The Perfect Potluck Side Dish – Creamy, Delicious, and Crowd-Pleasing
This deviled egg macaroni salad combines two beloved classics into one amazing dish. Perfect for family gatherings, potluck dinners, barbecues, and holiday meals. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps
- Feeds a crowd – Serves 10-12 people generously
- Make-ahead friendly – Actually tastes better after chilling
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable, pantry-staple ingredients
- Kid and adult approved – Familiar flavors everyone enjoys
Recipe Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
- 12 large eggs (hard-boiled and peeled)
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (cooked according to package directions, then cooled)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
- Salt and black pepper (season to your taste)
- 1/2 cup celery (washed and finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup dill pickles (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped – optional for color)
Servings: 10-12 people
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Cut each egg in half lengthwise using a sharp knife
- Carefully remove all the yolks and place them in a large mixing bowl
- Chop the egg whites into bite-sized pieces and set them aside in a separate bowl
Tip: To prevent your eggs from breaking, make sure they’re completely cooled before handling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Deviled Egg Dressing
- Mash the egg yolks thoroughly with a fork until they’re smooth
- Add the mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar to the mashed yolks
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder and paprika
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy
Tip: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed – it should be tangy and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing
- Gently fold in the chopped egg whites
- Add the chopped celery, red onion, and dill pickles
- Sprinkle in the fresh parsley if you’re using it
- Mix gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing
Important: Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the macaroni.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a serving dish with a lid
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for best flavor)
- Before serving, sprinkle extra paprika on top for that classic deviled egg appearance
- Give it one final gentle stir and taste for seasoning
Helpful Tips for Success
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in a covered container
- Make 1 day ahead for even better flavor – the ingredients have time to blend
- Add extra mayo if the salad seems dry after chilling
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect alongside grilled chicken, hamburgers, or hot dogs
- Great for church potlucks, family reunions, and picnics
- Serve with crackers or crusty bread as a light lunch
Recipe Variations:
- Add bacon bits for extra flavor
- Use sweet pickles instead of dill for a sweeter taste
- Try different pasta shapes like shells or rotini
- Add chopped green onions for extra zing
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 285
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors have more time to blend together.
Q: How long will this keep in the refrigerator? A: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best quality and food safety.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! Shells, rotini, or bow-tie pasta work well. Choose a pasta shape that will hold the creamy dressing.
Q: My salad looks dry after chilling. What should I do? A: Simply stir in a little extra mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creaminess.
This classic deviled egg macaroni salad recipe brings together the best of both worlds – the creamy, tangy flavors of deviled eggs with hearty, satisfying pasta. It’s the perfect side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!