This Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines creamy pasta with tasty bits of deviled eggs. It’s a delightful mix that’s both filling and fun to eat!
Honestly, who can resist a dish that tastes like deviled eggs? I love to serve it at gatherings, and everyone always goes back for seconds—make extra to share (or not)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Small pasta varieties like ditalini or elbow macaroni are perfect for this salad. If you’re gluten-free, try chickpea or lentil pasta instead – they work great and add extra protein!
Hard-boiled Eggs: These are the stars of the dish. If you have a dietary restriction or don’t like eggs, consider using diced avocado for creaminess—though it will change the flavor!
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, swap half of the mayo with Greek yogurt. It gives a nice tang and cuts the calories. Some folks also enjoy using a vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based twist.
Yellow Mustard: This gives a nice tang to the dressing. If you prefer, Dijon mustard can add a bit more depth or you can skip it altogether if you’re not a fan.
How Do I Get Creamy and Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing is key to making this pasta salad delightful! Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly creamy and well-seasoned:
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar or mustard. A little sugar balances the tanginess, so don’t skip it!
This process helps create a dressing that coats everything evenly, enhancing every bite of your deviled egg pasta salad. Enjoy the tasty balance!
Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional hour to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with just 20 minutes of hands-on work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add your small pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, which is usually about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This cools it down quickly and prevents it from sticking. Set it aside.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together well until it forms a tasty dressing that’s both creamy and tangy!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add your chopped hard-boiled eggs and finely chopped red onion into the dressing. Stir gently, making sure everything is coated evenly—be careful, you don’t want to break up the eggs too much!
4. Mix in the Pasta:
Fold in the cooled pasta and stir until all the pasta is covered with the creamy dressing. It should look deliciously rich and well mixed!
5. Serve & Chill:
Transfer your pasta salad to a nice serving bowl and sprinkle the top with sliced green onions and a light dusting of paprika for that pop of color. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let all the flavors meld together nicely.
6. Enjoy!
Scoop a generous serving of your delicious Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad onto plates and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or a light meal. It’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely scrumptious!
Happy eating! 😋
FAQ for Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni works perfectly, you can substitute with rotini, shells, or any small pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
What If I Don’t Like Mayonnaise?
No problem! You can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Alternatively, try using a dressing made from avocado or mash an avocado for a creamy texture without mayo!
Can I Prepare This Pasta Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! It’s great to make this salad a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop more fully after chilling overnight!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Give it a gentle stir before serving, as it might thicken up in the fridge.
