This Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s creamy and packed with flavors, featuring pasta, hard-boiled eggs, and a tasty dressing that will make everyone smile.
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s perfect for potlucks or picnics! I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful before serving—it’s just that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a favorite for this salad, but you can use any small pasta shape like shells or penne. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great if you have dietary needs.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo adds creaminess, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use vegan mayo if you’re going plant-based.
Hard-boiled Eggs: These are essential for that classic deviled flavor. If you’re allergic to eggs, try adding diced tofu or chickpeas for protein, though the flavor will differ.
Dijon Mustard: It adds a nice tang. You can switch it for yellow mustard or even omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
How Do You Perfectly Cook Pasta for a Salad?
Cooking pasta for a salad can be tricky. You want it tender but not mushy, so here’s how:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, checking a minute or two early.
- When it’s al dente, drain it immediately, then rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
- Set the pasta aside to let any excess water drain off, ensuring your salad doesn’t get watery.
These steps ensure your pasta has the right texture and holds up well in the salad! Enjoy making your Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad! 🥗
Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 6 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 green onions, sliced thin (reserve some for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad will take about 15-20 minutes of preparation time. You’ll need an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator before serving, bringing your total to approximately 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni or chosen small pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs:
While the pasta is cooking, get those hard-boiled eggs ready! Once they are peeled, chop them into small pieces and set them aside for later.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This dressing will add that delicious creamy flavor to your salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooled pasta, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, and sliced green onions into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until well coated. Be careful not to break up the eggs too much!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your pasta salad. If you think it needs a little more flavor, feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the pasta salad to a nice serving bowl. Sprinkle some additional paprika on top along with a few reserved green onions for that pop of color.
7. Chill Before Enjoying:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes every bite delicious!
This creamy, flavorful deviled egg pasta salad is perfect for any occasion—potlucks, picnics, or barbecues. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, you can use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep the cooking time in mind, as some shapes may require different cooking times.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the regular mayonnaise for vegan mayonnaise and omit the eggs. You can also add diced tofu or chickpeas for protein, and use a vegan-friendly mustard.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken a bit when chilled.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead! It’s actually better when allowed to chill and let the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance; just remember to give it a quick stir right before serving.
