This tasty Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic flavors! With pasta, eggs, and creamy dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for picnics or family gatherings.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Plus, it makes any meal feel special. Just mix everything together, and you’re ready to impress your friends! How can you resist that creamy goodness? 🥚🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is a classic choice for pasta salad. If you want something different, try shells or fusilli. They all hold dressings well and add fun shapes to your salad.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are essential for that deviled egg flavor. For a twist, consider using diced avocado or chickpeas for a vegan option.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: The combination creates creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy flavor and healthier option. Low-fat mayo also works if you’re watching calories.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice kick. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard is a fine substitute, but it will be milder. A bit of horseradish can also give it a spicy twist!
Paprika: It gives a lovely color and adds flavor. If you want more heat, try smoked paprika or cayenne pepper instead.
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta Salad Stays Creamy?
Keeping your pasta salad creamy is all about the dressing and how you mix it. After cooking the macaroni, rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, preventing the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Mix the dressing thoroughly before adding pasta and eggs. This helps coat everything evenly.
- Gently fold the ingredients instead of stirring aggressively; this maintains the texture of the eggs and pasta.
- Refrigerating is key! The salad tastes better after sitting for an hour, allowing flavors to blend and preventing dryness.
How to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. Total time: around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time for parties or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until they are al dente—this means they should still have a little bite to them. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside for later.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing will add lots of flavor to your salad!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs and the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together so that the pasta and eggs are well coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the eggs too much!
4. Add the Red Onion:
Next, stir in the finely chopped red onion. This will give the salad a nice crunch and a little kick in flavor.
5. Season to Taste:
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a bit more paprika to suit your taste.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. This will let all the flavors mix together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty Deviled Egg Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, rotini, or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in your pasta salad.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. This will reduce calories and add a boost of protein without sacrificing creaminess!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some dressing over time, so you can always add a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream before serving to refresh it!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your deviled egg pasta salad by adding ingredients like diced celery, pickles, or even crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the dressing as necessary to balance the flavors!
