Deviled Egg Pasta Salad – Tangy & Creamy Side Dish

Ever wished you could mix the tasty zing of deviled eggs with the creamy comfort of pasta? I did, and it turned out amazing! This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is now my go-to side dish for picnics and family dinners.

It’s tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The mix of hard-boiled eggs, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing is just perfect. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Your guests will love it and ask for seconds—I know mine do! It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special. And trust me, it’s even better the next day.

Ready to whip up this tasty side? Let me show you how to make this simple, crowd-pleasing Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. You’ll want to add this to every gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Deviled Egg Flavor: A creamy, tangy dressing reminiscent of your favorite deviled eggs.
• Perfect Side Dish: Great for BBQs, summer parties, or quick lunches.
• Easy to Make: Just cook, mix, and chill for a flavorful, no-fuss dish.
• Customizable: Add bacon, pickles, or even a bit of heat for your unique twist!

What You Need to Know Before You Start

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy

This dish is best when chilled, so allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together before serving.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Pot – For boiling pasta.
• Mixing Bowls – To prepare the dressing and mix ingredients.
• Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping eggs, onions, and other mix-ins.
• Whisk – To blend the creamy dressing smoothly.
• Colander – For draining pasta.

Ingredients for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

(Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta: Ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni – these hold the creamy dressing well.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: The heart of deviled eggs, finely chopped.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing for a creamy texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy depth.
• White Vinegar (or Fresh Lemon Juice): Enhances the deviled egg taste with a bright acidity.
• Garlic (minced or paste): Gives a slight savory punch.
• Kosher Salt: Balances all the flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky richness.
• Cayenne Pepper: A touch of heat for an extra kick.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and crunch.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, slightly peppery finish.
• Bacon (Optional): Cooked and crumbled for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Make it Healthier: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
• Add Crunch: Toss in diced celery or pickles.
• Spice it Up: Use hot sauce or extra cayenne.
• Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or turkey.

How to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add your choice of pasta (ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain & Cool: Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and white vinegar (or lemon juice) until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste—you can add more vinegar for tang or cayenne for heat.

3. Combine Ingredients

1. Chop the Eggs: Peel and finely chop the hard-boiled eggs.
2. Mix it All Together: Add the cooled pasta, chopped eggs, red onion, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything until evenly coated.
3. Add Bacon (Optional): If using, fold in the cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory bite.

4. Chill & Serve

1. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
2. Serve: Garnish with extra smoked paprika, green onions, or even a sprinkle of bacon on top for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

• BBQ Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled burgers, ribs, or chicken.
• Potluck Favorite: Serve at family gatherings or picnics for a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Make it a Meal: Add some shredded chicken or turkey for a protein-packed lunch.

Storing & Meal Prep Tips for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better after sitting for a day!
• Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy dressing may separate, and the pasta can become mushy when thawed.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can cook the pasta and boil the eggs a day in advance. Store them separately and combine with the dressing when ready to serve.
• Dressing: Make the dressing up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge. Stir well before mixing with the pasta.

Refreshing Leftovers

• If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar to revive the creaminess.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooked (al dente) pasta holds up better in creamy salads.
• Cool Pasta Completely: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and prevents the dressing from becoming greasy.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste the dressing before mixing—adjust salt, mustard, or vinegar to get that perfect tang.
• Garnish Before Serving: A sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh green onions adds color and a flavor boost.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings). Keep in mind that values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	180mg
Sodium	450mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	2g
Protein	10g

Note: Nutritional values will change if you add bacon, substitute ingredients, or adjust portion sizes.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni are great choices, you can use any short pasta like rotini or shells.

2. How can I make this salad healthier?
Swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy flavor. You can also add extra veggies like diced celery or bell peppers.

3. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is even better after the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and give it a stir before serving.

4. What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works fine, but smoked paprika gives it a rich, smoky depth. You could also try a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick.

5. Can I make this without eggs?
While the eggs are key to the deviled egg flavor, you can leave them out and still have a delicious tangy pasta salad.

Conclusion

This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is creamy, tangy, and perfect for any occasion, from backyard BBQs to quick weekday lunches. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side dish that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite mix-ins, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!