Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
This deviled egg macaroni salad is creamy, comforting, and full of familiar picnic flavours. Soft macaroni is folded through a rich, tangy dressing inspired by classic deviled eggs, with just enough bite to keep it balanced. It is an easy recipe that suits beginners well and comes together without fuss. From start to finish, allow about 35 minutes, plus chilling time for best flavour.
Ingredients
For the macaroni and eggs
- 250g dried elbow macaroni
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt, for the pasta water
For the deviled egg dressing
- 180g full-fat mayonnaise
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- ½ tsp sweet paprika, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the salad mix-ins
- 2 celery sticks, finely diced
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
How to Make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pan of well-salted water to the boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the packet instructions until just tender. Drain well, rinse briefly under cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
- Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 9 minutes. Transfer to cold water, peel once cool, and set aside.
- Make the dressing: Halve the eggs and remove the yolks. Mash the yolks in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Chop the egg whites: Finely chop the cooked egg whites and add them to the bowl with the cooled macaroni.
- Assemble the salad: Add the dressing, celery, spring onions, and chives. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop. Sprinkle with extra paprika just before serving.
Tips
How do I stop the salad from drying out?
Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before adding the dressing, and cover the salad tightly when chilling. If needed, stir through a spoonful of mayonnaise just before serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to one day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle stir before serving.
What makes it taste like deviled eggs?
The mashed yolks, mustard, and paprika are key. Together they recreate the classic deviled egg flavour in salad form.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or burgers
- Perfect for picnics and potluck tables
- Pair with fresh green salad or crusty bread
Storage
Room temperature
Do not leave the salad out for more than 1 hour, especially in warm weather.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended, as the dressing can separate and the texture will suffer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make deviled egg macaroni salad without mustard?
Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with a little extra mayonnaise and a pinch of paprika for flavour.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells or ditalini also work well.
Can I add bacon to this salad?
Yes, crispy chopped bacon is a popular addition and pairs well with the creamy dressing.
Is this salad suitable for children?
Yes, it is mild, creamy, and generally well liked by children.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Course: SaladCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesCreamy deviled egg macaroni salad with a tangy mustard dressing, perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
Ingredients
250g elbow macaroni
6 large eggs
180g mayonnaise
1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp caster sugar
½ tsp sweet paprika
2 celery sticks, diced
4 spring onions, sliced
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Salt and black pepper
Extra paprika, to serve
Directions
- Cook macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain and cool.
- Boil eggs for 9 minutes, cool, peel, and separate yolks and whites.
- Mash yolks and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and paprika.
- Chop egg whites and add to pasta with vegetables.
- Fold in dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chill before serving for best flavour.
- Add bacon or pickles for variation.
- Store chilled and covered.

