If you love the savory, slightly tangy flavor of deviled eggs and the comfort of a creamy pasta salad, then Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is your new obsession waiting to happen. This delightful mash-up has all the luscious richness you expect in classic deviled eggs, tossed with tender pasta and crunchy veggies for a picnic-perfect or potluck-ready dish you’ll crave all year round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Creaminess: Every bite is packed with a luxuriously smooth egg yolk dressing that hugs every noodle and mix-in.
- Classic Deviled Egg Flavor: All the iconic tang and savory zing you crave from deviled eggs—right in pasta salad form!
- Crunch and Color in Every Scoop: Fresh celery, zippy red onion, and snipped chives make each forkful as vibrant as it is delicious.
- Perfect for Gathering: Travels well, tastes even better chilled, and is sure to impress at potlucks and picnics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to deliver that nostalgic deviled egg flavor with a fresh, satisfying twist—no fancy shopping list required!
- Macaroni pasta: Elbows are classic, but any short pasta works—absorbing all that creamy, tangy dressing.
- Hard boiled eggs: The star of the show! You’ll use both yolks and whites for ultimate flavor and texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Brings lightness and a subtle tang to the dressing, making it creamy but not heavy.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and that classic deviled egg taste—use your favorite brand.
- Dijon mustard: Lends a kick of zippy flavor that’s absolutely essential for authentic deviled egg vibes.
- Red onion: A small dice gives the salad pop, crunch, and just the right gentle sharpness.
- Celery ribs: Fresh, crisp celery gives crunch, color, and lightens the dish beautifully.
- Fresh chives: These mild oniony greens add a lovely fresh note and a touch of color.
- Paprika: The crowning jewel—dust it over the top for that classic deviled egg finish.
- Sea salt: Just enough to balance all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Variations
This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is made for riffing! Feel free to get creative—swap in ingredients you love, or tailor it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. There’s plenty of room to make it your own.
- Lighter Dressing: Go extra light by using all Greek yogurt and skipping the mayo for a tangier, protein-packed twist.
- Extra Protein: Fold in chopped ham, crisp bacon pieces, or flaked tuna for a heartier main-dish salad.
- Low-Carb Swap: Replace the macaroni with cooked cauliflower florets for a lighter, veggie-packed take.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or finely diced jalapeño to the yolk mixture if you like it bold!
- Herb Boost: Try fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon along with or instead of chives for a different herbal note.
How to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, or follow the package directions for your favorite pasta shape. Drain well, rinse under cold water, and set aside in a big mixing bowl—this helps stop the cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Prep the Eggs
Once your hard boiled eggs are cool enough to handle, slice them in half. Carefully pop out the yolks and set them aside in a small bowl. Chop the egg whites into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the pasta bowl. This gives your salad those signature deviled egg bits in every bite!
Step 3: Make the Classic Deviled Yolk Dressing
Mash the reserved yolks with a fork until smooth, then stir in the Greek yogurt, mayo, and Dijon mustard. The mixture should be rich, creamy, and super flavorful—taste and tweak if you want extra pop from the mustard or a smidge more salt.
Step 4: Combine and Add Crunch
Add the chopped red onion and celery to your pasta and egg whites. Scrape the yolk dressing into the bowl, then gently stir to combine until every noodle and veggie is glossy and luscious. If it seems a little thick, add a spoonful of extra yogurt or mayo to bring everything together.
Step 5: Finish and Chill for Best Flavor
Scatter chopped chives and plenty of paprika over the top to finish—don’t be shy! Taste and add sea salt as needed. You can serve it right away, but the salad is even better after an hour’s chill in the fridge, letting the flavors mingle and bloom.
Pro Tips for Making Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Egg Yolks = Ultimate Creaminess: For silky-smooth dressing, take your time mashing those yolks thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
- Pasta Shape Matters: Use short, ridged noodles (like elbows or shells) that grab onto the dressing for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge isn’t just for texture—it gives the deviled flavors extra time to meld and deepen.
- Fresh Finish: Always top with chives and paprika just before serving—this keeps the color vivid and that hit of freshness right on top.
How to Serve Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives and a pretty dusting of paprika aren’t just for looks—these little touches add zippy brightness and the unmistakable charm of real-deal deviled eggs. For even more pop, try scattered thinly sliced radishes or a twist of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser alongside anything smoky or grilled—think burgers, ribs, or grilled chicken. At brunch, pile it next to croissants, sliced summer tomatoes, and fruit salad for the ultimate spread. It also loves being a potluck centerpiece, surrounded by other picnic classics.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Try spooning the salad into small jars for a picnic, serving in lettuce cups for a hand-held bite, or even piping a swirl of extra deviled dressing on top. A deviled egg platter lined with pasta salad “nests” and halved eggs is both adorable and irresistible for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Deviled Egg Pasta Salad chilled in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delightful for up to three days—just be sure to give it a gentle stir and maybe a dash more mayo or yogurt before serving again to refresh that creamy consistency.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended—the eggs and creamy dressing don’t thaw well—you can make the components (like hard boiling eggs) in advance and toss everything fresh right before you plan to serve.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature, so no reheating needed! If the dressing gets a little thick after sitting in the fridge, stir in a splash of yogurt or mayo before enjoying those leftovers.
FAQs
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Can I make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad in advance for a party?
Yes! In fact, Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is even better after chilling for a few hours. You can make it up to a day ahead—just wait to add the fresh chives and paprika until right before serving for the brightest flavor and color.
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What pasta shape works best for this salad?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short, textured pasta—like shells or rotini—will grab onto the creamy deviled egg dressing perfectly. Avoid long noodles, which don’t mix as well.
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Can I use only mayonnaise or only Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! You can use all mayo for the classic richness, all Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier salad, or any mix you enjoy. Just taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
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How do I keep the red onion flavor from overwhelming the salad?
For a milder onion bite, rinse your diced red onion under cool water before adding it to the salad. This quick trick takes away some sharpness, keeping the flavors balanced and crowd-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is the ultimate blend of beloved flavors and textures—a little creamy, a little crunchy, perfectly tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own for every gathering, lunchbox, or craving that comes your way. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
PrintDeviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic deviled eggs, this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines macaroni with a creamy, tangy yogurt and mayo dressing, hard-boiled eggs, and a hint of paprika for a flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz. macaroni pasta, (about 2 1/2 cups uncooked, 1/2 pound)
Dressing:
- 6 hard boiled eggs
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, more as desired
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni for 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Prepare Eggs: Halve hard-boiled eggs, remove yolks, and chop whites, adding them to the pasta bowl.
- Make Dressing: Mash egg yolks, mix with greek yogurt, mayo, and mustard.
- Combine Ingredients: Add onion, celery to pasta, and stir in the yolk mixture.
- Season and Serve: Top with chives, paprika, and salt. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For a milder onion flavor, soak the diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
- This pasta salad can be customized with additional ingredients like diced pickles, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of dill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 190mg