Are you craving a creamy, tangy, and utterly delightful salad that will be the star of your next gathering? Look no further than our Deviled Egg Pasta Salad recipe! This mouth-watering dish combines the rich flavors of deviled eggs with the hearty texture of pasta, creating a unique and satisfying side dish. Read on to discover how you can make this irresistible recipe and impress your family and friends.
What is Deviled Egg Pasta Salad?
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a fusion of two beloved dishes: deviled eggs and pasta salad. By combining these two classics, you get a creamy, tangy, and savory salad that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. The smooth, rich yolks of the deviled eggs blend seamlessly with the pasta, creating a dish that’s both familiar and novel.
Ingredients List for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 6 hardboiled eggs
- 8 ounces ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar, or fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed to paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Pasta: Feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer. Bowties, rotini, or even shell pasta can work well.
- Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Mustard: Swap the dijon mustard with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or with spicy brown mustard for an extra kick.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Onions: If you’re not a fan of red onions, try using shallots or sweet onions for a milder flavor.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add some chopped pickles or olives for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the directions on the package. Add a generous tablespoon of kosher salt to the boiling water to season the pasta as it cooks. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water until it’s cool.
- Boil the Eggs: While the pasta is cooking, boil the eggs. Once boiled, peel them and separate the yolks from the whites.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- Crush the Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, crush the egg yolks into a fine powder. You can use a wooden spoon to press them through a fine metal strainer for a smooth texture.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, white vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the bowl with the crushed yolks. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing in the bowl. Stir to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped egg whites, red onion, and green onions. If you’re using bacon, add it now as well.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish the salad with additional green onions and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Deviled Egg Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad. Make sure to cook it just until al dente.
- Not Cooling the Pasta: Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps stop the cooking process and prevents it from becoming overly soft.
- Using Warm Ingredients: Make sure the pasta and eggs are cool before mixing them with the dressing to maintain the salad’s texture.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Proper seasoning is key. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and other seasonings as needed.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Deviled Egg Pasta Salad can make a big difference. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
How to Serve Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Chilled: This salad is best served chilled. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Portion Control: Serve the salad in individual bowls for portion control and a neat presentation.
- Buffet Style: If you’re serving this at a gathering, place it in a large, attractive bowl with a serving spoon for guests to help themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Garnish: Add a final sprinkle of smoked paprika and chopped green onions on top for a pop of color.
- Layering: For a layered look, you can serve the salad in a clear trifle dish, showing off the different ingredients.
- Decorative Bowls: Use decorative or themed bowls that match the occasion to add an extra touch of elegance.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a hit:
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, making it even tastier.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Extra Creaminess: For a creamier salad, you can add an extra spoonful of mayonnaise or a dollop of sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of mustard? A: Yes, you can use yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even whole grain mustard depending on your preference.
Q: How long can I store Deviled Egg Pasta Salad? A: You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add diced celery, bell peppers, or even pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
Q: Is this salad suitable for picnics? A: Yes, it’s perfect for picnics. Just make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How can I make this salad spicier? A: To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some finely chopped jalapeños.
Conclusion
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the best of deviled eggs and pasta salad. Its creamy, tangy dressing and hearty pasta make it a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re serving it at a family picnic or a holiday gathering, this salad is sure to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and try this recipe today. Your taste buds will thank you!
PrintDeviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe
This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines the creamy richness of deviled eggs with tender pasta, creating a delightful and tangy dish. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a tasty side dish. Ingredients include hardboiled eggs, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and more for a flavor-packed salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 hardboiled eggs
- 8 ounces ditalini, small penne, or elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar, or fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed to paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Peel and chop the hardboiled eggs.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, dijon mustard, white vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped hardboiled eggs, red onion, green onions, and bacon (if using) to the bowl.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Omit bacon for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
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