to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While small shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini work best, feel free to experiment with shells, bow-ties, or any pasta you enjoy.
Is the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, the salad holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a convenient and delicious option for packed lunches or quick meals.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting eggs with a chickpea-based mixture and using vegan mayonnaise, you can create a delicious vegan version of this salad.
How do I ensure the eggs peel easily?
Use slightly older eggs (about a week old) and cool them quickly in an ice bath after boiling to make peeling simple and clean.
What can I add to make the salad more filling?
You can add diced cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even chickpeas to make the salad more protein-packed and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, don’t miss out on trying this delightful Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. It brings together classic deviled egg components and pasta for a fresh spin that brightens any meal. Whip it up today and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation!
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Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
A quick and flavorful Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combining creamy deviled eggs, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for lunches, picnics, or family gatherings, this vibrant salad is easy to make, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Eggs and Dairy
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 2 cups cooked small pasta shapes (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooled
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs: Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath before peeling.
- Make the Deviled Egg Filling: Slice peeled eggs in half and remove yolks carefully. In a bowl, mash yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Chop and Combine: Chop the egg whites into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine chopped egg whites, cooled pasta, diced celery, and green onions. Gently fold in the deviled egg yolk mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Season and Chill: Add extra salt, pepper, and sprinkle paprika on top for traditional flavor and color. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to meld flavors.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta to maintain a firm texture that balances the creamy dressing.
- Use the freshest eggs possible for best flavor and easier peeling.
- Refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours before serving to enhance flavors and texture.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep pasta shapes intact and avoid mushiness.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more mayonnaise or a splash of Greek yogurt if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, easy salad, picnic salad, creamy pasta salad, deviled eggs, potluck dish