Name: Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni; 6 large eggs; 1/2 cup finely diced celery; 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional); 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill; 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives or green onions; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus more for garnish; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad brilliantly combines two beloved picnic classics into one showstopping side dish. This inspired fusion takes the creamy, tangy filling of deviled eggs and transforms it into a dressing for tender macaroni, creating a dish that’s familiar yet excitingly new. With chunks of hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and optional additions like pickle relish or bacon, this salad delivers satisfying texture and flavor in every bite.

What makes Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad so special is how it elevates the humble macaroni salad from an expected side dish to the star of the spread. The signature deviled egg flavor profile – that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory – infuses the entire salad, making it impossible to resist second helpings. Best of all, this crowd-pleaser is easy to prepare ahead of time, actually improving as it chills in the refrigerator.

Understanding the Elements of Perfect Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

The genius of this dish lies in the harmonious blend of two classic American picnic favorites. Traditional macaroni salad serves as the foundation, while the distinctive flavors of deviled eggs – particularly the mustard, mayonnaise, and paprika combination – create the signature dressing that sets this salad apart.

Unlike standard macaroni salad that can sometimes lack character, Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad has a more complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for another forkful. The addition of whole egg pieces provides textural contrast and visual appeal, making this salad as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish that travels well to picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.

Ingredients for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

For the Salad Base:

8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
6 large eggs
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional, for color and crunch)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives or green onions

Ingredients for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad arranged on white table including pasta, eggs, vegetables, mayonnaise, mustards, spices, and fresh herbs

For the Deviled Egg Dressing:

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus more for garnish
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Optional Add-Ins:

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, drained
4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
2 tablespoons minced pimento
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (for extra kick)

The Art of Ingredient Selection

Pasta Particulars

While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for this salad, other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or farfalle work beautifully as well. The key is choosing a shape with nooks and crannies that can trap the flavorful dressing. For the best texture, be sure to cook the pasta just to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly as it absorbs the dressing.

Egg Excellence

The eggs are the star of this show, so quality matters. For easiest peeling, use eggs that are at least a week old rather than farm-fresh. This allows a small air pocket to develop between the shell and the egg white, making them easier to peel cleanly after cooking.

Dressing Decisions

The balance of mayonnaise and mustard is what gives Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad its distinctive character. For the best flavor, use a combination of Dijon mustard for depth and yellow mustard for that classic deviled egg color and tang. Real mayonnaise (not salad dressing or miracle whip) provides the rich, creamy base that makes this salad so satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Preparing the Eggs and Pasta

Begin by cooking the eggs to perfect hard-boiled status. Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 9-12 minutes (9 for medium eggs, 12 for large or extra-large).

Boiled eggs and cooked macaroni in colanders for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad preparation, showing first step of recipe

While the eggs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will absorb more moisture from the dressing as it chills.

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss occasionally as it cools to prevent sticking, then set aside.

When the eggs are done, transfer them to an ice bath to cool completely before peeling. This rapid cooling helps prevent the grayish ring from forming around the yolk and makes them easier to peel.

Creating the Salad Base

Once the eggs are cooled and peeled, cut 4 of them into a medium dice and set aside. These egg pieces will be folded into the salad, providing those characteristic chunks of egg white and yolk throughout the dish.

Diced hard-boiled eggs, chopped celery, and red onion on cutting board for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, showing ingredient preparation

Take the remaining 2 eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. Dice the whites and add them to the egg chunks. Place the yolks in a large mixing bowl – these will form the base of your dressing.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced egg whites and chunks, celery, red onion, and bell pepper if using. If you’re adding any of the optional ingredients like pickle relish or bacon, incorporate them at this stage as well.

Making the Deviled Egg Dressing

In the bowl with the reserved egg yolks, use a fork to mash the yolks until smooth. Add the mayonnaise, both mustards, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne if using. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps of egg yolk remaining.

Making the creamy dressing for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad by mixing mashed egg yolks with mayonnaise and mustard in bowl

Add the chopped fresh herbs to the dressing and stir to combine. The dill particularly complements the deviled egg flavors, while the chives add a mild oniony note that enhances the overall profile.

Bringing It All Together

Pour the deviled egg dressing over the macaroni mixture and fold gently until all ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as you want to maintain the integrity of the egg pieces throughout the salad.

Transfer the Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad to a serving bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the dressing.

Combining pasta, eggs, vegetables and creamy dressing in mixing bowl to create Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Often, the pasta will absorb some of the salt as it sits, so you may need to add a bit more. Sprinkle the top with additional paprika for the classic deviled egg appearance, and garnish with extra chopped chives or a few thin slices of hard-boiled egg for an attractive presentation.

Expert Tips for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Success

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs Every Time

For the easiest-to-peel eggs, bring them to room temperature before cooking by letting them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. After cooking, immediately plunge them into ice water and gently crack the shells all over before peeling under running water. This technique helps the water get between the shell and the egg, making peeling much easier.

Dressing Consistency Matters

The dressing for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad should be slightly thicker than you might think necessary, as the pasta will absorb some moisture during chilling. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or a splash of pickle juice to refresh it.

Make-Ahead and Storage Strategies

This salad is perfect for making a day ahead of your event, as the flavors actually improve with time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If taking to a potluck or picnic, keep it chilled with ice packs, and don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour in hot weather) for food safety.

When serving from the refrigerator, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving – the flavors are more pronounced when the salad isn’t ice cold.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, consider these delicious variations:

Loaded Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Add all the optional ingredients – bacon, pickle relish, pimentos, and horseradish – plus 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a fully loaded version that works as a main dish for lunch.

Mediterranean Twist

Incorporate 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives, 1 tablespoon capers, and substitute fresh dill with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Tex-Mex Flavor Profile

Add 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup diced green chilies, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and substitute the paprika with chili powder. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

Herbed Garden Version

Double the herbs and add 1/4 cup each of finely chopped fresh parsley and basil. Include 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup diced cucumber for a garden-fresh take on this classic.

Serving Suggestions for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad pairs perfectly with:

Grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, or barbecue chicken
Fried chicken or Southern-style pork chops
Sandwiches and wraps for a picnic spread
As part of a potluck buffet alongside other classic sides

For a complete picnic menu, serve alongside baked beans, watermelon slices, and brownies or cookies for dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions about Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Can I make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad without mayonnaise? Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise. The flavor will be tangier, and you may want to reduce the vinegar slightly to compensate.

Why did my pasta absorb all the dressing? Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If your salad seems dry after chilling, simply stir in a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of pickle juice to refresh the dressing.

How can I add more protein to make this a complete meal? Add diced cooked chicken, ham, or shrimp to transform this side dish into a hearty main course salad.

Is this salad gluten-free? Not with traditional pasta, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How do I prevent the eggs from turning rubbery in the salad? Be careful not to overcook the eggs initially, and fold them gently into the salad to maintain their texture. The egg pieces added to the salad should be cut into larger chunks to prevent them from breaking down too much.

The Timeless Appeal of Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad represents comfort food at its finest—familiar enough to appeal to everyone, but interesting enough to stand out on any buffet table. By combining two beloved classics, this dish offers both nostalgia and novelty, much like the comforting twist of dill pickle potato salad. It’s the perfect addition to gatherings where you want to impress without straying too far from crowd-pleasing flavors.

What makes this salad particularly special is its versatility. The base recipe provides a wonderful canvas for personalization, allowing you to adjust flavors or mix in ingredients based on your pantry staples—a philosophy that also shines in recipes like crispy golden ham & cheese breakfast muffins and homemade crackers, where small tweaks yield big flavor.

Whether served at a backyard barbecue, holiday gathering, or weekday dinner, this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is sure to become a frequent request in your rotation—just like the universally loved cheddar popcorn that adds fun to any spread.

Thanks to its make-ahead convenience, easy transportability, and broad appeal, this dish solves the perennial question of what to bring to your next potluck or picnic. The classic flavors of deviled eggs in a simple, crowd-friendly format make this salad a guaranteed hit—right up there with staples like crockpot hot dog chili that everyone ends up asking for.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

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