Get ready for a picnic classic with a flavorful twist: Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad! This creamy, tangy, crowd-pleasing salad takes everything you love about deviled eggs and mingles it with tender macaroni, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs. Each bite has that satisfying richness balanced with pops of crunch, a punch of mustardy zing, and a hint of sweetness—the ultimate combination for any potluck, barbecue, or sunny afternoon. This might just become your new favorite make-ahead side!

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients work a little magic together in this recipe. Each one brings its own character—think luscious texture, perky brightness, or a little crunch—so don’t skip or substitute unless you have to!

Elbow macaroni (8 oz): The classic choice for a comforting, scoopable salad base.
Large eggs (6): These are what give the salad its signature savory richness, just like deviled eggs.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds luscious creaminess and binds all the flavors together.
Yellow mustard (1 tbsp): Brings that unmistakable tang you’d expect in any deviled egg filling.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Brightens up the whole salad and balances the richness.
Paprika (½ tsp plus extra for garnish): A smoky, colorful finishing touch inside and out.
Sugar (1 tsp): Just enough to round out every bite and enhance the other flavors.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for highlighting all the other ingredients.
Celery, finely chopped (½ cup): Adds a satisfying crunch and freshness.
Red onion, chopped (¼ cup): Gives a little bite and color contrast.
Dill pickles or sweet relish, chopped (¼ cup): For that punch of tangy-sweet flavor deviled eggs need.
Fresh chives or green onions, optional (1 tbsp): Sprinkle for mild oniony flavor and a pop of green.
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (2 tbsp): Brings brightness and color to your lovely salad.

How to Make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Fill a big pot with salted water and bring to a lively boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente—tender but with a hint of bite. Drain in a colander and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Spread it out so it doesn’t clump together as it cools.

Step 2: Boil and Peel the Eggs

Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for 10 to 12 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water—you’ll be amazed at how easily they peel with this method!

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This golden, tangy dressing is what turns an average macaroni salad into the irresistible Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad you’ll crave year-round.

Step 4: Add Chopped Eggs and Veggies

Gently chop the peeled eggs and fold them into the dressing, along with the celery, red onion, and pickles or relish. At this point, you’ll see all those deviled egg flavors come together, just waiting for the macaroni to arrive!

Step 5: Combine with Macaroni

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl. Stir everything together gently so you don’t break up the eggs too much. You want each noodle to get a glossy coat of dressing and plenty of veggies in every forkful.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Cover and refrigerate your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad for at least an hour to let the flavors really meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra paprika, fresh parsley, and chives or green onions if you like. The wait is the hardest part!

How to Serve Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

A few extra pinches of paprika make all the difference here, turning the top a lovely sunset red. Scatter finely chopped parsley or chives for freshness and a pop of color that sets off the creamy, golden salad underneath.

Side Dishes

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a superstar alongside smoky grilled chicken, burgers, pulled pork, or even simple roasted veggies. For a nostalgic picnic vibe, serve it with watermelon slices, crunchy potato chips, and iced tea for a feast that shouts “summer gathering.”

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad into crisp lettuce leaves for hand-held bites, or pack it into mason jars for portable picnic portions. If you’re feeling fancy, pipe a swirl of egg yolk-mayo mixture on top and dot with a cornichon slice—your guests will love the restaurant-worthy look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays perfectly fresh for up to 3 days, and some say it’s even tastier after an overnight rest as the flavors meld beautifully.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended here—the rich mayo-and-egg dressing can separate and become watery once thawed, affecting both texture and taste. Enjoy this salad freshly made or within a few days for the best experience.

Reheating

No reheating required—Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. If it seems a little stiff from the fridge, let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving and give it a gentle stir to revive its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes instead of elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! Small shells, ditalini, or even rotini are great alternatives if you don’t have elbows on hand—just make sure they’re bite-sized to soak up all the creamy dressing.

How do I make this salad a little healthier?

You can lighten things up by swapping half the mayo for Greek yogurt or using light mayonnaise. Add extra veggies like finely chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for more crunch and nutrition.

What’s the difference between deviled egg salad and Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?

Deviled egg salad is usually just eggs, mayo, mustard, and seasonings, while Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad tosses those same beloved flavors with macaroni and crunchy veggies for a more filling, pasta-packed dish.

Can I prepare Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad a day ahead?

Definitely! In fact, the salad tastes even better after chilling overnight—just give it a good stir before serving and add extra herbs or a drizzle of mayo if it needs freshening up.

What’s the best way to transport this salad for a potluck?

Pack it in a well-sealed container, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the salad’s surface, and keep it chilled in an insulated cooler with ice packs until serving. It’s a hassle-free, portable hit for any gathering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with nostalgic flair and delicious layers of flavor, you have to try Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. Bring it to your next get-together or whip up a batch for your own lunch—it’s sure to earn rave reviews with every creamy, crunchy bite!