There's something irresistibly nostalgic about the combination of creamy macaroni salad and deviled eggs. This Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad brings those two beloved classics together in one bowl, creating a tangy, velvety, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner.

I first made this salad on a whim when I had leftover hard-boiled eggs and half a box of elbow macaroni. One taste, and my family was hooked. Now, it’s a go-to favorite for gatherings—always the first bowl to be emptied.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, uses pantry staples, and can be prepped ahead of time. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad

This recipe is comfort food at its finest, delivering the creamy, tangy flavor of deviled eggs combined with the heartiness of classic macaroni salad.

First off, it’s fast and easy. You can throw this salad together in about 30 minutes, especially if you already have hard-boiled eggs on hand. Minimal chopping, maximum flavor.

It’s budget-friendly, too. With simple ingredients like pasta, eggs, mayo, and mustard, you can feed a crowd without spending a fortune.

Perfect for gatherings of any kind—barbecues, brunches, picnics, or just lazy Sundays. It travels well, holds up in the fridge, and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

And did I mention how customizable it is? You can add in extras like bacon, pickles, or even avocado for a fun twist. This recipe plays well with your cravings.

So whether you're craving deviled eggs or pasta salad (or both), this dish has you covered.

Ingredients Notes

This dish keeps it simple, but each ingredient plays an important role in building that signature deviled egg flavor in pasta salad form.

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice and works beautifully for this salad. Its size and shape allow it to soak up the creamy dressing while still holding a bit of bite. Feel free to swap in small shells or ditalini if that’s what you have on hand.

Hard-boiled eggs are the star here, and we go heavy with them—just like a good deviled egg. You’ll mash some for the dressing and chop the rest for texture. Use eggs that have been chilled for easier peeling.

Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing, delivering that rich, creamy texture. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor. If you're looking to lighten it up, Greek yogurt or a 50/50 blend works well too.

Mustard is key to bringing that classic deviled egg tang. Yellow mustard is traditional and adds the right kick, but Dijon will lend a slightly more sophisticated edge if that’s your preference.

Vinegar and relish bring the bite and sweet crunch. A splash of white vinegar sharpens the flavor, and sweet pickle relish adds that familiar deviled egg zing.

If you have it, a large mixing bowl and a potato masher come in handy to create the deviled egg-style dressing before folding in the pasta.

How To Make This Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad

Creating this nostalgic and creamy pasta salad is straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.

Start by boiling your macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until just al dente. Be sure not to overcook it—mushy pasta won’t hold up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and chill it down.

While the pasta boils, peel and prep your hard-boiled eggs. Mash half of them in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. These mashed eggs will become part of the creamy dressing, mimicking that deviled egg filling we all love.

To that same bowl, add your mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, relish, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. This is your deviled egg-style dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—it should be zippy and a bit tangy.

Chop the remaining eggs into chunks and stir them into the dressing along with the cooled pasta. Make sure everything is well coated. At this point, you can fold in optional add-ins like chopped celery, red onion, or even a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

All in all, the process takes under an hour from start to finish, and most of that is hands-off. You'll end up with a creamy, satisfying side (or light meal!) that’s bursting with flavor.

Storage Options

This salad stores beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead meals and leftovers.

You can keep Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, many people say it tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to marry.

If you're prepping for a party, you can make it a full day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving, and add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of milk if it needs loosening up.

This dish should not be frozen, as the texture of the eggs and pasta will suffer after thawing.

To reheat (if you must), use the microwave on a low setting for 30–60 seconds. But honestly, it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your preferences or pantry staples.

Want more protein? Add bacon. Crumbled cooked bacon adds smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the deviled egg flavor. Or toss in some chopped ham or shredded chicken for a heartier salad.

Not a fan of sweet relish? Swap it out for chopped dill pickles or dill pickle relish. This adds a more savory, tangy flavor that’s especially nice if you're not into sweeter salads.

Looking to lighten things up? Use Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo for the base. This keeps the creamy texture while cutting some of the fat.

For a spicy kick, mix in a little hot sauce, a spoonful of sriracha, or finely diced jalapeños. A dusting of smoked paprika on top also elevates the whole dish.

And for color and crunch, stir in chopped celery, red bell pepper, or green onions. These simple add-ins take the texture and flavor to the next level.