Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe

Tangy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Creamy and nostalgic, this deviled egg pasta salad brings unexpected magic to summer gatherings.

Picnics suddenly become more exciting with such a playful twist on classic comfort food.

Tangy mayonnaise and mustard create a delightful base that reminds you of backyard barbecues.

Southern cooks have long understood the charm of combining eggs and pasta in one delectable dish.

Smooth textures and zesty flavors dance together, promising a crowd-pleasing experience.

Rich, satisfying elements make this salad perfect for potlucks and casual weekend celebrations.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Tasty Twists On Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

  • Veggie Power Pasta: Replace egg whites with diced cucumber, bell peppers, and chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. Add fresh herbs like parsley and dill for extra freshness.
  • Greek-Style Remix: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate kalamata olives. Sprinkle with dried oregano for Mediterranean flair.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Use jalapeños instead of green onions, add black beans, corn kernels, and replace Dijon mustard with chipotle sauce. Top with cilantro and lime zest for zinging flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower, reduce mayonnaise quantity, and increase protein by adding grilled chicken chunks. Maintain classic deviled egg seasoning profile.

What To Serve With Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, tangy deviled egg pasta salad. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the rich mayonnaise base and refreshes the palate.
  • Serve with Chilled Rosé: Choose a dry rosé that offers light fruit notes and crisp minerality. Its subtle sweetness and cool temperature balance the salad's creamy texture and zesty spices.
  • Match with Sparkling Water: Opt for a fizzy mineral water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate. The bubbles and citrus notes provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the salad's dense, creamy profile.
  • Complement with Light Beer: Select a wheat beer or pilsner with subtle hoppy notes.

How To Store Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Properly

  • Store pasta salad in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss in the refrigerator.
  • Do not freeze this pasta salad as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become grainy when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
  • Warm gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent dressing from breaking.
  • Add a small splash of mayonnaise or vinegar to revive the creamy consistency and brighten flavors if the salad seems dry after refrigeration.

FAQs For Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

  • Are hard-boiled eggs always necessary for this recipe?

Not always. You can use pre-boiled eggs or even quickly boil eggs while preparing the pasta to save time.

  • Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. The flavors actually improve when the ingredients sit together for a few hours in the refrigerator.

  • What if I don't have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute with regular yellow mustard, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. The key is to maintain the tangy element in the dressing.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount or omit it completely if you prefer a less spicy version. The smoked paprika adds more flavor than heat.

Why Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Is So Creamy And Tangy

  • Transform Classic Appetizer: Reimagine beloved deviled eggs into a delightful pasta salad that brings new excitement to a traditional favorite.
  • Customize with Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and smoked paprika to create a personalized flavor profile that matches your heat tolerance and taste preferences.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a versatile dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor.
  • No-Fuss Meal Prep: Assemble ingredients quickly and store in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy families and meal planners.

What You’ll Need For Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: A classic foundation for this creamy and tangy salad that provides a satisfying texture.
Egg Components:
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs, Egg Whites, Egg Yolks: Essential ingredients that give the dish its signature deviled egg flavor and creamy consistency.
Dressing and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and smooth base for the dressing.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp and tangy kick to the salad.
  • Vinegar: Provides a bright and acidic note to balance the creamy elements.
  • Garlic: Introduces a subtle, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Kosher Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that contribute complex and layered taste sensations.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Red Onions, Green Onions: Bring a fresh, crisp texture and sharp flavor to the pasta salad.

How To Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad At Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and toss in a handful of salt. Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook according to the package guidelines. Once done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Eggs with Care

Carefully peel the hard-boiled eggs, removing the shells completely. Slice the eggs in half and gently separate the bright yellow yolks from the crisp white portions. Chop the egg whites into small, bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

Grab a mixing bowl and transform the egg yolks into a fine, smooth powder using a fork or strainer. Add these ingredients to create the magical dressing:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • White vinegar
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky and well-blended.

Step 4: Mix All Ingredients

Fold the cooled pasta into the creamy dressing. Toss in these fresh additions:
  • Finely chopped red onions
  • Sliced green onions
  • Prepared egg white pieces

Stir everything thoroughly until each ingredient is evenly coated and distributed.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Sprinkle some extra green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. Add a light dusting of smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick. Serve the pasta salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and develop.

Tips For Making Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Even Better

  • Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Customize Salt Levels: Adjust salt carefully since mayonnaise and eggs already contribute sodium; taste before adding extra salt.
  • Select Quality Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother texture and easier peeling when preparing hard-boiled eggs.
  • Control Spice Intensity: Modify cayenne and smoked paprika amounts to match your personal heat preference without overwhelming the dish.
  • Prevent Dry Pasta: Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water to add moisture if the salad seems too dry when mixing ingredients.
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Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy deviled egg pasta salad brings classic picnic comfort to your summer table. Cool, tangy, and packed with nostalgic flavor, this dish delivers crowd-pleasing goodness you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Eggs:

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni

Dressing and Seasonings:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then set aside to cool completely.
  2. Carefully peel hard-boiled eggs, separating egg whites and yolks. Finely chop egg whites into uniform small pieces and reserve.
  3. Create creamy dressing by thoroughly mashing egg yolks into a fine powder using a fork or fine-mesh strainer. Incorporate mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, minced garlic, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.
  4. Gently fold cooled pasta into prepared dressing, ensuring even coating. Mix in finely diced red onions, chopped green onions, and reserved egg white pieces until ingredients are thoroughly distributed.
  5. Transfer pasta salad to serving dish. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and a light dusting of smoked paprika for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Can be stored in sealed container for up to 2 days in refrigerator.

Notes

  • Perfectly boil eggs by starting in cold water and gently bringing to a boil to prevent cracking and ensure even cooking.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent mushy texture, keeping pasta firm and al dente.
  • Use high-quality mayonnaise for a creamier, richer dressing that enhances the overall flavor of the pasta salad.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling pasta and hard-boiling eggs)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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