Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is the easy, make-ahead side dish everyone will ask for again and again. It’s the perfect mashup of two classics—creamy deviled eggs and comforting pasta salad—all in one bowl.
Whether you’re heading to a cookout, potluck, or just need something tasty in the fridge, this crowd-pleaser is always a hit. It’s rich, tangy, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough for weeknight prep.
Want to make it your own? Go keto, gluten-free, or even vegan with a few easy swaps.
Best of all, you can make it ahead and it tastes even better the next day.
Craving more egg salad varieties? Try our cottage cheese egg salad for a protein-packed lunch option, or our classic Masters egg salad for traditional Southern comfort.
Why Everyone Loves Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
There’s a reason this deviled egg pasta salad disappears fast at every gathering—it checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, tangy, filling, and full of nostalgic flavor. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.
Here’s why people can’t get enough:
- Make-ahead friendly – It tastes even better the next day.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your needs.
- Kid-approved – Creamy and mild with no weird extras.
- Perfect for potlucks and cookouts – Serves a crowd with ease.
Whether you’re serving it cold at a summer BBQ or packing it for lunch, this easy make-ahead side dish works for any occasion. Plus, it brings that deviled egg flavor we all love—without the hassle of stuffing eggs.
Comforting, classic, and totally crave-worthy—this is your new go-to!
This pasta salad brings together the beloved flavors found in our deviled egg macaroni salad with the simplicity of classics like our Masters Tournament egg salad.
Perfect for Potlucks, Picnics & Weeknight Meals
There are few dishes more versatile than deviled egg pasta salad. Here’s why it’s a must-have at your next gathering:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Make-Ahead Friendly | Prepares in 30 minutes, tastes better after chilling |
| Budget-Friendly | Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients |
| Crowd-Pleaser | Everyone—from kids to adults—loves it |
| Customizable | Keto? Vegan? Gluten-free? Easy substitutions available |
You can serve it cold, prep it the night before, and take it just about anywhere. Plus, the dish travels well—perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni—or use shells or rotini
- 6 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise—adds creaminess
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard—gives that deviled egg flavor
- 1 tbsp white vinegar—adds tang
- ¼ cup red onion—finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk—chopped for crunch
- Salt and pepper—to taste
- Smoked paprika—optional for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
- Place eggs in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 10–12 minutes. Cool in ice water, peel, and chop.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add chopped eggs, red onion, celery, and cooled pasta to the bowl. Mix until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Optional: Sprinkle with smoked paprika before serving for extra flavor and color.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Deviled Egg Pasta Salad (Plus Smart Swaps)
This deviled egg pasta salad comes together with basic, easy-to-find ingredients. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already.
Main Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni—or use shells or rotini
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise—adds creaminess
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard—gives that deviled egg flavor
- 1 tbsp white vinegar—adds tang
- ¼ cup red onion—finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk—chopped for crunch
- Salt and pepper—to taste
- Smoked paprika—optional, for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
Keto: Use chopped cauliflower instead of pasta
Vegan: Use vegan mayo + tofu scramble instead of eggs
Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta
Healthier version: Use Greek yogurt for half the mayo
Want to make it spicy? Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
This recipe is easy to adjust—just mix, taste, and tweak to your liking!
For a mayo-free alternative, check out our cottage cheese egg salad recipe – it’s naturally lower in calories and higher in protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Making deviled egg pasta salad is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps for the best results.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to the package.
Drain and rinse under cold water.
Let it cool completely.
Boil the Eggs
Place eggs in a pot.
Cover with water and boil for 10–12 minutes.
Cool in ice water. Peel and chop.
Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Vinegar
- Salt and pepper
This is your creamy, deviled egg-style base.
Add the Good Stuff
Stir in the chopped eggs, onion, celery, and cooled pasta.
Mix until well coated.
Chill Before Serving
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
This helps the flavors blend
Pro Tips for Perfect Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Every Time
Want to make your deviled egg pasta salad taste amazing every time? These tips will help you get it just right.
Simple Tips:
- Use cold pasta—warm pasta can make the salad runny.
- Dry the pasta well—extra water will thin out the dressing.
- Chop eggs evenly—this helps the salad stay smooth.
- Mix gently—don’t mash the eggs too much.
- Chill before serving—it gives the best flavor and texture.
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
- Using too much mayo—it can make the salad too heavy.
- Skipping the mustard—you’ll miss the classic deviled egg flavor.
- Not tasting before serving—always adjust salt and seasoning.
These tips will help you avoid deviled egg pasta salad mistakes and keep your dish creamy, flavorful, and foolproof!
Storage Tips—How Long Does It Last?
Wondering how long deviled egg pasta salad lasts? Here’s what you need to know.
In the Fridge:
Store in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Stir before serving to mix the dressing again.
In the Freezer:
Not recommended.
The eggs and mayo don’t freeze well.
The texture will change after thawing.
Refreshing Leftovers:
If it looks dry, add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar.
Mix well and serve chilled.
Always keep it cold—especially at parties or picnics.
Food safety matters!
Now you know exactly how to store deviled egg pasta salad the right way.
Easy Variations—Make It Your Own
This deviled egg pasta salad is easy to customize. Try these tasty twists to fit your flavor and diet.
Spicy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Add chopped jalapeños
- Mix in hot sauce or sriracha
- Sprinkle with cayenne or chili flakes
Loaded Picnic Version
- Add crumbled bacon
- Stir in shredded cheddar
- Toss in chopped pickles or relish
Healthy Version
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
- Add more veggies like bell peppers or peas
- Try whole wheat or chickpea pasta
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Keto Option
- Swap pasta for chopped cauliflower
- Use keto-friendly mayo
- Add avocado for creaminess
These fun add-ins and swaps make it easy to create your own easy make-ahead side dish that fits any taste or diet.
FAQ About Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
What are the five mistakes to avoid when making pasta salad?
Even a simple dish like deviled egg pasta salad can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid:
Overcooking the pasta – Mushy pasta ruins the texture. Cook it al dente and rinse it quickly under cold water.
Not cooling ingredients – Adding warm eggs or pasta to the dressing can cause separation or thinning.
Using too much or too little dressing – Overdressing makes it soupy; too little and it turns dry. Add just enough to coat evenly, then chill and adjust.
Skipping seasoning – Taste as you go! Don’t rely on mustard and relish alone—use salt, pepper, and a touch of acid for balance.
Not letting it chill – This salad needs time to rest in the fridge. The flavors improve after an hour (or even overnight).
How long does egg pasta salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, egg pasta salad will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Always keep it cold, and don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. For best taste and texture, give it a quick stir before serving leftovers.
What happens if you put too much mayo in deviled eggs?
Adding too much mayonnaise to your deviled egg filling—or in this case, your deviled egg pasta salad—can make the mixture overly runny and heavy. It may dull the tangy flavor of the mustard and vinegar, making the salad taste flat. If you’ve overdone it, add more chopped eggs or pasta to balance the texture, or stir in a bit of Dijon mustard or vinegar to brighten the flavor.
How long does deviled egg salad last in the fridge?
Like most mayo-based salads, deviled egg salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the quality and safety begin to drop. If it smells off or has a watery texture, it’s best to toss it. Keep it sealed and chilled to extend freshness.
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A Classic Twist That Always Delivers
Whether you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ, packing lunch for the week, or looking for a unique crowd-pleaser, this deviled egg pasta salad hits the mark every single time. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with comforting flavors—bringing together two iconic dishes in a way that’s both nostalgic and modern.
This salad is not just easy to make; it’s endlessly customizable for any diet, budget, or event. From healthy swaps like Greek yogurt to bold additions like bacon and cheese, there’s a version of this recipe for everyone.
