What makes a perfect summer side dish? This deviled egg macaroni salad recipe is a game changer, with its quick homemade mix of pasta, hard-boiled eggs and a hint of parsley. Save this idea for your next family favorite weeknight dinner Pin for later

deviled egg macaroni salad recipe in a bowl with parsley on top

Introduction

This deviled egg macaroni salad is a creative twist on traditional pasta salads, combining the creamy richness of deviled eggs with the comforting familiarity of macaroni. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to bring a little something special. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients, so you can whip it up without a special trip to the store. The combination of textures, from the al dente macaroni to the silky deviled egg dressing, and the burst of freshness from the parsley on top, will make this salad a standout at any event.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savory, using ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this salad is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, with steps that are easy to follow and execute.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of deviled egg dressing with macaroni and the pop of color from parsley creates a visually appealing dish that suggests much more effort than it actually requires.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this deviled egg macaroni salad include macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, chopped onion, pickle relish, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. For the deviled egg dressing, you’ll be using the yolks of the hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Practical substitutions could include using different types of mustard or adding some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could also experiment with using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for some of the mayonnaise.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by cooking your macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside to cool. While the macaroni is cooking, hard-boil your eggs, then cool them down. Once cooled, peel the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Chop the egg whites into small pieces and set them aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mash the egg yolks with a fork until they’re well broken up. Add mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the egg yolks and mix until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped egg whites, and any additional ingredients you’re using (like chopped onion or pickle relish). Pour the deviled egg dressing over the top and mix until everything is well coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking the macaroni.
4. Step 4: Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad and serve. You can also chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Handy Tips

• For the best flavor, make sure to use high-quality ingredients, especially the mayonnaise and mustard, as they form the base of the deviled egg dressing.
• Don’t overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing and can become mushy.
• Consider adding other ingredients to customize the salad to your taste, such as diced ham, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or grated cheese.

Heat Control

This recipe involves cooking the macaroni and hard-boiling eggs, so it’s essential to follow the package instructions for the macaroni and cook the eggs until they’re fully set. For the macaroni, aim for an al dente texture, which should take about 8-10 minutes of boiling, depending on the type of macaroni. Eggs are done when the yolks are no longer runny and the whites are set, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes of boiling.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in this salad comes from the fresh parsley and any additional crunchy ingredients you might add, like chopped onions or bell peppers. To maintain the crunch, it’s best to add these ingredients just before serving. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, you can chop these ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use an ice bath to cool down your cooked macaroni and hard-boiled eggs quickly, which helps stop the cooking process and prevents them from becoming overcooked.
• For a shortcut, use pre-cooked macaroni or egg slices from the deli section of your grocery store.
• Experiment with different seasonings in your deviled egg dressing, like paprika or chopped fresh dill, to give the salad a unique flavor profile.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 3 days.
• For reheating, it’s best to let the salad come to room temperature or gently heat it in the microwave, as direct heat can cause the mayonnaise to separate.
• Consider using glass or plastic containers that can be easily sealed and stacked in the refrigerator for convenient storage.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give this deviled egg macaroni salad as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative glass or plastic bowl with a tight-fitting lid. You can garnish the top with extra parsley and include a few crackers or breadsticks on the side for a complete meal. For a more rustic look, use a mason jar and tie a ribbon around the lid. Include a card with serving instructions and any reheating tips.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: In addition to parsley, consider using chopped chives, grated cheese, or diced bacon as toppings.
• Ingredient swaps: You could use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version, or add some diced ham or cooked chicken for extra protein.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the salad becomes too dry, you can add a bit more mayonnaise. If it’s too wet, you can add some more macaroni or egg whites.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have mayonnaise, you could use a similar condiment like Miracle Whip, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure the macaroni is al dente and the eggs are fully cooked. If the macaroni is overcooked, it will be mushy, and if the eggs are undercooked, the yolks will be runny.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? While you can freeze the cooked macaroni and hard-boiled eggs separately, it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled salad because the mayonnaise can separate and become unappetizing when thawed.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayonnaise and mustard. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the macaroni and eggs accordingly, and use a larger bowl for mixing.

Conclusion

This deviled egg macaroni salad is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal or gathering. With its creamy deviled egg dressing, al dente macaroni, and burst of freshness from parsley, it’s a dish that will impress your guests without requiring a lot of fuss. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further substitutions or variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy sharing this wonderful salad with your loved ones!