My earliest memories of summer gatherings always involve a sprawling picnic blanket and a table laden with vibrant, homemade dishes. But there was one dish that always disappeared first, a creamy, tangy concoction that brought smiles to every face. It wasn’t just any macaroni salad; it was the ultimate comfort food, a classic deviled egg macaroni salad recipe that my aunt perfected over decades.
She called it her “sunny day salad” because it brought so much joy, rain or shine. This particular deviled egg macaroni salad recipe is a staple in my family, passed down through generations, each adding a little secret touch. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of nostalgia, friendship, and those long, lazy afternoons spent together.
I remember one particularly hot Fourth of July, the air thick with anticipation of fireworks. The food spread was epic, but everyone gravitated towards Aunt Carol’s vibrant yellow bowl. The combination of tender pasta and that unmistakable deviled egg flavor was simply irresistible. It was so good, in fact, that I once tried to sneak an extra serving before dinner, only to be caught red-handed by my cousin who also had the same idea! It reminds me of the simple, hearty goodness found in a satisfying meal like a homemade chicken tortellini recipe.
This recipe isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about creating moments and memories. It’s about bringing together familiar flavors in a fresh, exciting way that everyone will adore. Get ready to create your own cherished memories with this incredible dish.
Why you’ll love this ultimate deviled egg macaroni salad with Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Fusion: This dish perfectly marries the creamy, zesty tang of classic deviled eggs with the comforting chew of macaroni salad. It’s a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Everyone loves deviled eggs and macaroni salad, making this combined dish an instant hit at any gathering. Prepare for rave reviews and empty bowls.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a family potluck, a picnic in the park, or a simple weeknight meal, this deviled egg macaroni salad recipe fits every occasion. It complements almost any main course beautifully.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this impressive salad in under an hour of active time. Most of the work is just waiting for the flavors to meld.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors of this salad only get better with time, making it an ideal make-ahead option. Prepare it the day before, and simply garnish before serving.
- Visually Appealing: The bright yellow dressing, flecks of red onion and green chives, and a dusting of paprika make this salad as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. It adds a pop of color to any spread.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sweet relish
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Deviled egg macaroni salad recipe makes every moment feel uplifting. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
Step 2
Carefully separate the yolks from the hard-boiled egg whites. Place the yolks in a medium bowl and set the whites aside. Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.
Step 3
To the mashed egg yolks, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 4
Finely dice the reserved hard-boiled egg whites, celery, and red onion. Add them to a large mixing bowl along with the cooled, drained macaroni.
Step 5
Pour the creamy deviled egg yolk dressing over the macaroni, egg whites, celery, and red onion. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Give it a good stir before serving.
Step 7
Before serving, transfer the Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad to a serving dish. Garnish generously with an extra sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh chopped chives.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Elevate your deviled egg macaroni salad with a sprinkle of crispy bits. Consider adding cooked and crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon for a smoky, savory crunch that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
For a touch of freshness and vibrant color, stir in some finely chopped fresh dill or parsley along with the chives. These herbs introduce another layer of herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be mixed into the dressing. Start small and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spice.
You can also experiment with different types of pasta! While elbow macaroni is classic, small shells, ditalini, or even rotini can work wonderfully. Each pasta shape offers a slightly different texture and mouthfeel.
Pairings
This ultimate deviled egg macaroni salad is an absolute star when paired with grilled proteins. Think juicy grilled chicken or succulent barbecue ribs for a classic summer meal that truly satisfies.
It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to sandwiches and wraps, adding a creamy, flavorful counterpoint to heartier fillings. Try it alongside a classic deli sandwich or a light veggie wrap for a balanced lunch.
For a complete picnic spread, serve this salad with a fresh green salad and some watermelon slices. The crispness of the green salad and the sweetness of the watermelon perfectly balance the richness of the macaroni salad.
Don’t forget the seafood! This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or shrimp. For more delicious grilling ideas, check out the Key West grilled chicken recipe on Cook Reel, which offers a great main course option.
Serving ideas
For an elegant presentation, serve your deviled egg macaroni salad in a large, chilled glass bowl. This allows the vibrant colors and creamy texture to be fully appreciated by your guests.
Before serving, create a small swirl on top of the salad with a spoon and then generously sprinkle extra smoked paprika and fresh chives over it. This adds a professional and appetizing finish.
If you’re serving individual portions, consider scooping the salad into small ramekins or decorative cups. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy, especially at a buffet-style event.
Accompany the salad with small spoons or scoops, ensuring everyone can easily serve themselves. A chilled serving environment will keep the salad fresh and delicious throughout your gathering.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store any leftover ultimate deviled egg macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents it from absorbing other food odors and keeps it fresh.
Properly stored, this delicious salad will retain its quality and flavor for up to 3-4 days. Always make sure to use clean serving utensils to avoid introducing contaminants.
Avoid leaving the salad out at room temperature for more than two hours, especially in warm weather. Mayonnaise-based salads can spoil quickly if not kept sufficiently chilled.
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The mayonnaise will separate, and the macaroni can become mushy upon thawing, compromising the creamy texture you love.
Make-ahead
This ultimate deviled egg macaroni salad is an ideal candidate for making ahead, as its flavors truly deepen and meld with time. Prepare it a day in advance for the best taste experience.
Follow all the preparation steps, but hold off on adding the garnishes until just before serving. This ensures the chives remain fresh and vibrant, and the paprika doesn’t become soggy.
After mixing, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow all the delicious flavors to fully develop.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing, as some settling may occur. Then, simply add your fresh garnishes and enjoy the perfectly blended flavors.
Common mistakes when making ultimate deviled egg macaroni salad
- Overcooking the macaroni: Soggy pasta can ruin the texture of your salad. Cook the macaroni until it’s just al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it, then rinse immediately with cold water.
- Not chilling long enough: The flavors need time to meld and deepen. Rushing the chilling process means you miss out on the full, complex taste of this deviled egg macaroni salad.
- Under-seasoning the dressing: The dressing is the heart of this deviled egg macaroni salad. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and mustards before mixing with the macaroni for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Over-mixing the salad: Once the dressing is added, gently fold all the ingredients together. Vigorous mixing can break down the eggs and macaroni, leading to a mushy texture.
- Using warm ingredients: Ensure your macaroni is completely cooled and drained before adding the dressing. Warm pasta can make the dressing too thin and oily.
Final notes
This ultimate deviled egg macaroni salad recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories around a table filled with good food and great company. Its vibrant flavors and comforting texture make it an instant favorite, perfect for any occasion.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own, adjusting the seasonings to perfectly suit your palate. A little extra tang or a touch more spice can truly personalize this delightful creation.
So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “more please!” This deviled egg macaroni salad promises to be a new star in your culinary repertoire, bringing joy and deliciousness to every bite.
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- Chicken tortellini recipe
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- Cowboy butter chicken bites
- Key west grilled chicken recipe
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Ultimate Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Combine two beloved classics into one irresistible dish! This creamy, tangy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad brings together tender elbow macaroni with the rich, zesty flavors of your favorite deviled eggs, all tossed in a luscious, savory dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a delightful side any day of the week.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sweet relish
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
- Carefully separate the yolks from the hard-boiled egg whites. Place the yolks in a medium bowl and set the whites aside. Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.
- To the mashed egg yolks, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Finely dice the reserved hard-boiled egg whites, celery, and red onion. Add them to a large mixing bowl along with the cooled, drained macaroni.
- Pour the creamy deviled egg yolk dressing over the macaroni, egg whites, celery, and red onion. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Give it a good stir before serving.
- Before serving, transfer the Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad to a serving dish. Garnish generously with an extra sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh chopped chives.
Notes
For the best flavor, make this salad a day ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For perfectly hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan, cover with cold water by an inch, bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath for 5 minutes before peeling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 190mg