You know that feeling when you take a bite of something and it instantly transports you back to family gatherings and summer picnics? That’s how I feel about Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad! This delicious twist on the traditional macaroni salad combines the creamy, savory goodness of deviled eggs with the comforting texture of macaroni. I first tried this dish at a friend’s barbecue years ago, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The creamy dressing, crunchy celery, and perfectly seasoned eggs come together in a way that’s oddly addictive.
This recipe is one of my favorites to whip up for potlucks or just cozy meals at home. It’s not only satisfying and flavorful, but it also gets better as it sits in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep and make-ahead gatherings. Nothing beats having a little container of this salad waiting for you after a long day; it feels like a little bowl of happiness!
What’s in Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?
Let’s break down this delightful dish so you know exactly what we’re working with:
Macaroni: The star of the show! I prefer using elbow macaroni, but feel free to get creative with other pasta shapes, like shells or rotini.
Eggs: The deviled part! Boiled, chopped, and mixed into the salad to add that rich flavor we love, plus a bit of creaminess.
Mayonnaise: This brings a rich, creamy texture to the dressing. I like using a good quality mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s are my faves) for the best flavor.
Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard gives that classic deviled egg taste and a little zing! You can use Dijon if you prefer a fancier vibe.
Pickles: Chopped dill pickles add crunch and a pop of tartness that really brightens everything up. Feel free to use sweet pickles if that’s your jam!
Celery: Chopped into tiny pieces for some extra crunch and a fresh taste.
Onion: A bit of finely chopped onion adds a delightful kick. I generally go for red onions for their sweetness, but regular yellow works just fine.
Salt and Pepper: The final seasoning touches that pull it all together, making sure every bite is perfectly flavored.
Is Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Good for You?
Great news! Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad can actually have some health benefits.
Pasta: While it’s generally high in carbs, the macaroni can provide energy, especially if you’re active. Plus, you can opt for whole wheat pasta for added fiber!
Eggs: Packed with high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D, eggs are a nutritious addition, helping to keep you feeling full.
Veggies: The celery and pickles add some crunch and vitamins, making this salad a bit more balanced. Just remember, moderation is key since the dressing can add some calories.
On the flip side, if you have allergies to eggs or are following a diet that limits carbs or fats, you might want to enjoy this as an occasional treat rather than a regular side dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to serve about 6-8 people:
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon mustard
– 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad?
Let’s get cooking! Here are the simple steps to create this deliciousness:
1. **Cook the macaroni**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. **Boil the eggs**: While the macaroni is cooling, place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and let sit off the heat for 12 minutes. After that, cool them in an ice bath or under cold running water. Peel and chop them.
3. **Mix the dressing**: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, diced pickles, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s well blended.
4. **Combine everything**: Add the cooled macaroni, chopped eggs, celery, and onion into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is coated nicely.
5. **Taste and adjust**: Give it a taste and add more salt, pepper, or mustard according to your preference.
6. **Chill**: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to let all the flavors meld together.
7. **Serve**: When you’re ready to dig in, give it a quick stir, and enjoy this delightful concoction!
Extras for Your Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Need some tips to elevate your salad? Here’s what I recommend:
– **Add-ins**: Consider adding cooked bacon bits for some extra smokiness or diced bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
– **Herbs**: Fresh herbs like dill or chives can brighten the dish and add freshness.
– **Serve it right**: This salad is fantastic on its own or served alongside grilled meats or as a sandwich filler. You can even stuff it into avocado halves for a healthy twist!
I really hope you give this Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad a try—it’s a crowd-pleaser and sure to become a staple. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any twists you put on it! Happy cooking!
