This fun and tasty Deviled Egg Pasta Salad mixes creamy pasta with chopped eggs, mayo, mustard, and crunchy veggies. It’s like deviled eggs but in a bowl!
Perfect for gatherings, it’s colorful and full of flavor. I could eat this as a side dish or a light meal any day—who knew pasta could be so egg-citing?! 🥚🍝
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Small pasta likes elbow macaroni or ditalini works best for this dish. If you want a fun twist, choose bow tie or shells instead! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also good options if you’re looking for healthier or dietary-friendly choices.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Four large eggs give a nice texture. If you’re short on eggs or prefer a vegan option, consider using tofu with a bit of turmeric for color. It won’t taste the same but adds protein and texture!
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayo is great, but if you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a mayo alternative made from avocado. They add creaminess while cutting down on calories.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have it, you can use yellow mustard or even a touch of horseradish for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
Red Onion: They provide a bit of bite. If red onion is too strong for your taste, trying green onions or scallions could be a milder choice. You can also soak diced onions in water for a bit to reduce their sharpness!
How do I get the perfect hard-boiled eggs?
Making hard-boiled eggs can be tricky! Here’s a tried-and-true method for great results every time. Start with eggs that are a few days old for easier peeling. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs sit for about 10-12 minutes.
- Transfer them to an ice bath for another 10 minutes to cool. This step helps with peeling.
- Gently crack the shells and peel them under cool running water for the easiest experience!
How to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz small pasta (like elbow macaroni or ditalini)
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp paprika (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious deviled egg pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just under an hour, you can have a tasty and refreshing dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Make sure to let it drain completely while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and paprika. Use a spoon or whisk to stir everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This will be the creamy dressing for your pasta salad.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped red onion, celery, sweet pickle relish, and the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold all the ingredients together with a spatula until everything is nicely mixed. Be careful not to mash the eggs too much.
4. Season and Adjust:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, and mix again. If you prefer a creamier salad, feel free to add a little more mayonnaise or mustard to the dressing to suit your taste.
5. Chill and Sweeten the Flavors:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator. You’ll want to chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors can meld together and become more delicious.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. Give it a quick stir, then sprinkle some extra paprika and chopped chives or green onions on top for garnish. Serve it chilled, and enjoy this delightful dish at your gathering or as a side for dinner!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini works best, you can substitute with any small pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make a vegan version of this pasta salad, substitute the mayo with a vegan mayonnaise. You can also replace the hard-boiled eggs with silken tofu or a chickpea salad mix for added protein and flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better! If it appears dry after a couple of days, you can stir in a little extra mayo to refresh it.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even chopped bacon for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if you add more ingredients!
