Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

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This Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is the perfect mashup of two beloved comfort foods. I’ve always loved a good egg salad, and macaroni salad brings back memories of summer cookouts and easy weeknight dinners. So, combining the two? Absolutely irresistible. The richness of the yolks mixed into the creamy dressing, the tender pasta, and those pops of green peas—it’s like all the best picnic flavors in one dish.

I usually make this when I want something satisfying but simple, especially when I’m short on time but still want a dish that feels a little special. It’s perfect as a side for grilled meats, a light lunch on its own, or even as a potluck hero. The paprika-dusted egg slices on top add that classic deviled egg flair, while the creamy tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

It’s comforting, creamy, and loaded with flavor. The eggs add protein and richness, while the pasta gives it a satisfying bite. The combination of tangy mustard, mayo, and a hint of sweetness makes the dressing incredibly moreish. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead of time and perfect for gatherings.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice—and it works beautifully here. It soaks up the dressing well and holds onto the flavor in every curve. But you can also use small shells, ditalini, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just avoid larger noodles that overpower the other ingredients.

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Options for Substitutions

• No mayo? Use Greek yogurt or a mix of sour cream and yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Not a fan of peas? Swap them for diced celery or chopped pickles for extra crunch.
• Need it egg-free? Sub in avocado chunks and a little extra mustard for creaminess and flavor.
• Want it spicy? Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños into the mix.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

• Elbow macaroni – The base of the salad. Its small shape holds onto the creamy dressing perfectly.
• Hard-boiled eggs – The star ingredient that gives the salad that classic deviled egg flavor. You’ll use both chopped eggs for the mix and sliced ones for garnish.
• Mayonnaise – Adds the rich, creamy texture that binds everything together.
• Yellow mustard – Gives the salad its signature deviled egg tang and color.
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness and helps cut through the richness.
• Sugar – Just a touch balances the acidity and sharpness of the mustard and vinegar.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Paprika – Adds mild spice and classic deviled egg color on top.
• Frozen green peas – Adds sweetness and a pop of color, plus a soft bite.
• Green onions – For freshness and a subtle oniony crunch.

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Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just past al dente. You want it to be tender but not mushy—about 1–2 minutes longer than the package recommends. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.

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Step 2: Boil and Prepare the Eggs

Place your eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let sit, covered, for 10–12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool, then peel and separate half for chopping and the rest for slicing for garnish.

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Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The dressing should be smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta, Eggs, and Peas

Add the cooled macaroni, chopped boiled eggs, thawed peas, and green onions into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine and evenly coat everything.

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Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Top with the sliced boiled eggs and a generous sprinkle of paprika. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Prep Time: The majority of time goes into boiling the eggs, cooking the macaroni, and letting everything cool before mixing. You’ll need about 25–30 minutes of active prep, including chopping, mixing, and garnishing.

Chill Time: For the best flavor, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the dressing time to soak into the pasta and the flavors to fully develop. You can even make it a day ahead for convenience.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

• Slightly overcook the pasta just a bit beyond al dente so it remains tender after chilling.
• Make sure eggs are completely cooled before chopping—this keeps the salad from getting watery.
• Use a rubber spatula to mix everything gently without breaking up the pasta or eggs.
• Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust salt, mustard, or sugar as needed.
• Add more mayo just before serving if the salad seems a bit dry after chilling.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Undercooking or overcooking pasta – Pasta that’s too firm won’t absorb flavor; too soft turns to mush.
• Not cooling ingredients properly – Mixing warm eggs or pasta can cause the mayo to separate.
• Skipping seasoning – Under-seasoning results in a bland salad. Always taste and adjust.
• Overmixing – This can break up the pasta and eggs, making the salad look messy.
• Serving too soon – The salad needs time to chill for the flavors to really shine.

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What to Serve With Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?

1. Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy, smoky grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the cool creaminess of this salad.

2. BBQ Ribs

The tangy, sweet barbecue sauce plays off the deviled egg flavor beautifully.

3. Classic Burgers

Serve it as a side dish at your next cookout—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

4. Fried Fish or Shrimp

Crispy fried seafood adds a salty contrast that balances the richness of the salad.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Add some grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus on the side for a complete meal.

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Storage Instructions

In the Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after a day, but the pasta might absorb more dressing, so stir in a little extra mayo if it looks dry.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can boil the eggs and pasta a day in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to assemble. Add the dressing just before serving for the freshest texture.

Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the mayonnaise base, freezing isn’t advised. The texture becomes watery and unappealing after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1 cup serving (estimate only):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 340mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I leave this salad out at room temperature?

No more than 2 hours. Because of the eggs and mayonnaise, it’s best kept cold.

Can I make this dish a day ahead?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight. Just give it a stir and adjust the creaminess if needed before serving.

What can I use instead of green peas?

Diced celery, chopped pickles, or even shredded carrots work well for added crunch.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes—swap the eggs for firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegan mayo and mustard.

How do I get perfectly boiled eggs every time?

Place eggs in cold water, bring to a boil, then cover and turn off heat. Let sit 10–12 minutes, then transfer to ice water to cool.

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Conclusion

Creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is everything you love about summer side dishes: it’s creamy, flavorful, satisfying, and super easy to make ahead. Whether you’re taking it to a picnic, serving it with barbecue, or just need a quick, hearty lunch—it delivers every time. The combination of familiar deviled egg flavors with comforting pasta makes this dish one that never goes out of style. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to side.

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