Creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is the perfect mash-up of two comfort food classics. It brings together the rich, zesty flavors of deviled eggs with tender pasta and crunchy veggies, making it a go-to dish for picnics, potlucks, and easy lunches. I love how it’s simple to whip up yet always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz elbow macaroni (or small shell pasta)
6 large eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
I start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Then I drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside.
Next, I place the eggs in a saucepan, cover them with cold water, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, I turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs sit for 10–12 minutes.
After the eggs are done, I transfer them to an ice bath to cool down quickly. Once cooled, I peel them.
I separate the yolks from the whites. Then I mash the yolks in a large bowl and finely chop the egg whites.
To the mashed yolks, I add mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I mix it all together until smooth and creamy.
I stir in the chopped egg whites, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish.
Then I fold in the cooled pasta gently until everything is well combined.
I chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can meld together.
Before serving, I sprinkle on a little extra paprika and garnish with fresh chives or parsley if I have them on hand.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes (plus at least 1 hour chilling time)
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
When I want to switch things up, I try a few of these simple changes:
Swap the elbow macaroni for rotini or bowties for a different texture.
Add crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
Use Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard for a sharper flavor.
Mix in some chopped dill pickles instead of relish for more tang.
Add a handful of peas or shredded carrots for a veggie boost.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day. I give it a quick stir before serving, and if it looks a little dry, I mix in a spoonful of mayo to freshen it up. I don’t recommend freezing this salad since the texture of the pasta and mayo can suffer after thawing.
FAQs
How can I make this pasta salad lighter?
I usually swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while keeping it creamy. It adds a slight tang that works well with the deviled egg flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight in the fridge, making it even more delicious when served chilled the next day.
What kind of pasta works best?
I prefer small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells because they hold the dressing well and give a nice bite. Rotini or penne work, too.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but I can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely. I sometimes add chopped chicken, tuna, or chickpeas to make it more filling and turn it into a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile. Whether I’m bringing it to a summer cookout or packing it for lunch, it always hits the spot. The combination of creamy deviled eggs and pasta with crunchy veggies is just too good to resist.
Recipe:
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Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of deviled eggs with tender pasta and crunchy veggies. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and easy lunches.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni (or small shell pasta)
6 large eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs.
- Separate the yolks from the whites. Mash the yolks in a large bowl and finely chop the whites.
- Add mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed yolks. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped egg whites, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish.
- Fold in the cooled pasta gently until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Sprinkle with extra paprika and garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt in place of some mayo for a lighter version.
Can be made a day ahead; flavors improve overnight.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze as texture may degrade.
Customize with bacon, different mustards, or extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
