Name: Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; ½ cup finely chopped celery; ¼ cup chopped red onion; ¼ cup chopped dill pickles or sweet relish; 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 6 large eggs; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish); 1 tsp sugar; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is the ultimate marriage of two picnic icons: silky deviled eggs and classic, creamy macaroni salad. With each forkful, you get the rich tang of deviled egg filling plus the satisfying bite of tender pasta—a true comfort food star that always disappears fast at potlucks and cookouts. This delightful salad brings together bold flavors, bright crunch, and a generous sprinkling of nostalgia, making it a dish you’ll crave all year long.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad comes together with a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients. Every single item in this recipe brings something special—whether it’s creaminess, color, crunch, or a subtle pop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad truly shine:

Elbow macaroni (8 oz): Classic elbow shapes are perfect for holding onto all the luscious deviled egg dressing, creating the ideal foundation for the salad.
Large eggs (6): Hard-boiled eggs are the heart of this recipe, bringing rich flavor and a creamy texture to every bite.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds luxurious creaminess, binding everything together and giving the salad its iconic texture.
Yellow mustard (1 tbsp): Offers a gentle tang, cutting through the richness and evoking that classic deviled egg flavor.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): A splash of ACV brightens the whole dish—don’t skip it!
Paprika (½ tsp, plus more for garnish): This vibrant spice brings just the right touch of warmth and classic deviled egg color.
Sugar (1 tsp): A hint of sweetness balances the tangy elements beautifully.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Season to your liking—a must for bringing all those flavors together.
Celery, finely chopped (½ cup): Adds fresh crunch and a subtle peppery bite.
Red onion, chopped (¼ cup): For sharpness and gorgeous color contrast.
Dill pickles or sweet relish, chopped (¼ cup): Either will offer bold, briny flavor—use your favorite!
Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (1 tbsp, optional): Optional, but highly recommended for their delicate oniony lift.
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (2 tbsp): Dials up the freshness and makes the salad pop visually.

How to Make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Fill a large pot with water, add a small handful of salt, and bring it to a boil. Toss in your elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—about 8-9 minutes. This texture is key: you want the pasta tender but never mushy. Once cooked, drain immediately and give the noodles a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together.

Step 2: Boil the Eggs

Place your eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by at least an inch. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then immediately turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes. This method ensures perfectly creamy yolks. Transfer the eggs to an ice water bath so they cool quickly and peel easily.

Step 3: Whip Up the Deviled Egg Dressing

While your eggs are cooling, mix up the creamy dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined—this is where the deviled egg magic begins!

Step 4: Chop and Mix the Eggs & Veggies

Peel your cooled eggs and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold them into your dressing along with finely chopped celery, red onion, and pickles or relish. This blend infuses every bite with crunch and punchy flavor, just like a plate of deviled eggs.

Step 5: Combine with Macaroni

Add your cooled, drained macaroni to the egg-dressing mixture. With a gentle hand, fold everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated but intact. You want every piece to soak up that luscious deviled egg flavor without breaking the noodles.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Cover your finished salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up perfectly. When ready to serve, sprinkle extra paprika for that classic look and a scattering of fresh parsley or chives for bright color.

How to Serve Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad makes it look party-ready and gives it that irresistible deviled egg flair. Dust the top generously with smoked or sweet paprika, then add a final scatter of chopped chives, green onions, or fresh parsley for a vibrant green touch. Thinly sliced radishes or extra chopped pickles can add more color and crunch, too.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with all your picnic favorites! Think juicy grilled chicken, crisp fried fish, or smoky barbecue ribs. For lighter fare, serve it alongside a big leafy green salad or fresh watermelon slices. No matter what, Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad can play the star or supportive sidekick on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad scooped into crisp little lettuce cups, or tuck a portion between slices of hearty sandwich bread with a leaf of romaine for a soon-to-be-famous lunch. Small mason jars make adorable individual servings for picnics or parties. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad can even be the centerpiece of a beautiful potluck platter, artfully mounded and ringed with colorful veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers of your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days—though you’ll probably notice the flavors deepen as it sits. Always give it a gentle stir before serving in case anything settles.

Freezing

Freezing Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing can separate and the eggs may develop an odd texture once thawed. For best taste and texture, enjoy it freshly made and refrigerated within a few days.

Reheating

This salad is made to be served cold or at cool room temperature—warming may cause the dressing to break and the eggs to become rubbery. If it’s been chilled extra hard, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the best flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic in Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, you can substitute with small shells, ditalini, or even rotini. Just make sure to cook whatever shape you choose to al dente so it holds up well in the salad.

Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?

Yes, you can swap in Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and mayonnaise for a lighter base. The flavor will be a bit tangier, but you’ll still get that creamy texture fans of Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad love.

What can I use instead of pickles or relish?

If you’re not a fan of pickles, diced green olives or even capers can add a briny note. For a more subtle crunch, try finely chopped bell pepper or cucumber.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad can be made up to a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping or stress-free entertaining. Just save the garnishes for just before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh.

Can I add extra protein to this salad?

Definitely! Chopped ham, crispy bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken are all tasty additions that blend seamlessly with the flavors in Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. Your options are practically endless.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and downright delicious about Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad—it’s comfort food that brings people together. Whether you serve it at a sunny picnic or keep it chilled for laid-back lunches, this recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead and whip up a big bowl; your taste buds (and everyone else at the table) will thank you!

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on traditional macaroni salad, this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad combines the flavors of deviled eggs with classic macaroni salad ingredients for a creamy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or everyday meals.

Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
Prepare the eggs: Boil the eggs, let sit off heat, then cool in ice water, and peel.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, paprika, sugar, and seasonings.
Combine ingredients: Chop eggs, fold into dressing with celery, onion, and pickles. Mix in cooked macaroni.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving, garnished with paprika.

Notes

This salad tastes even better when prepared a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like crispy bacon, diced bell peppers, or different herbs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling, Mixing
Cuisine: American