This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic flavors! It’s made with tender pasta, hard-boiled eggs, creamy mayo, and a hint of mustard for zing.
I love how easy it is to throw together! It’s perfect for picnics or just a light lunch. Plus, you get to sneak in all the amazing flavors of deviled eggs without the fuss! 🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for pasta salads. However, you can swap it for any small pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle if you prefer a different shape or texture.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: The stars of this dish! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could use silken tofu instead for a creamy texture, but this would change the flavor. For an egg-free version, chickpeas blended with mayo can work.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo gives a rich taste, but you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. A vegan mayo is also a good substitute if you’re avoiding eggs. I often mix a bit of sour cream for added creaminess.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you’re out, yellow mustard will do in a pinch, but use less since it’s milder. I like to add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick if you enjoy some spice!
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Salad Stays Creamy?
Keeping your pasta salad creamy is all about the right mix of dressing and pasta. Here are some tips to ensure perfect creaminess:
- Rinse the pasta under cold water after draining. This stops the cooking and helps it cool, ensuring it doesn’t absorb too much dressing later on.
- Mix your mayo and mustard into the pasta immediately while it’s still slightly warm. This helps the pasta absorb some of the flavors.
- Be gentle when folding in the ingredients. Overmixing can break the eggs and make the salad less creamy.
- Let it chill in the fridge! This step is crucial as it allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing creaminess.
How to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Deviled Egg Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and give it a cool rinse under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. This will be the base for your pasta salad.
3. Add the Eggs and Vegetables:
Next, gently add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped red onion, and half of the sliced green onions to the dressing. Carefully fold everything together, being gentle to keep the eggs intact as much as possible.
4. Combine with the Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the cooled pasta. Fold the pasta into the egg mixture, making sure everything is coated well. The creamy dressing should cover the pasta and ingredients nicely!
5. Season to Taste:
Give your salad a quick taste test. If you think it needs a little more flavor, feel free to add more salt or pepper as needed. Adjusting the seasoning will help bring all those flavors together.
6. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even tastier!
7. Serve with a Splash of Color:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. Garnish it with the remaining sliced green onions and a sprinkle of paprika on top for a pop of color. Ready to enjoy!
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Deviled Egg Pasta Salad as a delightful side dish or a light meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
You can store leftover Deviled Egg Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as it may thicken in the fridge. If it seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar to refresh it.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and the eggs with diced avocado or chickpeas for a similar creamy texture. You might also want to add a bit of turmeric for color!
What can I Pair with Deviled Egg Pasta Salad?
This pasta salad is versatile! It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread. Add some fresh fruits or a light salad for a complete meal!
