Deviled egg macaroni salad is a classic for a reason: it’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and comforting flavors, all in one simple dish. This isn’t just any macaroni salad; it’s *deviled egg* macaroni salad, meaning it’s been elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness with the addition of all things deviled egg. I remember my grandmother making this every summer, and the taste instantly transports me back to sunny days and family gatherings. It’s a dish that speaks of love, laughter, and easy enjoyment. I’m so glad to share this heirloom recipe with you.
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Why You Will Love This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
This deviled egg macaroni salad recipe is comfort food at its finest, but with a little extra flair. It’s quick to throw together, making it a perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal. The creamy, tangy sauce combined with the perfectly cooked macaroni and the delicious deviled egg flavors create an irresistible taste.
What sets this recipe apart from other macaroni salads is the addition of the classic deviled egg ingredients. We’re talking mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a hint of paprika—all the flavors you love in a deviled egg, but in a creamy, dreamy salad. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Don’t like pickle relish? No problem, swap it out for finely chopped celery. Want a little kick? Add a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is super versatile and forgiving.
Maybe you’ll want to pair this recipe with my recipe for Easy Sausage And Egg Casserole. It’s a classic!
Ingredients Needed for This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
- Macaroni: 1 pound elbow macaroni
- Eggs: 6 large eggs, hard boiled, peeled, and chopped
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup
- Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Sweet Pickle Relish: 1/4 cup
- Celery: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
- 1. Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the macaroni from sticking together.
- 2. Prepare the Eggs and Vegetables: While the macaroni is cooking, hard boil the eggs. Once cooked and cooled, peel and chop them. Finely chop the celery and red onion.
- 3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- 4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- 5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
- 6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle stir. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve cold.
How to Serve This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
This deviled egg macaroni salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. It also makes a refreshing addition to picnics or potlucks.
For a complete meal, you can serve it alongside grilled tofu, vegetarian burgers, or even add it to sandwiches as a creamy filling. Consider adding crumbled bacon or chopped ham for extra protein and flavor.
I frequently serve it cold alongside barbecue favourites. Don’t forget to prepare it ahead of time to allow all those flavours to merge! Follow us on Pinterest for more amazing side dish and summer recipe ideas.
How to Store This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover deviled egg macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir it before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly over time. Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this macaroni salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can become watery and separate when thawed, affecting the texture and flavor. Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary! Just take it out of the refrigerator and enjoy.Tips to Make This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
- Cook Macaroni Al Dente: Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy salad. Be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes can make a difference.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preferences.
Helpful Notes for This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
- Mayonnaise: I recommend using full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest, most flavorful results. However, you can use light mayonnaise if you prefer.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: If you don’t like sweet pickle relish, you can substitute it with finely chopped dill pickles or bread and butter pickles.
- Hard Boiled Eggs: For perfectly hard boiled eggs, place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 10-12 minutes before transferring to an ice bath. I wrote a recipe about this in my article “Easy Sausage And Egg Casserole Best Breakfast Recipe Ever”.
- Celery and Red Onion: These ingredients add a nice crunch and sharpness to the salad. Be sure to chop them finely so they don’t overpower the other flavors.
Variation of This deviled egg macaroni salad Recipe
- Spicy Variation: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a little kick.
- Vegetable Variation: Add other chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots, for added color and nutrition.
- Protein Variation: Add cooked and crumbled bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for extra protein and flavor. This salad would be great with “Dense Bean Salad Recipe”.
- Herb Variation: Mix in chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, chives, or tarragon, for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
What makes deviled egg macaroni salad different?
Deviled egg macaroni salad adds the flavors of deviled eggs (like mayonnaise, mustard, and sometimes paprika) to the classic macaroni salad, creating a richer and more flavorful dish. It combines the best of both worlds!
Can I make deviled egg macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes, deviled egg macaroni salad is perfect for making ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped celery, onions, pickles, or ham for added texture and flavor. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more mustard or paprika as needed.
How do I prevent my macaroni salad from drying out?
To keep your macaroni salad moist, add a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk or pickle juice just before serving. This will help to rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from becoming dry.
