Hello everyone! Anna Kowalska here. Today, I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s practically a hug in a bowl: my Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. This isn’t just any macaroni salad; it’s a dish that’s been a staple at our family gatherings for ages. Growing up, it was always the dish everyone asked for, and now I get to share that same comfort and flavor with you. It’s made with heart, just like all my recipes, bringing together simple ingredients for something truly special.
Why This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a Must-Try
What makes this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad so special? Well, for starters, it’s that perfect marriage of creamy, savory deviled eggs and tender macaroni. It’s the kind of dish that just makes you feel good.
- A Perfect Blend of Creamy and Savory: The rich, deviled egg flavor really shines through, making it feel a bit more decadent than your average salad.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Honestly, you can whip this up in no time flat. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a dish in a pinch.
- Ideal for Picnics and Potlucks: This salad travels beautifully and is always a huge hit at any get-together. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: It’s familiar, comforting, and just plain delicious. Even my pickiest eaters polish off a bowl!
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never disappoints. It’s a true taste of home.
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Gathering Your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our ingredients together for this amazing Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad! It’s pretty straightforward, and having everything ready makes the whole process super smooth. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way here.
Macaroni and Eggs: The Foundation
First up, we need 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Make sure you cook it until it’s just right – al dente, so it still has a little bite. For the eggs, you’ll need 6 large eggs. I always boil them in cold water and then let them sit off the heat for about 10-12 minutes. Pop them in an ice bath afterward; it makes them so much easier to peel!
The Creamy Deviled Egg Dressing
Now for that dreamy dressing that makes this salad sing! You’ll need ½ cup of mayonnaise – use your favorite kind. Then, we’ll add 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard for a little zip, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for brightness. For that classic deviled egg flavor, we’re using ½ teaspoon of paprika (plus a little extra for dusting later), 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance everything out, and of course, salt and black pepper to taste. Just whisk it all together until it’s beautifully smooth.
Fresh Additions for Texture and Flavor
To give our Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad that perfect crunch and extra flavor, we’re adding some fresh bits. You’ll want ½ cup of finely chopped celery and ¼ cup of chopped red onion. I also love adding ¼ cup of chopped dill pickles – or you can use sweet relish if that’s more your style. And for a little pop of freshness, feel free to add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives or green onions if you like!
Crafting Your Perfect Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Alright, now for the fun part – actually putting this delicious Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad together! It’s really quite simple, and the results are just so rewarding. You’ll see how everything just comes together beautifully.
Cooking the Pasta and Eggs
First things first, make sure that macaroni is cooked just right – al dente is key here so it doesn’t get mushy. And remember those eggs? Peel them carefully after they’ve cooled. We want nice, whole halves or quarters to chop up for our salad.
Creating the Signature Deviled Egg Dressing
Grab a good-sized mixing bowl, this is where the magic happens. Whisk together that creamy mayonnaise, tangy yellow mustard, bright apple cider vinegar, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper until it’s all smooth and lovely. Taste it! Does it need a little more salt or pepper? Go ahead and adjust it. This is the flavor base for our whole salad, so make it perfect!
Combining and Chilling Your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Now, gently fold those chopped deviled eggs into the dressing. Then, add in your chopped celery, red onion, and pickles. Give it a gentle stir to coat everything. Once that’s mixed, carefully fold in your cooked and drained macaroni. You don’t want to overmix and break up the pasta too much. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling time is super important; it lets all those incredible flavors really meld together!
Tips for an Unforgettable Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Want to make sure your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is absolutely perfect every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. These little things ensure your salad is a hit, whether it’s for a backyard BBQ or a big family dinner.
- Achieving the Right Macaroni Texture: Seriously, don’t overcook your macaroni! Al dente is the way to go. It needs to hold its shape and have a little chew, otherwise, your salad can turn into mush. Cook it for the time suggested on the package, or even a minute less.
- Proper Egg Preparation for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad: For the best deviled egg flavor, chop your eggs fairly finely but not to a paste. You want to still see little bits of egg white and yolk in the salad. And that ice bath for the boiled eggs? It’s a game-changer for easy peeling, trust me!
- The Importance of Chilling Time: This is a big one! Letting the salad chill for at least an hour (or even longer!) is crucial. It gives all those delicious flavors – the creamy dressing, the tangy pickles, the savory eggs – time to really marry together. It makes a world of difference.
- Garnishing for Presentation: Don’t skip that final sprinkle of paprika! It adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of extra flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top makes it look extra special and just screams “homemade with love!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Got questions about my Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those dishes that people always ask about, so let’s dive into some common queries.
- Can I make this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad is actually *better* when made ahead. Chilling allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully, so making it a day in advance is totally fine. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- What are good substitutions for mayonnaise in this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try using plain Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and a little sour cream. Some folks even use avocado-based mayonnaise. It might change the flavor profile a bit, but it can still be delicious!
- How long does this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad last in the refrigerator? Properly stored in an airtight container, this macaroni salad should last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure it’s always kept cold.
- Can I add other ingredients to this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad? Of course! Feel free to get creative. Some popular additions include chopped hard-boiled eggs (for extra egginess!), diced ham, shredded chicken, or even a pinch of celery seed for more flavor. The recipe is pretty forgiving!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
While every kitchen and ingredient can vary a bit, here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. Please keep in mind these are estimates!
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: Approx. 320
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Protein: Approx. 9g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 28g
Anna’s Amazing Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes + 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Anna Kowalska shares her cherished Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad recipe, a family favorite that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This dish combines creamy deviled eggs with tender macaroni for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped dill pickles or sweet relish
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Boil the eggs in cold water; let sit off heat for 10-12 minutes, then cool in ice water and peel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, sugar, and seasonings; mix well.
- Chop the boiled eggs and fold them into the dressing along with chopped celery, red onion, and pickles.
- Gently mix in the cooked macaroni until evenly combined.
- Chill for at least one hour before serving, garnished with extra paprika.
Notes
- Garnish with extra paprika before serving.
- Optional: Add chopped fresh chives or green onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling/Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
