Ah, the glories of summer picnics and family barbecues; they bring such joy! One of my all-time favorite dishes that never fails to steal the spotlight at gatherings is Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic embrace, filled with creamy goodness, the tang of mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika that feels like confetti in your mouth.
Let me take you back to a sun-drenched afternoon when my grandma taught me this dish. She’d say, "Everyone loves comfort food; let’s give them a taste of happiness." And she was right! Every spoonful of this salad transports me to that kitchen, stirring ingredients with laughter.
Reasons to try it
You may be wondering why you should make this dish tonight. Let me tell you, it’s a culinary masterpiece in disguise. Think of it as a classic deviled egg but dressed up for a flavorful party. The creamy mayonnaise seamlessly marries the tender macaroni and hard-boiled eggs, creating a texture that’s downright lovely. The addition of crunchy celery and the sweet bite of red onion brings it all to life, harmonizing flavors that sing together in perfect unison.
What’s really special, though? Its versatility! This salad is the life of the party and can be served as a side, a main dish, or packed for lunch. It’s also great for meal prep; you can whip up a batch and savor the leftovers throughout the week. Delicious and practical? Yes, please!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s not dilly-dally; it’s time to gather these delightful ingredients to whip up your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The foundation of this dish! These little curves trap the dressing and flavors beautifully.
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: These creamy morsels add the richness we crave. Remember to use eggs of varying sizes if you like a mix of textures!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The silky glue that holds it all together. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap half for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- 1 tbsp mustard: A dash of zing—use yellow for that classic flavor or dijon for a bit more sophistication.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Adds a pop of color and crunch. If raw onions are too strong for your taste, soak them in water for a few minutes to mellow their bite.
- 1/4 cup diced celery: Crisp and refreshing, celery provides that satisfying crunch. You might even experiment with green bell peppers for an added crunch!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t shy away from seasoning! These bring out the flavors like a bright sunbeam on a cloudy day.
- Paprika for garnish: The cherry on top! It’s more than just looks—smoky paprika adds a nuanced flavor that elevates the dish.
Preparing Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Ready to dive in? Here’s how you make this comfort food classic step by step:
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Cook the elbow macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse comforting cold water to stop the cooking process—this prevents mushiness.
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Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the macaroni with the chopped hard-boiled eggs, creamy mayonnaise, mustard, fresh red onion, and crisp celery. Go ahead and give it a good stir; make sure everything is well-coated!
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Season it up: Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper. Take a moment to taste—adjust to your liking. It’s your masterpiece, after all!
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Chill out: Cover that bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and let it hang out in the fridge for at least one hour. This is where the flavors meld into a delicious symphony.
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Serve it cool: When you’re ready to serve, give it a stir, add a sprinkle of paprika for flair, and savor the joy of presenting your creation!
Best way to enjoy it
This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad can stand strong on its own, but don’t underestimate the power of great pairings! Ideal alongside grilled burgers or hot dogs, it also shines next to a leafy green salad or BBQ ribs. Craving a light lunch? Serve it atop a bed of mixed greens for a delightful twist.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor, or add a handful of peas for a pop of color and sweetness. You can even serve it in mini mason jars for that Pinterest-perfect presentation.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better with time, but be cautious: if you see any moisture collecting, it’s time to toss it out.
Freezing? I don’t recommend it—mayonnaise and macaroni don’t always play well after being frozen and thawed. Stick with fresh, refrigerator storage for this one.
Pro chef tips
A couple of tips to elevate your dish:
- Toast the spices! For an extra layer of flavor, toss a pinch of paprika into a pan over medium heat for just a minute before sprinkling it on the salad.
- If you want a creamier texture, try adding more mayonnaise or mix in a splash of pickle juice for that classic deviled egg taste.
Creative Twists
The beauty of this dish is that there’s always room for creativity. Want different flavors? Try adding diced pickles or a spoonful of relish for a tangy kick. Swap the elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you’re catering to specific dietary needs.
Trying to sneak in more greens? Add some chopped spinach or arugula to the mix!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Directions to follow
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, red onion, and celery.
- Mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika.
Your questions answered
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How long does it take to prepare? Prep time is about 20 minutes—plus chilling time. Perfect for making ahead!
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What can I have it with? This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light meal on its own.
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Can I make it in advance? Absolutely! It’s even better the day after as the flavors have time to cozy up together.
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How do I adjust for dietary restrictions? Try swapping the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter or plant-based options. Gluten-free pasta is great for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Can I freeze leftovers? It’s not recommended. The texture of the ingredients may change after freezing.
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe! You’ve got the magic of nostalgia in your hands, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy it brings. So go on—give it a try. Experiment, add your personal flair, and let’s keep this vibrant cooking community alive. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Description
A creamy and flavorful macaroni salad that combines the classic taste of deviled eggs with elbow macaroni, perfect for summer picnics and barbecues.Ingredients
Directions
-
Cook the macaroni
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. -
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine macaroni, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, onion, and celery. Mix until well combined. -
Season it up
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary. -
Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. -
Serve
Serve chilled, garnished with paprika.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 200mg67%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 3 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 30 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Phosphorus 150 mg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
