Okay, picture this: it’s a hot summer day, the kind where even breathing feels like a workout. You’re craving something cool, creamy, and totally satisfying, but you’re also *beyond* the idea of spending hours in the kitchen. Enter my family’s secret weapon: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. It’s like the beloved classic deviled eggs met a pasta salad and decided to have a party in your mouth. Honestly, I think it’s even better than regular Potato Salad – dare I say it? This recipe is a breeze to Whip up, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or just a lazy lunch on the patio. And the best part? It tastes even *better* the next day. This **deviled egg pasta salad** is about to become your new go-to!
What is Deviled Egg Pasta Salad?
Think of it as the perfect marriage between two summer staples: deviled eggs and Pasta Salad. It’s essentially cooked pasta (I usually use rotini because the sauce clings to it so well!), hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing that mimics the flavors of classic deviled eggs. The name comes from the “deviled” part of deviled eggs, meaning they’re seasoned with a bit of a kick – usually mustard, paprika, and sometimes a touch of hot sauce. It’s essentially a pasta salad that tastes remarkably like deviled eggs, but with the added heartiness of pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to customize to your own tastes. If you love deviled eggs and pasta salad, this is seriously going to blow your mind!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why I’m obsessed with this **deviled egg Pasta Salad**, but let me try to narrow it down.
First off, the flavorIs it phenomenal? What is the flavor of the dressing, combined with the savory eggs? What is crunch from celery and onion? Is it a symphony of textures and tastes that just work together? What is the difference between pasta salad and deviled eggs?simplicityWhat is a huge selling point? What are some good recipes for pasta and eggs? What are some fancy cooking techniques? What is the perfect recipe for a quick and easy meal? Thirdly, it’s incrediblycost-effectiveEggs and pasta are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, and you probably already have most of them. What are the other ingredients in your pantry and fridge? What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?versatilityWhat are some ways to customize this recipe to your own taste? Add some cooked bacon for a smoky flavor, swap out the rotini for another type of pasta, or add some roasted peppers for an extra flavor. How do I add cayenne pepper to my diet? I’ve seen people add dill pickles! The possibilities are endless! Think of it like my Italian pasta Salad Recipe, but amped up. What I love most about this is that it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. I bring it to potlucks, BBQs and family gatherings. It always disappears in minutes. What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe?
How to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Quick Overview
How do I make a dish of devil’s egg pasta salad? How do I cook pasta and eggs? While cooking, you’ll chop your veggies and prepare the dressing. Once everything is cooked and cooled, you simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Is it all together? What is the beauty of this recipe? It requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. Is this a good make-ahead dish? How quickly this recipe comes together and how delicious it tastes!
Ingredients
For the main salad: What are the ingredients?
I like rotini pasta, but I also like elbow macaroni or shells. Just make sure you’re using a sturdy shape. * 12 large eggs: 12 cm. Why use fresh, good quality eggs for the best flavor? Is it better to cook celery the day before so they are nice and cold? Adds a nice crunch and freshness. * 12 cup red onion, finely chopped. Adds a bit of sharpness and bite. You can use yellow onion if you prefer milder flavor. * 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color and freshness. If you’re not a fan of parsley, you can use chives instead.
For the Creamy Deviled Egg Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. I prefer a full-fat mayo for the best flavor and creaminess. I always use Hellman’s.
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Adds that classic deviled egg tang. You can use Dijon mustard for a more complex flavor.
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity to balance out the richness of the dressing.
* 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a pop of color and a hint of smokiness.
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory flavor.
* ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
* Optional: hot sauce to taste, if you like a little kick!
How do I follow Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. You want it to be firm to the bite, not mushy. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do I prevent pasta from sticking together?
Step 2: Hard-Boil the Eggs
Place the eggs in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat and cover it. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your yolks. Drain the eggs and immediately rinse them with cold water. Peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces. I like to use an egg slicer for this, then run a knife through to make them smaller.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, Apple Cider, and lemon juice. Set aside. What are vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pepper? If you like a little heat, add some hot sauce. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of sugar too.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Make sure all the pasta and eggs are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. What is the best way to make a salad taste better? Before serving, give the pasta salad another toss and add more mayonnaise if it seems dry. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve a devilled egg pasta salad? What are some great picnic ideas? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?For a BBQ:Serve it with grilled chicken, hot dogs, or ham. What is a good side dish for pulled pork?For a Picnic: Pack it in a cooler with some sandwiches, fruit, and chips for a complete picnic lunch.
For a Potluck:What are some of the best pasta salads?As a quick lunch:What is a good pasta salad? Can you serve it with a side salad or crackers? My kids love this as a packed lunch for school! My family loves to eat this with a side of grilled corn on the cob and some watermelon. What is the perfect summer meal?
What are some Tips for making a Deviled Egg Pasta Salad?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this **deviled egg pasta salad** even better. Here are some of my top tips:
Don’t overcook Pasta: Do notMake sure you cook the pasta until al dente, not mushy. Mush-y pasta will make the salad slimy and sour.Don’t overcook the eggs: Don’ Overcooked eggs will have a green ring around the yolk and will be dry and rubbery. Cook them just until they are set.
Chill the Salad:How do you chill pasta salad for 30 minutes? Is it possible to taste better?Don’t add the dress too early!If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. How do you prevent pasta from absorbing the dressing?Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to customize the ingredients to your liking. Add some cooked bacon, swap out the rotini for another type of pasta, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat. I even like to add a little dill sometimes for a fresh flavor.
Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: 1 cup per servingWhat is the best mayonnaise for dressing? You enjoy the taste of. I use Hellman’s mayonnaise for this recipe.How do I adjust seasonings?Before serving, taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to taste. What are some of my favorite variations on chickpeas? Is it good to add protein to a salad? I also like to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill just before serving. It adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. I made this salad for a potluck and accidentally added too much mayonnaise. I found it too creamy to eat, so I added a splash of apple cider vinegar and sugar. Is it a mistake to mix flavors?
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **deviled egg pasta salad** is best served cold and is a great make-ahead dish. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerating: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. The pasta can also become mushy.
Room Temperature: Do not leave the pasta salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Adding Dressing: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the pasta from absorbing all of the dressing and becoming dry.
Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold, so I don’t recommend reheating it. If you do want to warm it up slightly, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
If you find that the pasta salad is dry after being stored in the refrigerator, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar to moisten it up. Just be sure to mix it well before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This **deviled egg pasta salad** is more than just a recipe, it’s a taste of summer, a reminder of family gatherings, and a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy of creamy, tangy, and satisfying **deviled egg pasta salad**. If you’re a fan of this, I encourage you to check out my other Pasta Salad Recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and rating below and share your own variations. I love to see what you come up with!
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (rotini, elbow macaroni, etc.) Cooked according to package directions
- 6 Large Eggs Hard-boiled and peeled
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 1 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Salt Or to taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, relish, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and chopped eggs to the bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
